Legislation would allow states to levy sales taxes on out-of-state online purchases

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings, the parent company of mass merchandiser Kmart, is throwing its support behind a bill that would grant states authority to enforce existing sales tax laws and require out-of-state online retailers to collect and remit sales taxes on sales made to their residents.

The Marketplace Fairness Act was sponsored by Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Ill.; Mike Enzi, R-Wyo.; Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.; and Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D.; as well as Reps. Steve Womack, R-Ark.; Kristi Noem, R-S.D.; Peter Welch, D-Vt.; and John Conyers, D-Mich.

"Sears Holdings has been and continues to be a strong supporter of restoring balance and fairness to the system by enabling states, if they so chose, to enforce the collection of taxes that are already owed by every customer making a purchase, whether the purchase is online or in a retail store," Sears Holdings' statement read.

Like this story? Find us on Facebook for more insight, analysis and the latest in drug store news. Join the conversation.