Amazon to Begin Collecting Sales Taxes in Maine

No joke,  April 1 Amazon will start collecting a sales tax on stuff shipped to Maine!

AP reports, Amazon will begin collecting sales tax on purchases shipped to Maine addresses next month.  The online retailer has been working in recent months to reach agreements in a handful of remaining states where it doesn't collect sales taxes.

According to the Associated Press the agreement in Maine, first reported by WMTW-TV, was confirmed by Amazon. Spokeswoman Jill Shatzen Kerr declined further comment Monday.

Commissioner George Gervais of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development said the decision will help level the playing field for Maine retailers who collect sales taxes. He also said it'll increase revenue available to Gov. Paul LePage and lawmakers.

The collection of a 5.5 percent sales tax on items shipped to Maine begins April 1. Amazon also will begin collecting sales taxes in Hawaii, Idaho and New Mexico next month, according to AP.