Pressure on Amazon Builds - Tennessee Should Join Other States in Standing Strong

The Atlantic Monthly is just the latest voice joining the call for Amazon to follow the law and collect the sales tax in states where it has a physical presence. As you've read here, Amazon has agreed to build two distribution centers in Tennessee's Hamilton County. But in addition to $30 million in incentives the state and local governments have already handed it as part of the deal, Amazon is now demanding special treatment in the state's tax laws to gain an even bigger competitive edge over our local businesses: exemption from having to collect the sales tax in Tennessee.
Amazon can afford to collect the sales tax. Tennessee cannot afford to lose this revenue to give a corporate bully millions in handouts. As other states recognize Amazon needs their strategic distribution locations as much as the states need Amazon jobs, the leading Internet retailer will be forced to stop its bullying tactics and play by the rules. Tennessee's legislators should stand up for their constituents, support their local businesses, and demand that Amazon follow the law. Go here to let your legislator know you support local businesses and want Amazon to collect sales tax, and support legislation that would close corporate tax loopholes like the ones Amazon uses to game the system:
The Out-of-State Sales Tax Act would require any company selling more than $4,800 in goods annually to Tennesseans to collect the sales tax. Amazon would be included, and the issue of a special exemption would be moot.
The Tennessee Small Business Protection Act would implement combined reporting in Tennessee, a reporting method most states use to ensure corporations are taxed on their considerable income and contribute to the infrastructure they require in their business operations.
The issue of corporate tax avoidance and corporate bad behavior in attempts to increase the wealth divide and defund our public structures and the jobs they provide are gaining attention. Join the growing numbers of TFT members and supporters across the country supporting our public structures, public workers, and investments in programs that benefit ALL of us, not just the wealthiest 5%.