Clarification

The Sun reported on Oct. 8 that Maryland did not now have a state law that would permit it to tax sales of goods to Marylanders by mail-order companies, if the Supreme Court in a pending case rules that states may impose such taxes. The state does have a law on taxation of "out-of-state vendors" selling in the state, although there is a dispute over how far it reaches. Some mail-order companies argue that it applies only to vendors with facilities or personnel in Maryland. The state comptroller's office argues that the law, not yet tested in court, is broad enough to reach all mail-order companies selling in Maryland.

The Sun regrets any misimpression the article may have created.