Cherokee Nation wants lower tobacco tax rate

Wednesday, April 9, 2008  

The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma says it's entitled to a lower tax rate on tobacco products.

Under its compact with the state, the tribe collects a tax of 86 cents per pack. A special provision allows a tax of 6 cents per pack at smoke shops near the Texas, Arkansas and Missouri borders.

Chief Chad Smith, however, says the tribe is now entitled to a flat 25 percent tax rate since the Kaw Nation collects that amount. That would lower the tax to about 25 cents per pack.

Smith bases his claim on a provision in the compact that allows the tribe to receive the same terms as any other tribe, such as the Kaw Nation.

Get the Story:
Cherokees fight back over tobacco pact (The Tulsa World 4/9)

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Muscogee Nation considers tobacco tax compact (4/3)
Editorial: What's next in tobacco compact fight? (4/1)
Ruling faults Cherokee Nation on tobacco compact (3/28)