Wednesday small business owners from Tennessee are in Washington helping sell a proposal that would get online retailers collecting sales tax.
The legislation gives states a way to force online retailers like Amazon to collect sales tax on purchases. The online retail giant approves of the deal, even after fighting with states to keep from collecting sales tax.
Donnie Eatherly is president of P&E Distributors in Goodlettsville, which sells performance car parts. He says it’s already nearly impossible to match a company like Amazon’s discounted prices.
“It’s still going to be a little difficult to compete. But this will go a long way. You’re already in my situation putting 10 percent back up on the table.”
At a press conference in Washington, Eatherly will hold a $600 performance carburetor. He says right now, customers can browse in his store, then go home, order it online, and save close to $60.
Senator Lamar Alexander helped write the so-called Marketplace Fairness Act has been co-sponsored by Republicans and Democrats. Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has also written a letter of support.
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