What will the online sales tax bill mean for you?

NEW YORK (AP) -- Congress is considering legislation that would give states the ability to require out-of-state retailers to collect sales taxes. If the measure passes, consumers would lose a loophole that has resulted in years of tax-free online shopping. Out-of-state merchants would have to collect statewide sales taxes on Internet, mail-order and other purchases -- as well as any county and local sales taxes. Why is this necessary? And what will this mean for your online purchases?