Onondaga Nation is negotiations over tobacco taxation issue

Thursday, April 17, 2014  

The Onondaga Nation of New York is in negotiations with federal authorities over a tobacco tax issue, The Syracuse Post-Standard reports.

The tribe manufactures tobacco products on its reservation but lacks a federal license. The tribe also isn't paying a federal excise tax.

Attorney Joe Heath said the tribe is asserting a right to engage in commerce within its treaty territory. But other tribes in the state that manufacture tobacco pay the tax.

The tax comes to $10.10 per carton of cigarettes, according to the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.

Get the Story:
Prosecutors, Onondaga Nation talking about tribe's lack of cigarette-making license, refusal to pay tax (The Syracuse Post-Standard 4/17)