Bob McDonnell

Texas joined eight other states in taking legislative action by requiring online-only retailers, notably Amazon.com, to collect state sales tax. Online retailers began collecting sales tax in Texas on July 1. “A true free market is devoid of government preferences and special treatment," said Sandy Kennedy, president, Retail Industry Leaders Association. "Texas has made a powerful statement that it's time to end special treatment for online retailers and close the sales-tax loophole that gives companies like Amazon an artificial leg up on Main Street retailers." 

Bid farewell to tax-free buys from the world's most popular online store. Next year Amazon will begin collecting and paying Virginia state sales tax under an agreement announced by Gov. Bob McDonnell.

RICHMOND, Va. — Amazon.com announced that it plans to open two fulfillment centers in Virginia, investing a total of $135 million. The company said it will invest $85 million and create more than 1,000 jobs in Chesterfield County, and invest $50 million in Dinwiddie County, creating more than 350 jobs. “We look forward to opening two new Amazon facilities in the Richmond area next year, bringing tens of millions of dollars and hundreds of new jobs to the state,” said Dave Clark, VP Amazon North American Operations. “We’re grateful to Governor McDonnell and other state, county and local officials