COLUMBUS — The state will join more than 20 others in a study of how to collect taxes on sales over the Internet and through catalogs under a bill Gov. Bob Taft signed into law on Friday.

        The bill authorizes the state to join other states in determining how to receive taxes that go uncollected in most cases. Analysts estimate that during the budget year that began in July, the total of lost revenue could reach $500 million.

        The goal of the states is to achieve reciprocal agreements to collect and distribute the taxes, which have been on Ohio's books since the 1930s.

        Mr. Taft vetoed a provision in the bill that would require legislative approval for the state to enter a streamlined sales and use tax agreement with any other states. Mr. Taft used the line-item veto in agreement with legislative leaders, spokeswoman Mary Anne Sharkey said. Mr. Taft gave no reason for the move, she said.

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