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(AP) -- Researchers say Missouri misses out on millions of dollars each year in tax revenue that could be collected on Internet sales.

Missouri is one of the states that has yet to sign on to a 1999 agreement to simplify and encourage voluntary collection of sales taxes by e-commerce retailers. About 1400 retailers voluntarily collect sales taxes under the agreement. Researchers at the University Of Missouri Truman School Of Public Affairs estimates Missouri has been losing about 468 million dollars annually in potential e-sales taxes.

The researchers say participating in the program would be only a short-term solution for Missouri.The report says the better, long-term solution is for Missouri law makers to lobby Congress to pass new federal legislation.

Internet sales of taxable goods delivered in Iowa are subject to state sales and use tax. 

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