Amazon could cut ties in more states over tax dispute

Amazon could cut its partnership with affiliates in more U.S. states that require the online retailer to collect sales tax, Chief Executive Jeff Bezos said. Lawmakers in states -- many facing huge budget deficits -- have also argued that Amazon has a duty to collect tax because its "affiliates," or independent Web operators which are paid a fee when they drive traffic to Amazon that results in a sale, operate in the state. Amazon has already announced plans to cancel its affiliate program in Illinois in response to the state's new law to target online retailers that have affiliates in the state.