Annually, states fail to collect more than $23 billion from transactions conducted over the Internet or through catalogues. Although the tax is owed, states cannot compel sellers, who do not have a physical presence in the state, to collect the sales tax without federal legislation. The explosive growth of electronic commerce – more than 10 percent annually – means states’ sales tax bases are eroding and increasing states’ reliance on other revenue streams. The Marketplace Fairness Act supports the collection of taxes that are already owed to states, encourages competition and benefits consumers.

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