While Mr. Bezos expressed a willingness to collect sales tax where Amazon has a physical presence, the company recently pulled plans to open distribution centers in South Carolina when it was unable to get legislation passed that would exempt it from doing so.

FORBES: Amazon Gets Both Reactionary and Proactive in Struggle to Avoid Sales Taxes

Shoppers at Amazon.com, for instance, currently pay tax only if they ship purchases to five specific states (Kansas, Kentucky, New York, North Dakota and Washington) where the company has a physical presence, such as a distribution center.

FORBES: Magazine Article