Amazon.com Will Collect State Sales Tax in 2013
The Internet retailer said the collection would begin in time for next year's holiday shopping season.
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Checking out at Amazon.com will be a bit pricier starting next November.
Gov. Deval Patrick's office announced the deal Tuesday, stating the company would be adding jobs to Massachusetts in the next few years, WBZ reported.
Amazon.com and Patrick said they would work together to support a federal bill allowing individual states to collect sales tax in states where they have no physical location.
"I value the contributions large and small employers alike make to Massachusetts' economic vitality, and this agreement captures that," Patrick said in a statement. "We are thankful Amazon was willing to come to the table and we will continue our conversations with them about creating jobs here. This agreement is a win for all sides, and I am pleased it promises to generate millions in long-term revenue for the commonwealth."
Massachusetts Secretary of Administration and Finance Jay Gonzalez said while he's pleased with the progress, that to receive the full benefit of the taxes paid, the feds have to act.
"I appreciate Amazon’s willingness to work with us to reach an agreement that will benefit both the commonwealth’s businesses and Massachusetts taxpayers," said Gonzalez. "However, Massachusetts and other states will receive the majority of the revenue owed only when Congress passes federal legislation, and we encourage Congress to act."
Will this change how you shop online? Tell us in the comments.
Robert L Homeyer
8:07 am on Thursday, December 13, 2012
It will only feed the beast. We need to reign in spending. It may be great that the Commonwealth has figured a new way to tax us to pay for their overblown social programs but it is our money. They are taxing us to death. A penny here a dollar there and it all adds up. We need to reduce spending and then reduce taxes. Deval wants illegal aliens to get instate tuition rates. I am sure they will get all sorts of aid anyhow and he needs more dough for this. I just don't get it. We need to wake up.