Online sales tax helps Maine reach $30 million budget surplus

KENNEBUNKPORT (WGME) -- The Maine state budget is sitting on a surplus, to the tune of $30 million.

Most of that money comes from a new law requiring online retailers, like Amazon, to collect sales tax for the state of Maine.

Karen Duddy may not be an online "shopaholic," but admits she uses her computer and fingertips to do most of her shopping.

"I do two-thirds of my shopping online," Duddy said. "I just sit here and quickly gifts are bought, sent, I don't have to think about it."

Two years ago, retail giant Amazon started collecting sales tax on items sold to Maine residents, and state lawmakers just learned that $16.6 million of its surplus is from sales tax collected from online shoppers.

"I'm guardedly optimistic about the revenues coming in," Governor Janet Mills said.

Mainers have ideas on what lawmakers should do with the extra revenue.

"Build roads. Fix the bridges. Fix the potholes," Kennebunk resident Janet said.

"This time of year, potholes can really mess up some people's cars. So that would be my first suggestion for the state," UNE student Mikayla Pietkiewicz said.

Some UNE students do half their shopping online.

"It's just easier to use Amazon and things like that. So it's like, I don't have to go to the store. I'll just use that," UNE student Sadie Rhodes said.

Online shoppers in Maine may not like paying the sales tax, but it likely won't change their online shopping habits.

"The fact of the matter is I'm finding what I want. It's so easy. I'm not driving all over creation. I'm not racking up the gas bill, tolls, all that kind of stuff. So whoopie doo. It goes to the state. Use it wisely," Duddy said.

The next revenue forecast for the State of Maine is due in 11 days, and that's when lawmakers will have a better understanding of how much extra money they may have to spend in the next session.