Some Virginia lawmakers want you to pay taxes when you buy online.
They say they want to level the playing field for businesses in Virginia.
With a vote of 14 to 1 the State Senate Finance Committee passed a bill that would require certain online retailers to collect the sales tax on purchases made in the commonwealth.
"That's not cool," says one local shopper.
Its nickname is the 'Amazon bill' and it's sponsored by republican Senator Emmett Hanger from Central Virginia.
His proposal would make online retail giants like Amazon and Overstock pay Virginia's five percent sales and use tax.
Retailers told the finance committee that large internet sites have an unfair advantage because they don't have to charge shoppers that five percent.
Stores say they have hurt their businesses by lowering their prices to compete with the internet giants.
Robert Finch of Norfolk agrees.
"You need to make it fair so that consumers have have an equal chances with their businesses," he said.
But Ashley Clements does not buy what the stores are selling.
"You're paying for going to the store. So I think that's stupid. I think they're taking your money for the wrong reasons for that," she said.
Other shoppers say that sometimes online shopping is more convenient and cost effective.
"I'd probably still buy online."
They do not think this bill will level the playing field. They think it's just another way for the state to put a dent in their wallets.
"With tough economic time it is, we're trying to pinch pennies sometimes, you just got to do what's most conveinent."
Senator Hanger told the senate committee that he projects the bill could earn the state an estimated $17 million per year in revenue.
The senate will vote on the bill next week.
They say they want to level the playing field for businesses in Virginia.
With a vote of 14 to 1 the State Senate Finance Committee passed a bill that would require certain online retailers to collect the sales tax on purchases made in the commonwealth.
"That's not cool," says one local shopper.
Its nickname is the 'Amazon bill' and it's sponsored by republican Senator Emmett Hanger from Central Virginia.
His proposal would make online retail giants like Amazon and Overstock pay Virginia's five percent sales and use tax.
Retailers told the finance committee that large internet sites have an unfair advantage because they don't have to charge shoppers that five percent.
Stores say they have hurt their businesses by lowering their prices to compete with the internet giants.
Robert Finch of Norfolk agrees.
"You need to make it fair so that consumers have have an equal chances with their businesses," he said.
But Ashley Clements does not buy what the stores are selling.
"You're paying for going to the store. So I think that's stupid. I think they're taking your money for the wrong reasons for that," she said.
Other shoppers say that sometimes online shopping is more convenient and cost effective.
"I'd probably still buy online."
They do not think this bill will level the playing field. They think it's just another way for the state to put a dent in their wallets.
"With tough economic time it is, we're trying to pinch pennies sometimes, you just got to do what's most conveinent."
Senator Hanger told the senate committee that he projects the bill could earn the state an estimated $17 million per year in revenue.
The senate will vote on the bill next week.
