States need revenue from online sales tax: #tellusatoday

We asked our followers on Twitter how important paying, or not paying, sales tax is when making an online purchase. Comments have been edited for clarity and grammar:

I live in Tennessee (sales taxes 10%). Ergo, I shop online when I can get free or cheap shipping. I hate sales tax; it's too regressive.

—@rob17bob

Sales tax isn't what's driving shopping online. Parking, convenience and security issues of malls are.

—@MaggioMatt

Should online retailers collect sales taxes? Yes. States deserve the income.

—@StonesiferAmy

Local government provided no police, street access or sewer services in support of many online transactions.

—@MikeWinNormanOK

Revenue shortfall baffles local officials. You don't have to be an economist: Internet sales tax.

—@BillLeighty

No tax on Internet sales. Don't punish innovation. Embrace it.

—@Hplage44

Internet sales tax is like any sales tax. It needs to be collected to benefit anyone. Buyers can control tax through their shopping.

—@armynod

For more of this discussion, follow @USATOpinion or #tellusatoday on Twitter.