(USA TODAY) -- Online holiday spending hit record levels in 2012, but is cyber shopping
about to get more expensive?
Online shopping represents roughly 10% of overall retail sales. The
fast-growing sector's role in the retail universe is changing and with that, so
is, potentially, its sales tax status.
Several states already require online retailers to collect sales taxes on
purchases and there are several federal Internet sales tax proposals currently
being considered.
What does this mean for consumers? Who wins and who loses with the enactment
of a potentially new nationwide sales tax?
Right now if you order online and the item is being shipped to a location
where the e-tailer has a physical presence - in the form of a store or a
distribution center - taxes will be collected.
Many of the major e-tailers - walmart, kohls and target - are also major
retailers with locations nationwide. It's a relative wash for them and, by
extension, consumers, because they have already factored sales tax into their
cost pricing and logistics.
While you might think Amazon would be against the plan to tax online
purchases, they've actually adjusted their stance.
Amazon, based in the state of Washington, has traditionally only paid sales
tax on a small fraction of orders. But as it expands its distribution network,
it will have a presence
far beyond its headquarters.
According to some analysts, Amazon may be able to turn tax collection into a
strategic advantage. Roughly 40% of Amazon's sales are based on transactions
with third parties. Amazon has the infrastructure in place to handle the
checkout, shopping and tax collection process, for a fee, for these third
parties.
While free shipping - essentially absorbing the costs - has been the most
popular online promotion, swallowing sales tax is probably less likely to
happen. It's probably safe to expect online orders to cost more, to less, going
forward.
Regina Lewis is a national television contributor and host of USA Today's
biweekly "Money Quick Tips" videos. Follow her on Twitter: @ReginaLewis.
Regina Lewis, Special for USA TODAY