07/24/18 — The Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that states can now force online retailers to charge a sales tax, even if the company doesn't have a physical presence in the state.
The decision, which overturns an earlier Supreme Court precedent, will boost state revenues at the expense of consumers and sellers who have avoided sales taxes in the past.
The Supreme Court ruling is designed to bring more money into states like ours, meaning a bigger budget for lawmakers to spend on things like roads and schools.
State lawmakers like Pricey Harrison says the missing money has been a problem for years.
"Folks go in, comparison shop, try on something and then order it online cause it's cheaper cause they don't have to pay the seven percent or so sales tax—7.25 or whatever it is per county. So folks are routinely saving money by buying online. And it creates an un-level playing field that is unfair," says Pricey.
Most shoppers we spoke with said the convenience will keep them buying online, even if they have to pay sales tax.
"I don't have to mess with traffic and parking and you know going okay, they don't have it so where can I find it? You know what is the next store location," says Mary England.
State lawmakers still have to pass a bill locally requiring those online stores pay taxes. Representative Pricey Harrison says they plan to finish work on this legislation in next year's session.