If you buy something in a store anywhere in South Dakota you pay sales tax. I can vary a little bit, but most of the time it's six percent. If you buy something online, your tax is exactly the same. It's just a lot harder to pay.

In a press release issued yesterday, the South Dakota Department of Revenue wanted to remind us all (or inform us for the first time) that if you buy something online you probably are required by law to pay use tax on it.

Business Tax Division Director Doug Schinkel says many consumers do not realize that most Internet retailers are not collecting sales tax on online sales, so use tax would be due.

“Many people assume they are being charged sales tax by Internet retailers because they are used to paying sales tax on items they buy in a storefront business,” Schinkel said. “But in many cases, the Internet retailer is not charging the tax. If an individual buys something online and is not charged sales tax on the item, it’s up to the purchaser to pay use tax to the state.”

Of course there is no way for the state to know you bought stuff online, so unless you are one of the most honest people in the state, you're probably safe if you don't take the time to download the form and send in the small check you are required by law to write.

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