"In the latest installment of "As the Tobacco Tax Turns," the state House of Representatives approved a bill that seeks to make nontribal retail stores more competitive with tribally owned or tribally licensed establishments that sell cigarettes. It's sure not to be the final episode.

The governor's office has been hearing it from all sides since before voters approved a new tobacco tax in November 2004. The volume has only increased as nontribal retailers have seen their market share diminish, particularly in the Tulsa area, and some tribes have accused Gov. Brad Henry of breaking new compacts.

Under the new tax, nontribal retailers pay a tax of $1.03 per pack. The compacts allow a number of tax rates for tribal smoke shops, including one of 6 cents per pack for shops located mostly along the state border. Some tribal shops not located near the border have been buying cigarettes with 6-cent stamps and reselling them elsewhere."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Another chapter in continuing tobacco tax saga (The Oklahoman 4/24)
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Relevant Links:
Oklahoma Tax Commission - http://www.oktax.state.ok.us

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