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Quinn signs law to collect online sales tax

Boxes from Amazon.com. An Illinois retailer that might sell products through online retailers, such as Amazon.com, now must charge sales tax for their online sales, according to a new law.
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Boxes from Amazon.com. An Illinois retailer that might sell products through online retailers, such as Amazon.com, now must charge sales tax for their online sales, according to a new law.

Illinois consumers may find themselves paying sales taxes on some Internet purchases under a new state law.

The law says sales taxes must be charged when people buy from online retailers through an Illinois-based partner. For instance, an Illinois business might sell products through Amazon.com.

Online businesses generally don't charge state sales taxes. Illinois customers are supposed to pay it directly to the state, but they rarely do.

Proponents say the measure that Gov. Pat Quinn signed Thursday will level the playing field between online businesses and brick-and-mortar stores. Opponents say it will drive business out of Illinois.