Sales tax on Internet purchases

Amazon.com and some other online retailers would have to collect Michigan’s 6 percent sales tax on purchases under legislation approved by the state Senate.  Backers say the bills would level the playing field because brick-and-mortar businesses already must assess the tax on customers.  The legislation passed Thursday heads to the Republican-led House for its consideration in the waning days of the legislative session. It won approval on a 21-16 vote in the GOP-controlled chamber, picking up support from Republicans and Democrats.  Wal-Mart and other stores in Michigan must collect the sales tax when selling goods over the Internet.  The state Treasury Department estimates that $482 million in revenue from remote sales went uncollected in the last fiscal year. The bills could raise in the ballpark of $50 million a year.   (AP)