'Amazon Tax' Close To Law In New York'Amazon Tax' Close To Law In New York

New York legislators have approved a measure that requires out-of-state online retailers to collect and remit sales tax if they have some kind of physical presence in the state.That would even include Seattle-based Amazon.com, which pays New York-based local affiliates referral fees for business they send Amazon's way. Of little surprise, consumer advocacy groups are not happy, though, as CNET states, "Americans in states with sales taxes are supposed to keep track of out-of-state purchases and cough up the necessary sales tax on April 15 -- the concept is known as a "use tax."

The law, under which New York will be able to collect an additional $50 million in taxes this year, is expected to be signed by Gov. David Paterson. Companies have until June 1 to register as a vendor in New York; failure to do so will put them at risk for an audit and having to pay back taxes.

For its part, Amazon is expected to challenge such a law in court.Computerworld, CNET