States could lose in tussle with Web retailers on taxes

In a big break for online shoppers, Web retailers generally don't have to charge sales taxes in states where they lack a store or some other physical presence. By RACHEL METZ The Associated Press NEW YORK — In a big break for online shoppers, Web retailers generally don't have to charge sales taxes in states where they lack a store or some other physical presence. Increasingly, states aching under the weight of the recession are seeking a way around that rule. Because companies like Amazon.com get help drumming up sales from online affiliates — people who link to products on their blogs, promote Web shopping deals and offer coupons — several states say the Internet retailers should charge sales taxes where those affiliates are based. The financial benefits may not be quite what the states anticipate, though. Rather than... [read full story]                    

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