Ariz. Senate rejects bill on Amazon sales tax duty
Web Producer: Ina Ronquillo
PHOENIX (AP) - The Arizona Senate has soundly rejected a bill that would have required Amazon.com to collect sales tax on purchases made by Arizona residents.
The bill was defeated Thursday on a vote of 20-8 despite retailers' argument that thousands of jobs at brick-and-mortar businesses are at stake.
The bill didn't identify Seattle-based Amazon by name. But it would have classified Amazon as an in-state retailer for tax purposes because a subsidiary has distribution centers in Arizona.
Amazon contends it doesn't have to collect sales tax on sales to Arizonans because the parent company doesn't have a physical presence in the state.
And a lobbyist for Amazon has said the bill would violate the Arizona Constitution's prohibition on bills targeting specific individuals or companies.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.