Netflix and Hulu Exempt from Fees under Missouri Law, Court Finds in Tax Report

Streaming entertainment platforms like Netflix and DirecTV have come out on top in a recent legal case in Missouri. A court ruled that these services, along with satellite TV providers, are not required to pay video service provider fees under state law. This decision clarified that only traditional cable television companies are subject to these fees.

The ruling, issued in October by the Missouri Circuit Court of St. Louis County, explained that the legislature had addressed any uncertainties about which companies qualify as video service providers. This clarification was crucial in the case brought by Netflix Inc. and DirecTV LLC against the city of Creve Coeur.

This is not an isolated victory for streaming services. Similar cases have been successful across the country, showing a trend in favor of these digital platforms. The court’s explanation shed light on the reasons behind this exemption, providing clarity for the future of video service provider fees in Missouri.