Amazon will begin collecting taxes in Massachusetts, Governor Deval Patrick says

Amazon, the huge online retailer, will begin collecting Massachusetts sales tax on purchases made by Bay State customers, starting next fall, Gov Deval Patrick’s office said.

“I value the contributions large and small employers alike make to Massachusetts’ economic vitality, and this agreement captures that,” Gov Patrick said (D-MA). “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.” Patrick’s press release included a statement from Paul Misener, Amazon vice president of global public policy. “We appreciate Governor Patrick’s commitment to Massachusetts jobs and investment and his support for legislation now before Congress that would provide a final resolution to the sales tax issue,” Misener said. “We look forward to creating hundreds of high tech jobs in Massachusetts and continuing to work with Governor Patrick, state leaders, retailers, and Congress to pass federal legislation permitting interstate sales tax collection. Federal legislation is the only way to level the playing field for all sellers, the only way for states to obtain more than a fraction of the sales tax revenue that is already owed, and the only way to fully protect states’ rights.” The Patrick administration had been pressing Amazon.com to begin collecting sales taxes from Massachusetts customers, arguing it is no longer exempt under federal law from charging the tax.