Agua Caliente Band leaseholders seek $7M in tax refunds

Friday, April 18, 2014  

Individuals and entities that lease land from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in southern California are seeking refunds for an illegal tax.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs finalized a regulation in December 2012 that bars local governments from imposing taxes on Indian land. Some 124 Agua Caliente Band leaseholders are now seeking more than $7 million in refunds from Riverside County, The Palm Springs Desert Sun reported.

One corporation has claimed nearly $1.5 million, the paper said. Separately, the tribe has sued the county over the possessory interest tax.

Get the Story:
Attorney: $7M in refund claims submitted to county (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 4/17)

Federal Register Notice:
Residential, Business, and Wind and Solar Resource Leases on Indian Land (December 5, 2012)

Related Stories:
Water agency seeks to join Agua Caliente Band taxation lawsuit (2/20)
Jeff Grubbe: Agua Caliente Band aims for better community (1/9)
Agua Caliente Band sues county to block tax on Indian lands (1/7)