Are Amazon's Tax-Dodging Days Numbered?

TFT says, "Yes, they are!" - As we stand together with allies across the state to support public workers and the services they provide, we know revenue is a top priority to fund these workers and the benefits we all receive from the work they do. There is no excuse for the state laying off workers and cutting programs because of a "budget crisis" when it gives millions away to a corporate bully like Amazon.
This Forbes.com article says that "In Tennessee, where state regulations explicitly require an in-state distribution center to collect tax on shipments to in-state customers the Department of Revenue has proposed changing the rule to exempt a distribution center if at least half of its sales come from shipments out of state. That has prompted howls of protest from both Tennesseans for Fair Taxation, a coalition of labor and church groups, and some local merchants."
TFT will continue to advocate that the state pursue the $30-$60 million or more in revenue that would be provided by Amazon following the law as it is currently written. We will continue to "howl in protest" of this special exemption for Amazon, and stand by our local business owners and communities as we speak out collectively on behalf of all Tennesseans.
Amazon needs Tennessee's strategic location for its distribution facilities as much as, if not more than, Tennessee needs its distribution centers. The state should not bend in its negotiations with this corporate bully. Amazon can afford to collect the sales tax. Tennessee cannot afford to lose the revenue.