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.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:28 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:28:59 GMT
During a meeting conducted by the Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation to determine the future of the Astrodome, the organization unveiled a proposal to renovate and rehabilitate the historic building.
During a meeting conducted by the Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation to determine the future of the Astrodome, the organization unveiled a proposal to renovate and rehabilitate the historic building and convert it into a conference and exposition center.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:00 PM EDT2013-06-19 00:00:16 GMT
We are in a normal weather pattern for this time of year. Highs will be in the low to mid 90s and lows generally in the middle 70s.
A stationary front is located just north of the Houston area and while it is not expected to move south, it is close enough to increase our chances for rain.
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