Amazon.com Will Collect Massachusetts State Sales Tax Next Year
The Internet retailer said the collection would begin in time for next year's holiday shopping season.
Checking out at Amazon.com will be a little pricier starting next November.
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," said Patrick, 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."
During the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce's Annual Achievement Breakfast in November, Newton resident and State Treasurer Steve Grossman underlined his support for collecting sales tax from Amazon and other online companies, calling it "main street fairness."
Will this change how you shop online? Tell us in the comments section below.
khluvr621
11:17 am on Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Will it change for how I shop on Amazon? Absolutely not. I think it's fairness in all - it's exactly the same as if you were to go into a physical store and pay for sales tax. I'll still shop on the site for their "free shipping when purchasing $25 or more on selected items", despite the tax addition.
STEVE ROSS
11:40 am on Wednesday, December 12, 2012
tend to get better service and much lower prices on AMAZON than many brick and mortar stores. I try to by locally, but sometimes the premium is too high.