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I find it strange that news articles always phrase it as

"The state estimates it loses about $1.1 billion a year in revenue through uncollected "use taxes" from online sales."

rather than

"It is estimated that consumers save about $1.1 billion a year form online sales"

Isn't it, strictly speaking, tax evasion for the consumer to not pay it? If I recall correctly, my California tax return asked me how much stuff I'd bought in other states, and would I very kindly pay N% of the value of that to the state now please.

It depends on what you mean by tax evasion. If you are referring to the legal charge that can be brought against someone, then no, it is not. If, however, you used the phrase as a general description, then sure, it may very well be, but there's nothing wrong with it.

It's called "tax avoidance" when you do something entirely legal to avoid paying a tax. Like when you stop and buy something at a store by your office instead of the stop further up the road, which has a higher sales tax.

It is estimated that consumers save about $1.1 billion a year form online sales ... which they probably spend on other (local) stuff. The state is getting their taxes either way.

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