Oklahoma wants single tobacco tax rate for tribes

Wednesday, April 30, 2008  

Oklahoma Treasurer Scott Meacham said the state wants to negotiate a single tobacco tax rate for tribal smoke shops.

Most tribal retailers sell cigarettes with an 86-cent stamp. But smoke shops near the Texas, Arkansas and Missouri borders have a tax rate as low as 6 cents, which has led to numerous disputes between the tribes and the state.

Meacham said a single rate would resolve the matter. He told the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma that two options are being explored to implement the new tax. Tribes would have to negotiate or amend their existing tobacco compacts if they agree to the change.

Get the Story:
Meacham says state moving slowly toward single tobacco tax rate (The Tulsa World 4/30)

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