The American Booksellers Association and Civic Economics issued a report stating that in 2014, Amazon avoided $625 million in state and local sales taxes nationwide. In addition, by avoiding using storefronts, Amazon cost state and local governments $420 million in potential property taxes. Some states have begun requiring out-of-state retailers such as Amazon to collect sales tax, to alleviate an increased tax burden on households required to fund sustenance of community services. A major segment of Amazon sales is built around books. Adding sales tax to their book sales creates a more even playing field with brick and mortar stores, including the independent book stores we love.