Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal's chief spokesman says talks continue with amazon.com about the state sales tax.
Amazon has not collected the tax, despite a new state law aimed at online retailers.
Atlanta business owner bob Khoury said that his store, Showcase Photo and Video, and other brick and mortar stores are left at a disadvantage if online stores don't pay the tax.
"Here in the city of Atlanta, I have to charge an 8 percent sales tax. If I charge the same price that Amazon charge, I'm automatically in an 8 percent disadvantage," said Khoury.
Gov. Nathan Deal's spokesman said that ongoing talks with Amazon on the tax issue aim to produce a resolution soon.
"Online retailers have got to play by the exact same rules as the business owners in Georgia who pay property taxes here and who pay sales taxes here," Robinson said.
Robinson said he couldn't comment on speculation that negotiations might include bringing an amazon facility and jobs to Georgia in exchange for a delay in collecting the sales tax.
"Any company, whether it be Amazon or any other retailer looking to do a distribution warehouse, will find a business-friendly location here in Georgia," Robinson said.
Online retailers have argued that they are not required to collect the sales tax if they do not have a physical presence in the state. As Georgia and other states press for compliance, new federal legislation would require the tax collections nationally.
Amazon.com did not respond to a request for comment Friday from FOX 5. The governor's office says it will continue negotiations in hopes of avoiding a costly and time-consuming court case.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:33 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:33:52 GMT
For 35 years, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago has been bringing its brand of contemporary dance to audiences around the world. One of the company's frequent stops is the Joyce Theater in Chelsea where it
For 35 years, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago has been bringing its brand of contemporary dance to audiences around the world. One of the company's frequent stops is the Joyce Theater in Chelsea where it
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:25 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:25:20 GMT
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and St. Regis Mohawk tribal leaders have signed an agreement to ensure the Mohawks keep their exclusive casino territory in northern New York while paying the state $30 million in gambling
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and St. Regis Mohawk tribal leaders have signed an agreement to ensure the Mohawks keep their exclusive casino territory in northern New York while paying the state $30 million in gambling
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:21 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:21:42 GMT
Revel is bankrupt no more. The struggling Atlantic City casino formally emerged from bankruptcy court on Tuesday, just 13 months after it opened with sky-high hopes.
Revel is bankrupt no more. The struggling Atlantic City casino formally emerged from bankruptcy court on Tuesday, just 13 months after it opened with sky-high hopes.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 1:15 PM EDT2013-05-21 17:15:24 GMT
An NYPD detective is accused of hacking into department computers and obtaining information about dozens of people including co-workers. Edwin Vargas was arrested Tuesday outside his home in Bronxville.
An NYPD detective is accused of hacking into department computers and obtaining information about dozens of people including co-workers.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:33 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:33:20 GMT
A New Jersey priest who resigned after admitting he worked unsupervised with kids despite a legal agreement that barred him from doing so is headed to court.
A New Jersey priest who resigned after admitting he worked unsupervised with kids despite a legal agreement that barred him from doing so is headed to court.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:23 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:23:53 GMT
The New York jury on which Caroline Kennedy served has acquitted a man of dealing crack cocaine. Kennedy was juror No. 7 at the trial of Harlem resident Nelson Chatman.
The New York jury on which Caroline Kennedy served has acquitted a man of dealing crack cocaine. Kennedy was juror No. 7 at the trial of Harlem resident Nelson Chatman.
