A coalition led by retailers in Massachusetts is renewing its push for Amazon to start paying sales taxes to Massachusetts for online purchases, hoping collections can begin before the holiday shopping season.
The Massachusetts Main Street Fairness Coalition, a group of retailers, local elected officials, labor unions and trade associations, says Amazon has established a physical presence in Massachusetts with its facility in Cambridge and therefore should register with the state to collect sales taxes on purchases by Massachusetts residents.
The coalition this month launched a website — www.massmainstreet.com —and is encouraging residents to contact Gov. Deval Patrick and members of Congress about the issue. In June, citing New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s recent announcement that Amazon would begin collecting sales taxes in that state, the coalition asked Massachusetts Department of Revenue officials to require Amazon to begin collecting sales taxes on Massachusetts purchases.
At the time, Patrick said retailers in the online economy need to do their “fair share.”
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