Amazon state sales tax deal may be close

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Governor Patrick says tax talks continue with online shopping giant Amazon.

Governor Patrick's office says it won't be long before they announce if a deal has been reached but they do confirm that talks are advancing.

Last month, eight mayors, including Easthampton's Mayor Michael Tautznik, wrote a letter to Governor Patrick asking him to reach a deal with the online retail giant. Supporters of the measure want Amazon to start charging 6.25% sales tax on online purchases, arguing that the incentive is driving shoppers away from small businesses. 

David Pierce of Sunderland told 22News, “I think it would be good for local businesses because a lot of people come in and go to local stores to look at things, and then they go online and buy it.”

Leonard Griffeth of Belchertown said, “It's just going to hurt the people who deliver packages and all the other jobs that are still created from shopping online. It's just going to make people go to New Hampshire.”

Online sellers who do not have a physical presence in the state are not required to pay sales tax.