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Online sales tax exemption illegal, AG says
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NASHVILLE (AP) — An association of retailers says a legal opinion from state Attorney General Bob Cooper could require a sales tax exemption for online retailer Amazon.com to be revoked.The opinion released Tuesday does not specifically refer to Amazon but argues “as a general rule” the state cannot waive requirements to collect sales taxes on items sold in Tennessee.But the opinion also notes the state’s revenue commissioner has “substantial discretion” — especially in cases where the tax law is debatable.Former Gov. Phil Bredesen agreed to grant Amazon a waiver as part of a deal that led to several distribution centers being built in the state.Traditional retailers have called that arrangement unfair, and Republican Gov. Bill Haslam’s administration has been in talks to modify the deal.• • • • •NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee may be the best place in the country to find a good pumpkin this year.Severe weather in other parts of the country has put a premium on pumpkins on Tennessee farms, marketers say.Officials say drought and hurricanes took their toll on pumpkins elsewhere.