BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) – The dominant Indian nation in New York's lucrative tax-free cigarette market will return to federal court in Buffalo looking for continued exemption from the state's plans to tax most reservation sales.
The Seneca Nation's request for a preliminary injunction is just one of many lawsuits being pursued by tribes around the state as they fight collection of the $4.35-per-pack sales tax on sales to non-Indian smokeshop customers.
The lawsuits have so far blocked the state from going forward with the tax as planned Sept. 1.
But as tribes have lined up against it, others are lining up in favor. The New York Association of Counties, New York City and the state's convenience stores are among those who've filed court papers in support of the state.