TAX AND REVENUE ADMINISTRATION ORDINANCE
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TAX AND REVENUE ADMINISTRATION ORDINANCE
Ordinance #05-100-08
Article I. Purpose; Findings.
1.01. Purpose. The purpose of this Ordinance is to provide for the raising of additional public
revenues by prescribing certain taxes, fees, and charges to be paid to the Tribe on certain
business activities within the territorial jurisdiction of the Tribe; to provide, incident to the
enforcement of the above purposes, for the issuance of licenses to engage in certain
business activities; to provide for the assessment and collection of the various taxes
imposed by this Ordinance; to appropriate the proceeds thereof; and to prescribe penalties
for violations of this Ordinance.
1.02. Findings. The Tribal Council of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians finds that:
a. The Constitution of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians delegates to the Tribal
Council the responsibility to “...exercise the inherent powers of the Little River
Band by establishing laws through the enactment of ordinances and adoption of
resolutions not inconsistent with this Constitution:
1. To govern the conduct of members of the Little River Band and other
persons within its jurisdiction;
2. To promote, protect and provide for public health, peace, morals, education
and general welfare of the Little River Band and its members].]” Article IV,
Section 7(a).
Article IT. Adoption; Amendment; Repeal; Severability.
2.01. Adoption. This Ordinance is adopted by resolution # 05-1214-687 and amended by:
a. Resolution #06-0412-243, emergency amendments to affect exemptions for
cultural activities.
b. Resolution #06-0628-449, permanent amendments to affect exemptions for cultural
activities.
Cc. Resolution #06-0830-612, emergency amendments regarding non-profit
organization exemption.
d. Resolution #06-1018-724, permanent adoption of emergency amendments
regarding non-profit organization exemption.
Tax and Revenue Administration Ordinance
Ordinance #05-100-08
Adopted by Resolution #05-1214-687
Amendments Adopted by Resolution #18-1107-322
Resolution #09-0715-195, adoption of amendments defining “gross receipts” and
“complimentary”; amending the “use of revenues” sections; allowing exemptions
for certain “qualified fundraising events;” changing the filing period for Little River
Casino Resort to monthly; and imposing penalties for allowing unlicensed sellers
to operate on Tribal and trust land.
Resolution #10-0310-77, emergency adoption of amendments to exempt retailers
subject to Michigan sales tax from also having to pay the Tribal tax.
Resolution #11-0706-250, permanent adoption of amendments to exempt retailers
subject to Michigan sales tax from also having to pay the Tribal tax.
Resolution #18-1107-322, adopting amendments to add a service tax, to update the
definition of Tax Department per Resolution # 06-0510-32, to add the definition of
cultural activities per Chapter 1 of the Tax Regulations, to add the tax exemptions
of casual and isolated transactions and pharmaceutical products, and to fix
grammatical errors, typos, and formatting.
2.02. Amendment. This Ordinance may be amended by the Tribal Council in accordance with
the Constitution, the Administrative Procedures Act Ordinance, and any rules set forth
governing amendment of laws of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.
2.03. Severability Clause. If any provision of this Ordinance or its application to any person or
circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications
of this Ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application,
and to this end the provisions of this Ordinance are severable.
2.04. Repeal. This Ordinance may be repealed in accordance with the Administrative Procedures
Act — Ordinance and any rules set forth governing repeal of laws of the Little River Band
of Ottawa Indians.
Article III. Definitions.
3.01. Definitions. For purposes of the taxes covered by this Ordinance, certain terms are defined
in this Article. The word shall is always mandatory and not merely advisory.
a.
Admissions Charge means the amount assessed for the right or privilege to have
access to a place or location where amusement, entertainment, or recreation is
provided.
Agreement Area means the area designated as such in Appendix A to the Tax
Agreement.
Tax and Revenue Administration Ordinance
Ordinance #05-100-08
Adopted by Resolution #05-1214-687
Amendments Adopted by Resolution #18-1107-322
c. Complimentary means a service or item provided at no cost to a customer.
Complimentary does not include items purchased with points or rewards value.
d. Cultural Activities means a cultural activity as defined in Chapter 1. Tribal Tax
Regulations, Regulation #R100-08:TRA-01, which includes but is not limited to
the Traditional Jiingtamok (Pow Wow) and annual language camp. To be
designated as a “cultural activity” for tax purposes, an organization must apply in
writing to the Tax Department for a determination.
e. Department of Treasury means the Michigan Department of Treasury.
f. Food and Beverage means prepared food intended for immediate consumption as
defined in the Michigan Compiled Laws Section 205.54g, as amended.
g. Gaming Facility means any entity licensed under Section 9 of the Gaming
Ordinance, #02-400-01, and operated under the Tribe’s Class II] Gaming Compact
with the State of Michigan.
h. General Sales Tax Act means the General Sales Tax Act as defined in Michigan
Compiled Laws Section 205.51 et seq., as amended.
i. Governmental Function means those activities or functions by the Tribe which are
similar to those functions customarily performed by State or local units of
government including: public safety, welfare and social services, housing and
housing services, health services, education, and environmental services. The term
also includes the operation of a gaming facility.
j- Gross Occupancy Receipts means the total amount of money or the value of other
consideration charged to any person for lodging at any hotel room, lodging facility,
and other accommodations, excluding the tax levied by Article IV. Gross receipts
are deemed to have been received on a daily basis as lodging or accommodations
are provided.
k. Gross Receipts means the total amount for which goods or services is sold or the
total amount received for any service rendered, whether paid in money or
otherwise. “Gross receipts” does not include an isolated transaction by a person not
licensed, or required to be licensed under this Ordinance, in which tangible personal
property is offered for sale, sold, transferred, and delivered by the owner. Such total
amounts include all of the following:
1. Any services that are part of the sale;
2. Any amount for which credit is given to the purchaser by the seller; and
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Tax and Revenue Administration Ordinance
Ordinance #05-100-08
Adopted by Resolution #05-1214-687
Amendments Adopted by Resolution #18-1107-322
3. All receipts, cash, credits, and property of any kind received in connection
with, or on account of, such goods or services.
1. Hotel means any building regularly used and kept open as such for the feeding and
lodging of guest(s).
m. Lodging Facility means any facilities, including hotel, recreational vehicle (RC)
park, and campground, regularly used and kept open for the purpose of providing
overnight accommodations to guests for a fee.
n. Lodging or Accommodations means the provision to any person of a room or area
subject to such person’s control and use, which is available for use by the general
public, and for which the person makes such use for any portion of a day. The
term includes hotel rooms, lodging facilities, meeting rooms, or banquet rooms.
Such term does not apply to rental units for which the minimum rental term is at
least thirty (30) days.
0. Native American means, for purposes of this Ordinance, a person who is an
enrolled member of a federally-recognized Indian tribe.
p. Non-Tribal Member means an individual who is not enrolled member of the Tribe
or which is not a tribal entity.
q. Nonprofit Organizations means nonprofit organizations similar to those defined
under the Michigan General Sales Tax Act and Use Tax Act.
r. Person means a natural person, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, social
club, fraternal organization, public or private corporation whether organized for
profit or not, company, estate, trust, receiver, syndicate, limited liability company,
other business entity, and any government and its political subdivisions.
S. Reservation means all those lands encompassed by the exterior boundaries of the
Manistee Reserve, reserved in Article Second of the Treaty of March 28, 1836 (7
Stat. 491) and Townships 17 and 19 North, Range 16 West, as reserved in Article
First, paragraph Sixth of the Treaty of Detroit of July 31, 1855, and all lands now
or in the future held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Tribe.
t. Resident Tribal Member means an individual who is an enrolled member of the
Tribe whose principle place of residence is located within the Agreement Area and
registered with the Tax Department.
u. Room means any room or rooms of any kind in any part or portion of a hotel or
lodging house let out for use or possession for lodging purposes.
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Tax and Revenue Administration Ordinance
Ordinance #05-100-08
Adopted by Resolution #05-1214-687
Amendments Adopted by Resolution #18-1107-322
aa.
bb.
cc.
dd.
ee.
88.
Sale at Retail means sale at retail as defined in the State General Sales Tax Act of
1965, Michigan Compiled Laws Section 205.51 et seq., as amended.
Seller means a person operating a hotel, lodging facilities, bar, restaurant, shop or
other retail establishment selling or furnishing goods or services to any final
consumer, including any gaming enterprise.
Service means all activities engaged in for other persons for a fee, retainer,
commission, or other monetary charge, which activities involve predominantly the
performance of a service as distinguished from selling property. In determining
what a service is, the intended use, principal objective, or ultimate objective of the
contracting parties shall not be controlling. For purposes of Article VIII of this
Ordinance, services rendered by an employee for his employer are not taxable.
State means the State of Michigan.
Tax Agreement means the Tax Agreement between the Little River Band of Ottawa
Indians and the State of Michigan, dated December 20, 2002, as ratified by Tribal
Council Resolution #03-0205-33, as amended.
Tax Department means the Department established under Resolution #06-0510-
342 to provide tax services for the Tribal organization and the membership pursuant
to the Tax Agreement, including but not limited to the implementation and
administration of this Ordinance.
Tax Year means the calendar year, or the fiscal year ending during which such
calendar year, upon the basis of which a tax subject to this Ordinance is computed.
Taxpayer means the person liable for a tax under this Ordinance, including a retailer
acting as a collection agent.
Tribe means the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. The term Tribe includes all
divisions or subdivisions of the Tribal government and business enterprises,
including chartered entities that are wholly owned by the Tribe.
Tribal Court means the Commercial Division of the Tribal Court.
Tribal and Trust Lands means all fee lands owned by the Tribe and lands held in
trust by the federal government for the benefit of the Tribe, which are designated
as Tribal and trust lands in Appendix A (K-1 through K-5) of the Tax Agreement,
as amended.
Tribal Member means an individual who is an enrolled member of the Tribe.
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Tax and Revenue Administration Ordinance
Ordinance #05-100-08
Adopted by Resolution #05-1214-687
Amendments Adopted by Resolution #18-1107-322
hh. Ogema means the duly elected chief executive officer of the Tribe.
il. Use Tax Act means the Use of Tax Act as defined in Michigan Compiled Laws
Section 205.91 et seq., as amended.
Article IV. Lodging and Occupancy Tax.
4.01. Imposition; Rate of Lodging and Occupancy Tax.
a. For the privilege of use and occupancy of a room in a hotel or other lodging
facilities, including designated RV/camp sites, located on Tribal and trust lands, a
tax is hereby levied upon every person for the use and occupancy of any room(s)
or lodging facilities, and any occupancy-related services at a rate of six percent
(6%) of the gross occupancy receipts for such services.
b. The tax shall be imposed upon the person to whom the room, goods or services are
provided and collected by the seller providing the room, lodging facilities or related
services.
4.02. Exemptions from Lodging and Occupancy Tax. The lodging and occupancy tax shall not
apply to:
a. Lodging or accommodations located at the gaming facility that are provided on a
complimentary basis. Complimentary does not include items purchased with points
or rewards value.
b. Lodging or accommodations for which the Tribe, any other Tribal government(s),
a local government, state government or the United States government, including
any department or subdivision of those governments makes payment.
C. Lodging or accommodations located at Tribal pow wows or other cultural activities
are not subject to the tax imposed by this Article during the dates of, and if in
attendance at, such cultural activity events. SO
d. Lodging or accommodations paid for by a nonprofit school, nonprofit hospital, or
nonprofit home for the care and maintenance of children or aged persons operated
by an entity of government, a regularly organized church, religious, or fraternal
organization, a veteran’s organization, or a corporation incorporated under the laws
of this state, if the income or benefit from the operation does not inure, in whole or
in part, to an individual or private shareholder, directly or indirectly, and if the
activities of the entity or agency are carried on exclusively for the benefit of the
public at large and are not limited to the advantage, interests, and benefits of its
members or any restricted group.
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Tax and Revenue Administration Ordinance
Ordinance #05-100-08
Adopted by Resolution #05-1214-687
Amendments Adopted by Resolution #18-1107-322
4.03. Records of Provision of Exempt Lodging or Accommodations. The Tribe, Tribal member
and Tribal entity sellers shall maintain a record of lodging or accommodations provided on
which no tax was collected. Such records shall include the date the lodging or
accommodations were provided, the identity of the entity paying for such lodging or
accommodations and the tax identification number of the entity.
4.04. Returns; Payment.
a. Returns. Any person subject to the tax imposed by this Article, shall, on or before
the twentieth (20) day following the end of each calendar quarter, complete a
return for the preceding quarter on a form prescribed by the Tax Department
showing the amount of gross receipts for the previous quarter, the allowable
deductions, and the amount of tax for which he or she is liable. The taxpayer shall
be responsible for maintaining records sufficient to permit the tax department to
verify the amount of tax due in accordance with the requirements of Article XI.
b. Payment. The taxpayer shall transmit the return, together with a remittance for the
amount of tax collected, to the Tax Department on or before the twentieth (20")
day of that month following the end of each calendar quarter. The quarterly return
shall be signed by the taxpayer or his duly authorized agent and, if applicable, the
person and/or firm preparing the return.
C. Change in Return/Payment Schedule. The Tax Department may, when necessary
to insure payment of the tax or to provide a more efficient administration of this
Ordinance, may, after notice and comment, adopt regulations requiring the filing of
returns and payment of the tax for other than quarterly periods.
4.05. Lodging and Occupancy Tax Revenues; Distribution.
a. The Tax Department shall deposit all proceeds from the lodging and occupancy tax
to the Tribe’s General Fund.
b. Use of Revenues. The revenues from the lodging and occupancy tax shall be utilized
for the purposes of offsetting the costs of administering this tax, economic
development, enterprise debt retirement, enforcement of food/safety codes at tribal
enterprises, and other tribal government needs as determined during the annual
budget process.
Cc. Any lodging and occupancy tax revenues subject to the tax sharing formula of the
Tax Agreement shall be distributed as provided in Section III(B)(3) of the Tax
Agreement.
Tax and Revenue Administration Ordinance
Ordinance #05-100-08
Adopted by Resolution #05-1214-687
Amendments Adopted by Resolution #18-1107-322
Article V. Food and Beverage Tax.
5.01. Imposition; Rate of Food and Beverage Tax.
a.
There is levied upon all persons engaged in the business of making sales of food
and beverage to the general public from a business premises located on Tribal and
trust lands, a tax for the privilege of engaging in that business equal to six percent
(6%) of the gross receipts of the business, plus the penalty and interest if applicable
as provided by this Ordinance, less deductions allowed by this Ordinance.
The taxpayer may pass the amount of the tax owed on to the person purchasing
food and beverage items and include the amount of the tax in the retail or sales price
of the food and beverage advertised.
5.02. Exemptions from Food and Beverage Tax. The food and beverage tax shall not apply to:
a.
Food and beverage provided on a complimentary basis. Complimentary does not
include items purchased with points or rewards value;
Amounts paid as a gratuity or tip and distributed to the employees of such business
as a gratuity or tip and not as a wage, when the gratuity or tip is separately identified
and itemized on the guest check or billed to the customer;
Any cover or minimum charge and all other charges, separately listed on the bill or
collected as an admission fee or fixed charge for lodging or accommodations, as
defined in Section 3.01.n.;
Food and beverage sales to the Tribe, any other Tribal government(s), local
government, state government or the United States government, including any
department or subdivision of those governments;
Food and beverage sales at Tribal pow wows or other cultural activities;
Sales of food and beverage, not for resale, to a nonprofit school, nonprofit hospital,
or nonprofit home for the care and maintenance of children or aged persons
operated by an entity of government, a regularly organized church, religious, or
fraternal organization, a veteran’s organization, or a corporation incorporated under
the laws of this state, if the income or benefit from the operation does not inure, in
whole or in part, to an individual or private shareholder, directly or indirectly, and
if the activities of the entity or agency are carried on exclusively for the benefit of
the public at large and are not limited to the advantage, interests, and benefits of its
members or any restricted group; and
Tax and Revenue Administration Ordinance
Ordinance #05-100-08
Adopted by Resolution #05-1214-687
Amendments Adopted by Resolution #18-1107-322
g. Sales at retail on which the taxpayer owes a tax under the General Sales Tax Act or
the Use Tax Act under the terms of the Tax Agreement, so long as the Tax
Agreement remains in effect.
5.03. Returns; Payment; Records.
a. Returns. Any taxpayer subject to the tax imposed by this Article, shall, on or before
the twentieth (20") day following the end of each calendar quarter, complete a
return for the preceding quarter on a form prescribed by the Tax Department
showing the amount of gross receipts for the previous quarter, the allowable
deductions, and the amount of tax for which-he or she is liable. The taxpayer shall
be responsible for maintaining records sufficient to permit the tax department to
verify the amount of tax due in accordance with the requirements of Article XI.
b. Payment. The taxpayer shall transmit the return, together with a remittance for the
amount of tax collected, to the Tax Department on or before the twentieth (20%)
day of that month following the end of each calendar. The quarterly return shall be
signed by the taxpayer or his duly authorized agent and, if applicable, the person
and/or firm preparing the return.
C. Change in Return/Payment Schedule. The Tax Department may, when necessary
to insure payment of the tax or to provide a more efficient administration of this
Ordinance, may, after notice and comment, adopt regulations requiring the filing of
returns and payment of the tax for other than quarterly periods.
d. Consolidated Returns. Any person operating two (2) or more businesses located on
Tribal and trust lands making sales of food and beverage goods and services shall
file a consolidated return covering all such business activities.
5.04. Distribution of Revenues.
a. The Tax Department shall deposit all proceeds from the food and beverage Tax to
the Tribe’s General Fund.
b. Use of Revenues. The revenues from the food and beverage tax shall be utilized for
the purposes of offsetting the costs of administering this tax, economic
development, enterprise debt retirement, enforcement of food/safety codes at tribal
enterprises, and other tribal government needs as determined during the annual
budget process.
C. Any food and beverage tax revenues subject to the tax sharing formula of the Tax
Agreement shall be distributed as provided in Section IIN(B)(3) of the Tax
Agreement.
Tax and Revenue Administration Ordinance
Ordinance #05-100-08
Adopted by Resolution #05-1214-687
Amendments Adopted by Resolution #18-1107-322
Article VI. Retail Sales Tax.
6.01.
6.02.
6.03.
Transactions Excluded from Retail Sales Tax. The retail sales tax shall not apply to any
transaction that is subject to:
a.
b.
Cc.
d.
The lodging and occupancy tax under Article IV.
The food and beverage tax under Article V.
The admissions tax under Article VII.
The services tax under Article VIII.
Imposition; Rate of Retail Sales Tax.
a.
For the privilege of engaging in the business of making sales at retail within Tribal
and trust lands, a tax is hereby imposed at a rate of six percent (6%) of the gross
receipts of the business, plus penalty and interest if applicable as provided by law,
less deductions allowed by Section 6.03.
Any person engaged in the business of making sales at retail who is, at the same
time, engaged in some other kind of business, occupation or profession that is
taxable under any other section of this Ordinance or is not taxable under this
Ordinance, shall keep books to show separately the transactions used in
determining the tax levied by this Article.
The taxpayer may pass the amount of the tax owed on to the person purchasing the
goods and add such amount to the sales price.
Exemptions from Retail Sales Tax. The retail sales tax shall not apply to:
a.
Sales at retail of tangible personal property provided on a complimentary basis.
Complimentary does not include items purchased with points or rewards value;
Sales at retail of tangible personal property, other than gasoline, diesel fuel, to the
Tribe for a governmental function;
Sales at retail of tangible personal property to the Tribe, to a Resident Tribal
Member, or to a Resident Tribal Member’s business or a Tribal entity for a business
purpose on Tribal or trust land, provided the Tribal member or a representative of
the Tribal entity certifies that the item(s) purchased will be used or consumed
entirely at its business location on Tribal or trust lands;
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Tax and Revenue Administration Ordinance
Ordinance #05-100-08
Adopted by Resolution #05-1214-687
Amendments Adopted by Resolution #18-1107-322
d. Sales at retail of tangible personal property, other than gasoline, diesel fuel,
cigarettes and other tobacco products, to a Resident Tribal member for his personal
use within the Agreement Area;
€. Sales at retail of passenger vehicles, including automobiles, pick-up trucks,
recreational vehicles, motorcycles, recreational water craft, snowmobiles and offroad vehicles to a Resident Tribal Member; and modular and mobile homes to be
used as the principal residence of a Resident Tribal Member;
f. Sales at retail of construction materials to a Resident Tribal Member for
construction of, or improvement to, his principal residence in the Agreement Area;
g. Sales at retail of equipment, supplies and gear for recreational or subsistence treaty
fishing to a Resident Tribal Member;
h. Sales at retail of vans and buses by the Tribe for use in transporting passengers,
within a 25 mile radius, to and from the gaming facility;
1. Sales of equipment, supplies and gear for commercial treaty fishing to the Tribe, a
Tribal member or Tribal Entity;
j. Sales at retail of cigarettes and other tobacco products to a Resident Tribal Member,
to the extent such sales are of product that has been purchased without imposition
of state tobacco products taxes pursuant to the Enforcement of Tribal-State Tax
Agreement Ordinance, Ordinance #05-100-09, and are sold pursuant to the
provisions of that ordinance;
k. Sales at retail of gasoline and diesel fuel to the Tribe or to a Resident Tribal
Member, to the extent such sales are of product that has been purchased without
imposition of motor fuels taxes pursuant to the Enforcement of Tribal-State Tax
Agreement Ordinance, Ordinance #05-100-09, and are sold pursuant to the
provisions of that ordinance;
L Sales at retail of construction materials that are purchased, used or acquired in the
performance of a contract entered into by the Tribe, a Resident Tribal Member, or
Tribal Entity for the construction, renovation or improvement to:
1. The principal residence of a Resident Tribal Member; and
2. Tribal and trust lands; provided that, in the case of construction materials
purchased, used or acquired in the performance of a contract for the
construction, renovation or improvement to Tribal and trust lands, there is
no contractual entitlement for a non-resident Tribal member or a non-Tribal
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Amendments Adopted by Resolution #18-1107-322
entity to remove the improvement(s);
m. Sales at retail of construction materials to a Tribal entity for construction,
renovation or improvement of Tribal and trust lands;
n. Sales at retail of home heating fuels if the product is delivered to:
1, A Resident Tribal Member’s principal residence;
2. Land occupied by the Tribe within the Agreement Area that is primarily
used in performing a governmental function; and
3. Tribal and trust lands occupied by the Tribe, a Tribal entity or a Resident
Tribal Member.
0. Sales at retail which would be deductible from gross receipts under the General
Sales Tax Act, as amended, provided that person making the purchase provides the
taxpayer with the form used by Michigan taxpayers claiming exemption under one
of the provisions in the General Sales Tax Act;
p. Sales at retail on which the taxpayer owes a tax under the General Sales Tax Act or
the Use Tax Act under the terms of Tax Agreement, so long as the Tax Agreement
remains in effect;
q. Sales at retail where the transaction takes place at Tribal pow wows, qualified
fundraising events, or other cultural or charitable activities;
I. Sales at retail that are casual or isolated transactions made other than in the ordinary
course of repeated and successive transactions of a like character. Such sales like
an individual or private yard sale are “casual and isolated transactions” and are not
subject to tax. However, any person or entity who in any manner or at any time
advertises, solicits, or offers tangible personal property for sale for the purpose of
repeated sales is deemed to be regularly engaged in business and his or her sales
are not considered causal or isolated, even though they may be few or infrequent;
and
S. Sales at retail of pharmaceutical products, commonly known as over-the-counter
(OTC) products, to Tribal Members for the governmental function of health
services, where the transaction takes place on Tribal and Trust Land of the Little
River Band of Ottawa Indians, and under the terms of the Tribal-State Tax
Agreement, so long as the Tax Agreement remains in effect.
6.04. Records of Exempt Sales by Sellers. All sellers, including the Tribe, Tribal member and
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Amendments Adopted by Resolution #18-1107-322
Tribal entity sellers shall maintain a record of sales excluded from the calculation of gross
receipts and on which no tax was collected. Such records shall include the date of the
purchase, the name and, if applicable, Tribal identification number of the purchaser, the
amount of the purchase and, except for sales of motor fuels, for any item of more than
$50.00 or sales of more than $200.00 in the aggregate, a general identification of the items
purchased.
6.05. Returns; Payment.
a. Returns. Any person who operates premises making retail sales to any final
consumer on Tribal or trust lands shall, on or before the twentieth day following
the end of each calendar quarter, complete a return for the preceding quarter on a
form prescribed by the Tax Department showing the entire amount of gross receipts
for his business, the allowable deductions, and the amount of tax for which he or
she is liable. The taxpayer shall be responsible for maintaining records sufficient to
permit the tax department to verify the amount of tax due in accordance with the
requirements of Article XI.
b. Payment. The taxpayer shall transmit the return, together with a remittance for the
amount of tax collected, to the Tax Department on or before the twentieth (20)
day of the month following each calendar quarter. The quarterly return shall be
signed by the taxpayer or his duly authorized agent and, if applicable, the person
and/or firm preparing the return.
C. Change in Return/Payment Schedule. The Tax Department may, when necessary
to insure payment of the tax or to provide a more efficient administration of this
Ordinance, may, after notice and comment, adopt regulations requiring the filing of
returns and payment of the tax for other than quarterly periods.
d. Consolidated Returns. Any person operating two (2) or more businesses located on
Tribal and trust lands making sales at retail shall file a consolidated return covering
all such business activities.
6.06. Distribution of Revenues.
a. The Tax Department shall deposit all proceeds from the sales tax to the Tribe’s
General Fund.
b. Use of Revenues. The revenues from the sales tax shall be utilized for the purposes
of offsetting the costs of administering this tax, economic development, enterprise
debt retirement, enforcement of food/safety codes at tribal enterprises, and other
tribal government needs as determined during the annual budget process.
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Amendments Adopted by Resolution #18-1107-322
c. Sales tax Revenues subject to the tax sharing formula of the Tax Agreement shall
be distributed as provided in Section IIJ(B)(3) of the Tax Agreement.
Article VII. Admissions Tax.
7.01. Imposition and Rate of Admissions Tax.
a. There is hereby imposed a tax of six percent (6%) on the admission charge to any
place of amusement, entertainment or recreation located within Tribal and trust
lands.
b. The tax shall be imposed upon the person receiving the right or privilege of
admission.
C. The admissions tax shall be collected by the person providing the place of
amusement, entertainment or recreation at the time of purchase and the amount of
tax may be included in the total charge assessed to the person receiving the right of
admission.
7.02. Exemption from Admissions Tax. The admissions tax shall not apply to:
a. An event or location for which no set fee for entry is established, but is instead
based on an amount donated by the person seeking admission.
b. Admission provided on a complimentary basis. Complimentary does not include
items purchased with points or rewards value.
c. Admission for which the Tribe makes payment.
d. Admission provided to Tribal Elders and admission charges to Tribal pow wows or
other cultural activities are not subject to the tax imposed by this Article.
e. Campsite or recreational vehicle site rentals that are subject to the Lodging and
Occupancy Tax.
7.03. Returns; Payment.
a. Returns. Any person who operates any place of amusement, entertainment or
recreation on Tribal or trust lands shall, on or before the twentieth day of the month
following each calendar quarter, complete a return for the preceding quarter on a
form prescribed by the Tax Department showing the entire amount of all receipts
for admissions charges collected for his business, the allowable exemptions, and
the amount of tax for which he or she is liable. The taxpayer shall be responsible
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Tax and Revenue Administration Ordinance
Ordinance #05-100-08
Adopted by Resolution #05-1214-687
Amendments Adopted by Resolution #18-1107-322
for maintaining records sufficient to permit the tax department to verify the amount
of tax due in accordance with the requirements of Article XI.
Payment. The taxpayer shall also transmit the return, together with a remittance for
the amount of tax, to the Tax Department on or before the twentieth (20) day of
the month following each calendar quarter. The quarterly return shall be signed by
the taxpayer or his duly authorized agent and, if applicable, the person and/or firm
preparing the return.
Change in Return/Payment Schedule. The Tax Department may, when necessary
to insure payment of the tax or to provide a more efficient administration of this
Ordinance, may, after notice and comment, adopt regulations requiring the filing of
returns and payment of the tax for other than quarterly periods.
7.04. Distribution of Admissions Tax.
a.
The Tax Department shall deposit all proceeds from the admissions tax in the
Tribe’s General Fund.
Use of Revenues. The revenues from the admissions tax shall be utilized for the
purposes of offsetting the costs of administering this tax, economic development,
enterprise debt retirement, enforcement of food/safety codes at tribal enterprises,
and other tribal government needs as determined during the annual budget process.
Any admissions tax revenues subject to the tax sharing formula of the Tax
Agreement shall be distributed as provided in Section IJJ(B)(3) of the Tax
Agreement.
Article VIII. Service Tax.
8.01. Transactions Excluded from Service Tax. The services tax shall not apply to any transaction
that is subject to:
a.
b.
Cc.
d.
The lodging and occupancy tax under Article IV.
The food and beverage tax under Article V.
The retail sales tax under Article VI.
The admissions tax under Article VII.
8.02 Imposition; Rate of Service Tax.
a.
For the privilege of providing services within Tribal and trust lands, a tax is hereby
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Tax and Revenue Administration Ordinance
Ordinance #05-100-08
Adopted by Resolution #05-1214-687
Amendments Adopted by Resolution #18-1107-322
imposed at a rate of six percent (6%) on the gross receipts of any business, plus
penalty and interest if applicable as provided by law.
Any person engaged in the business of providing services who is, at the same time,
engaged in some other kind of business, occupation, or profession that is taxable
under any other section of this Ordinance or is not taxable under this Ordinance,
shall keep books to show separately the transactions used in determining the tax
levied by this Article.
The taxpayer may pass the amount of the tax owed on to the person purchasing the
goods and add such amount to the service price.
8.03. Exemption from Service Tax. Any service as defined in Section 3.01.x. shall be taxable unless
the service is specifically exempt from the provisions of this section. The services tax shall not
apply to:
a.
Services provided at Tribal pow wows, qualified fundraising events, or other
cultural or charitable activities;
Services provided on a complimentary basis. Complimentary does not include
items purchased with points or rewards value;
Services provided by the Next Generation Learning Center;
Services which would be deductible from gross receipts under the Use Tax Act
provided that person making the purchase provides the taxpayer with the form used
by Michigan taxpayers claiming exemption under one of the provisions in the Use
Tax Act; and
Services on which the taxpayer owes a tax under the General Sales Tax Act or the
Use Tax Act under the terms of the Tax Agreement, so long as the Tax Agreement
remains in effect.
8.04. Returns; Payment.
a.
Returns. Any person who operates premises engaging in the practice of any
business in which a service is rendered to any final consumer on Tribal or trust
lands shall, on or before the twentieth day following the end of each calendar
quarter, complete a return for the preceding quarter on a form prescribed by the Tax
Department showing the entire amount of gross receipts for his or her business, the
allowable deductions, and the amount of tax for which he or she is liable. The
taxpayer shall be responsible for maintaining records sufficient to permit the tax
department to verify the amount of tax due in accordance with the requirements of
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Tax and Revenue Administration Ordinance
Ordinance #05-100-08
Adopted by Resolution #05-1214-687
Amendments Adopted by Resolution #18-1107-322
Article XI.
b. Payment. The taxpayer shall transmit the return, together with a remittance for the
amount of tax collected, to the Tax Department on or before the twentieth day of
the month following each calendar quarter. The quarterly return shall be signed by
the taxpayer or his or her duly authorized agent and, if applicable, the person and/or
firm preparing the return.
c. Change in Return/Payment Schedule. The Tax Department may, when necessary
to insure payment of the tax or to provide a more efficient administration of this
Ordinance, may, after notice and comment, adopt regulations requiring the filing of
returns and payment of the tax for other than quarterly periods.
d. Consolidated Returns. Any person operating two (2) or more businesses located on
Tribal and trust lands engaging in the business of providing services shall file a
consolidated return covering all such business activities.
8.05. Distribution of Service Tax.
a. The Tax Department shall deposit all proceeds from the service tax in the Tribe’s
General Fund.
b. Use of Revenues. The revenues from the service tax shall be utilized for the
purposes of offsetting the costs of administering this tax, economic development,
enterprise debt retirement, enforcement of food/safety codes at tribal enterprises,
and other tribal government needs as determined during the annual budget process.
Any services tax revenues subject to the tax sharing formula of the Tax Agreement
shall be distributed as provided in Section IJI(B)(3) of the Tax Agreement.
Article IX. Licensing of Businesses Located within the Reservation and Agreement Area.
9.01. Sellers Wholly-owned by the Tribe, Tribal Members or Combination Thereof. Any seller,
which is wholly owned by the Tribe, Tribal members or the Tribe and Tribal members, which is
located within the Reservation or within the Agreement Area shall be required to obtain a Tribal
business tax license from the Tribe on the form prescribed by the Tax Department.
9.02. Non-Member Sellers. Any seller, which is owned in whole or in part by one or more non-
Tribal members, which is located on Tribal and trust lands shall be required to obtain a Tribal
business tax license from the Tribe on the form prescribed by the Tax Department.
9.03. License Required.
a. Sellers Wholly-owned by the Tribe, Tribal Members or Combination Thereof.
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Tax and Revenue Administration Ordinance
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Adopted by Resolution #05-1214-687
Amendments Adopted by Resolution #18-1107-322
Commencing as of October 1, 2005, neither the Tribe, nor any Tribal member or
Tribal entity, shall engage in business as a seller within the Reservation or on Tribal
and trust lands unless that person obtains a Tribal business tax license from the Tax
Department.
Non-Member Sellers. For sellers owned in whole or in part by non-Tribal members,
such sellers shall be prohibited from engaging in business as a seller at a business
located on Tribal and trust lands unless such person obtains a Tribal business tax
license issued by the Tax Department.
Any sellers, including retail businesses owned by the Tribe, Tribal members or any
combination thereof, making any sales at retail outside of Tribal and trust lands or
outside the Reservation shall obtain such license(s), permit(s) or registration(s) as
may be required under applicable provisions of State law.
The Tax Department shall develop necessary application forms and procedures for
issuing the licenses and permits required under this Ordinance. Until such time as
the Tax Department develops its own application forms, the Department shall
utilize the form issued by the Department of Treasury titled Registration for
Michigan Taxes.
The Tax Department shall issue a Tribal business tax license to each applicant who
is verified as a seller and shall transmit the application form to the State.
The Tax Department may consult with the Tribe’s Department of Commerce to
identify all sellers subject to the licensing requirements under this Ordinance.
A Tribal entity or Tribal government department that authorizes a seller to conduct,
operate or facilitate business activity as a seller on Tribal and trust land shall verify
that the seller has obtained the requisite license from the Tax Department prior to
the event.
9.04. License Application Contents. A person applying for a Tribal business tax license shall
provide the Tax Department with the following information:
a.
Legal name of the business, including any assumed name(s) such business operates
under;
The legal address, mailing address (if different) and physical address or the
location(s) from which such business makes retail sales of goods and services
subject this Ordinance;
Type of business ownership or organization (i.e. sole proprietorship; corporation;
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limited liability company; partnership);
Jurisdiction under whose laws such business entity is organized, if applicable;
If such business qualifies as a Tribal entity, copies of the business’ charter, articles
of incorporation or organization and other information (including, if applicable,
stock certificates), verifying the ownership of such business by the Tribe or Tribal
members;
The name, title, address and telephone/facsimile number of such business entity’s
registered agent or agent for service of process; and
A description of the goods and services sold by such business, including whether
such business intends to sell tobacco products or motor fuels.
9.05. License Renewal. Sellers licensed under this Ordinance shall be required to complete a
retailer tax license renewal form annually on a form prescribed by the Tax Department to update
any of the information provided in the previous year’s license application.
9.06. Registration of Businesses Selling Tobacco Products or Motor Fuels. All businesses selling
motor fuels or tobacco products from a business location on Tribal and trust lands shall register
with the Tax Department and shall also obtain any state license required of retailers selling motor
fuels or tobacco products within the State of Michigan. Every seller subject to this registration
requirement shall provide the following information to the Tax Department:
a.
b.
A copy of such seller’s tax license or license application;
Whether such seller intends to sell gasoline or diesel fuel for exempt purposes,
including whether the seller has been authorized to sell tax-exempt motor fuel under
the Tax Agreement;
Whether such seller will operate tobacco products vending machines and, if so,
does the seller supply the tobacco products for its vending machines;
Name of such seller’s gasoline and tobacco products distributor(s);
The location(s) where such seller offers tobacco products or motor fuels for sale,
including the location of vending machines (include facility/building floor plans if
available);
Specific location(s) where such seller stores its inventory of tobacco products
and/or motor fuels (include facility/building floor plans if available); and
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g. Copy of such seller’s Michigan tobacco products and/or motor fuels retail license.
Sellers selling motor fuels or tobacco products shall be required to report any change(s) in the
above information within thirty (30) days after the date of the change.
9.07. Operation without Requisite License. Any person who engages in the business of sales at
retail, or who offers motor fuel or tobacco products for sale, without first obtaining the license
and/or registration required by this section, shall be subject to the following:
a. The Tax Department shall issue a notice of noncompliance to the seller, which shall
result in the imposition of penalties in the event that the seller fails to apply for the
required license and/or registration within five (5) business days of the issuance of
the notice.
b. A seller who fails to apply for the required license and/or registration as specified
in the notice of noncompliance shall be subject to action in the Tribal Court,
initiated by the Tax Department, in which the seller shall be enjoined from
conducting, operating or facilitating a business activity, which is not licensed and/or
authorized by the Tribe.
C. In the event that a Tribal entity or Tribal government department allows a seller to
conduct, operate or facilitate business activity as a seller on Tribal and trust land
without a Tribal Tax License, a penalty will be assessed on the entity or department
responsible for authorizing the activity.
9.08. Suspension or Termination of Business. Each seller shall inform the Tax Department on such
form as it may prescribe, of any suspension or termination of the seller’s business no later than the
15" day of the month succeeding the month in which such suspension or termination shall occur.
Receipt of such notice shall cause the Tax Department to terminate the business tax license and/or
registration and to advise the State.
Article X. Collection and Remittance.
10.01. Seller as Collection Agents. All sellers located on Tribal and trust lands, who are subject to
the taxes levied in this Ordinance, are collection agents and are responsible for collecting and
remitting taxes imposed under this Ordinance.
a. Each collection agent is responsible for uncollected taxes and is therefore a
taxpayer.
b. Each collection agent must file periodic returns as provided by the Tax Department.
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Tax and Revenue Administration Ordinance
Ordinance #05-100-08
Adopted by Resolution #05-1214-687
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Article XI. Record Keeping; Financial Standards.
11.01. Every collection agent shall maintain financial records relating to such taxes for a period of
at least four (4) years from the date that a return is filed. All such records shall be subject to audit
by the Tribe and its agents.
11.02. A person liable for any tax imposed under this Ordinance shall keep accurate and complete
beginning and annual inventory and purchase records or additions to inventory, complete daily
sales records, receipts, invoices, bills of lading, and all pertinent documents in a form the tax
department requires. If an exemption from tax is claimed for any of the exemptions or deductions
allowed under this Ordinance, a record shall be kept of the name and address of the person to
whom the sale is made, the date of the sale, the article purchased, the type of exemption claimed,
the amount of the sale, and, if that person has a sales tax license, the sales tax license number.
11.03. If the taxpayer fails to file a return or to maintain or preserve proper records as prescribed
in this section, or the department has reason to believe that any records maintained or returns filed
are inaccurate or incomplete and that additional taxes are due, the tax department may assess the
amount of the tax due from the taxpayer based on information that is available or that may become
available to the tax department. That assessment is considered prima facie correct for the purpose
of this act and the burden of proof of refuting the assessment is upon the taxpayer.
Article XII. Tax Department.
12.01. Creation of Tax Department.
a. There is created within the Executive Branch of the Tribe a Tax Department, which
shall be responsible for overseeing the administration, implementation and
enforcement of this Ordinance.
b. A Tax Officer shall be responsible for the day-to-day management of the affairs of
the Tax Department and shall perform the specific duties imposed by this and other
ordinances adopted by the Tribal Council. The Tax Officer shall not have any
personal interest in any entity taxed under any Tribal ordinance.
12.02. General Powers and Duties of the Tax Department. The Tax Department shall have the
powers and duties granted or imposed by this Section, which shall include the following:
a. To administer the application and enforcement of Tribal tax ordinances.
b. To collect and distribute tax revenues obtained by the Tribe under applicable tax
ordinances.
b. To assist Tribal members, Tribal entities, and other taxpayers in their efforts to
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Adopted by Resolution #05-1214-687
Amendments Adopted by Resolution #18-1107-322
comply with the provisions of applicable Tribal tax ordinances.
C. To prescribe such forms as it determines reasonable and necessary to be used by
taxpayers under applicable Tribal tax ordinances.
d. To make recommendations to the Tribal Council regarding amendments to this
Ordinance or other ordinances relating to Tribal taxes or other revenues.
e. To assess tax deficiencies, penalties and interest against taxpayers, and conduct
such actions as it determines necessary to recoup such deficient amounts.
f. To demand access to and inspect, examine and audit all papers, books, and records
of all taxpayers and persons subject to taxation under Tribal tax ordinances, and
require verification of any matter affecting the tax liabilities and applicable
licensing or registration of such taxpayer or person or the enforcement of applicable
Tribal tax ordinances.
g. To conduct hearings authorized by this Ordinance and to issue subpoenas and
compel the attendance of witnesses, to administer oaths and to require testimony
under oath at any such hearing. Any person making false oath in any matter before
the Tax Officer is guilty of perjury. Any process or notice may be served in the
manner provided for service of process and notices in a civil action in Tribal Court.
h. To maintain records of all taxpayer documents required by applicable Tribal tax
ordinances and to determine the appropriate custodian of such documents and the
time period for which such documents must be maintained.
1. To prescribe such procedures as it deems reasonable and necessary to maintain the
confidentiality of Taxpayer information in its possession, including the forms to be
used by taxpayers.
j. To cooperate and consult with representatives of other tax jurisdictions in the
enforcement of each jurisdiction’s respective taxing authority and to enforce
compliance with any agreements with such jurisdictions.
k. To issue written interpretation decisions of Tribal tax ordinances upon the request
of any taxpayer, to identify such decisions as are general in application and to
disseminate decisions of general application.
1. To initiate civil enforcement proceedings in the Tribal Court for violations of Tribal
tax ordinances.
m. To meet at least quarterly with the Chief Financial Officer and the Ogema for the
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purpose of reporting on compliance with this Ordinance, tax regulations, tax
revenues collected to date, and the status of investigative and enforcement actions
commenced.
n. To receive and investigate complaints of violations of this Ordinance or regulations
promulgated under this Ordinance, and to refer for prosecution the results of any
such investigation.
oO. To carry out such actions as are reasonable and necessary to administer and enforce
this Ordinance and other Tribal tax ordinances.
12.03. Annual Report. The Tax Officer shall make an annual report to the Ogema and the Tribal
Council by May 15 of the following year. The report shall include a summary of all tax revenues
collected as provided in this Ordinance, all investigative actions completed during the year and
recommendations for any changes in Tribal tax ordinances or the administration thereof.
12.04, Tax Regulations. The Tax Officer shall, from time to time, propose for adoption,
amendment, or repeal such regulations, consistent with the policy, objects and purposes of this
Ordinance, as it may deem necessary or desirable in the public interest in carrying out the duties
of the Tax Department as defined by this Ordinance. Regulations shall be submitted to the Tribal
Council for review and adoption by resolution. The tax regulations may include the following:
a. The form and manner in which taxpayers keep records, books, and accounts.
b. The manner and method of collection of delinquent taxes.
c. Requirements concerning payment by a taxpayer of all or a portion of the costs of
investigation of that taxpayer.
d. Procedures for all hearings conducted by the Tax Department.
e. Protection of the due process rights of taxpayers and all individuals subject to the
enforcement of this Ordinance by the Tax Department.
f. Procedures for proposing rules by the Tax Department.
12.05. Distribution of Tax Proceeds. The proceeds of each tax imposed by this Ordinance shall be
distributed by the Tax Officer in accordance with the provisions of the Article imposing the tax. If
no provision for distribution is made, tax proceeds shall be distributed to the General Fund of the
Tribe.
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Tax and Revenue Administration Ordinance
Ordinance #05-100-08
Adopted by Resolution #05-1214-687
Amendments Adopted by Resolution #18-1107-322
12.06. Tax Deficiencies or Overpayments.
a. If it appears, either from examination of the tax return or from the examination
authorized by Section 12.08, that the taxpayer has not satisfied its liability under
this Ordinance, the tax shall be determined by the Tax Officer, and the taxpayer
shall be notified of the determination. If the amount paid exceeds the correct
amount of the tax, the excess shall be credited against a subsequent tax unless a
refund is requested by the taxpayer.
b. If the amount paid is less than the amount that should have been paid, the
deficiency, together with interest at the rate of one percent (1%) per month from
the time when the tax was due, shall become due and payable after notice as
provided in this section.
C. If any part of the deficiency is due to negligence or intentional disregard of this
Ordinance or the rules of the Tax Department, but without intent to defraud, there
shall be added as a penalty ten percent (10%) of the total amount of the deficiency,
together with interest on the penalty as provided in subsection b.
d. If any part of the deficiency is due to a fraudulent intent to evade the tax, then there
shall be added as a penalty one hundred percent (100%) of the deficiency, together
with interest on the penalty as provided in subsection b.
12.07. Failure or Refusal to File Return or Pay Tax.
a. If a taxpayer fails or refuses to file a return or pay the tax as required by this
Ordinance, the Tax Officer as soon as possible shall assess the tax against the
taxpayer and shall notify the taxpayer of the amount as provided in this Ordinance.
b. In the case of failure or refusal to file a return or pay the tax required by this
Ordinance, within the time prescribed by this Ordinance, there shall be added a
penalty of five percent (5%) of the tax for each month or fraction of a month during
which the failure continues, to a maximum of one hundred (100%). In addition to
the penalty, there shall be added interest at the rate of one percent (1%) per month
on the amount of tax from the time the tax was due until the date of payment.
c. When a tax return is filed or remittance is paid after the time specified by this
Ordinance and it is shown to the satisfaction of the Tax Officer that the failure was
due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect, the penalty may be waived.
12.08. Assessment of Tax Upon Information Obtained by Tax Officer.
a. If a taxpayer fails or refuses to make a return, either in whole or in part, or if the
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Tax and Revenue Administration Ordinance
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Adopted by Resolution #05-1214-687
Amendments Adopted by Resolution #18-1107-322
Tax Officer has reason to believe that any return made does not supply sufficient
information for an accurate determination of the tax due, the Tax Officer may
obtain information upon which to base an assessment of the tax. The Tax Officer
or an authorized agent of the Tax Department may examine the books, records and
papers and audit the accounts of any taxpayer or any other records pertaining to the
tax. As soon as possible after procuring the information as may be found to be
available, the Tax Officer shall assess the tax determined to be due and shall notify
the taxpayer of the amount of the assessment and the specific reasons for it.
The assessment by the Tax Officer shall be final as to any taxpayer except as may
otherwise be determined under the provisions of Section 12.10.
If a taxpayer fails to file a return or to keep and maintain proper, accurate, and
complete records as prescribed by this Ordinance, the Tax Officer may assess, upon
the information as is available or may come into the possession of the Tax Officer,
the amount of the tax due from the taxpayer. The assessment after notice and
conference as provided in this Ordinance shall be deemed to be prima facie correct
for the purpose of this Ordinance and the burden of proof of refuting it shall be
upon the taxpayer.
12.09. Limitation of Actions. A tax deficiency, interest or penalty shall not be assessed for any year
after the expiration of four (4) years after the date set for the filing of the annual return for each
year or the date the return was filed, whichever is later. If a taxpayer fraudulently conceals any
liability for the tax or any part of the tax, the Tax Department within two years of the discovery of
the fraud shall assess the tax with interest and penalties as provided in this section, computed from
the date on which the tax liability originally accrued, and the tax, penalties and interest shall
become due and payable after notice as provided in this section. The limitation period will be
suspended during the pendency of any hearing or other legal proceedings concerning the
deficiency, upon the consent in writing of the taxpayer, and for any taxable year for which a return
is not filed.
12.10. Notice of Levy and Informal Conference.
a.
In carrying out the provisions of this Ordinance, the Tax Department after
determining the amount of tax due from a taxpayer shall give written notice to the
taxpayer intent to levy the tax.
The taxpayer may request an informal conference with the Internal Audit
Department on the question of liability for the assessment if the request is made
within twenty (20) days of receipt of the notice of intent to levy. Upon receipt of a
request for conference the Internal Audit Department shall set a time and place for
the conference and shall give the taxpayer reasonable notice of the conference.
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Cc. The taxpayer may appear or be represented before the Internal Audit Department
and may present testimony and argument. After the conference the Internal Audit
Department shall render a decision in writing setting forth its conclusions and by
order may levy any tax, interest and penalty found to be due and payable.
12.11. Appeal to the Commercial Division of the Tribal Court. A taxpayer aggrieved by any
determination of tax liability made by the Tax Officer or the Internal Audit Department may appeal
to the Tribal Court. Such appeal must be filed within thirty (30) days of receipt of the notice of
intent to levy tax or, if an informal conference was requested, within thirty (30) days of receipt of
the order following the conference.
12.12. Cooperation of Other Tribal Departments and Agencies. The Tax Officer may utilize the
services, information or records of any other department or agency of the Tribe in the performance
of duties under this Ordinance, and other departments or agencies of the Tribe shall furnish the
services, information or records upon the request of the Tax Officer.
12.13. Tax Credit or Refund.
a. The Tax Officer shall credit or refund all overpayments of taxes, all taxes
erroneously or illegally assessed or collected, all penalties collected without
authority, and all taxes that are found unjustly assessed or excessive in amount, or
wrongfully collected.
b. A taxpayer who claims to have paid a tax which was not due under this Ordinance
may, on or before the expiration of four (4) years after the date set for the filing of
the annual or final return for the year or the date the tax was paid, whichever is
later, petition the Tax Officer in writing to refund the amount so paid. If the annual
return reflects an overpayment or credit in excess of the tax, the declaration on the
return constitutes a claim for refund. If the Tax Officer agrees that the taxpayer's
claim is valid, the amount of the overpayment, at the request of the taxpayer, shall
be refunded to the taxpayer or credited against any current or subsequent tax
liability. If the taxpayer disagrees with the Tax Officer's conclusion on the matter,
the taxpayer may appeal the matter to the Tribal Court within thirty (30) days after
receipt of notice of the Tax Officer's decision.
Cc. Interest at the rate of one percent (1%) per month shall be added to a refund fortyfive (45) days after the due date or date the return is filed, whichever is later.
12.14. Violations. It shall be unlawful and a violation of this Ordinance for any person to:
a. Fail or refuse to make a return, within the time specified, required by this
Ordinance, or make, aid, abet, or assist another in making a false or fraudulent
return or false statement in a return required by this Ordinance with intent to
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defraud the Tribe or to evade the payment of the tax, or any part of the tax, imposed
by this Ordinance.
b. Aid, abet, or assist another in an attempt to evade the payment of the tax, or any
part of the tax, imposed by this Ordinance.
c. Make or permit to be made for oneself or for any business or association any false
return or a false statement in a return, either in whole or in part, required by this
Ordinance.
d. Make, aid, abet, or assist another in making a false or fraudulent certification to the
Tax Department that his principal place of residence is located within the
Agreement Area with the intent to defraud the Tribe or to evade the payment of a
tax, or any part of a tax, under any applicable Tribal tax ordinance.
e. Obtain, aid, abet, or assist another in obtaining a false or fraudulent sales tax
exemption under section 6.03 with the intent to defraud the Tribe or to evade the
payment of a tax, or any part of the tax, levied under Article VI.
f. Obtain, aid, abet, or assist another in obtaining a false or fraudulent sales tax or use
tax refund from the State to which he or she is not eligible for under the Tax
Agreement with the intent to defraud the State or to evade the payment of the sales
tax or use tax, or any part of the sales tax or use tax.
g. Knowingly provide, or aid, abet, or assist another in providing to a non-Tribal
member for consideration cigarettes, other tobacco products, diesel fuel, or gasoline
purchased tax exempt from the Tribe.
h. Knowingly possess or sell cigarettes or other tobacco products which do not bear
the appropriate State stamp.
i. Violate any other provision of this Ordinance or of tax regulations promulgated in
accordance with this Ordinance.
12.15. Nature of Violations.
a. A violation under Section 12.14 by a Native American shall constitute a crime.
However, nothing in this Section shall preclude the Tax Department from treating
a violation by a Native American as a civil infraction.
b. A violation under Section 12.14 by a person who is not a Native American shall
constitute a civil infraction subject to a civil remedial money penalty, civil
forfeiture of property, or both.
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12.16. Penalties; Remedies.
a.
A violation of Section 12.14 by a Native American shall be punishable by a fine of
up to five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) or imprisonment for not more than one year,
or both.
A violation of Section 12.14 by a person who is not a Native American shall be
remedied by the imposition of a civil penalty of not more than five thousand dollars
($5,000.00).
In addition to the remedies in sub. (a) or (b), any property used in the commission
of any violation may be forfeited. Any vehicle used in transporting a violator to or
from the location of the violation shall be deemed to have been used in the
commission of such violation.
In addition to the remedies in sub. (a) or (b), any tobacco product and motor fuel
not acquired or possessed by a Tribal member or Tribal entity in accordance with
applicable Tribal law (including the terms of the Tax Agreement) may be seized
and subject to forfeiture as provided in Section 13.11 of this Ordinance or
Ordinance #05-100-09.
The remedies in this section are not intended to be exclusive, but shall be in addition
to and independent of:
1. Any applicable contractual remedy;
2. Any disciplinary action taken against a violator as an employee;
3. Wage garnishment and set-off against any funds owed by the Tribe to any
Tribal member; or
4. Prosecution or other enforcement action under federal or State law or under
the provisions of any other chapter of the Tribal Code, including a
prosecution for perjury for false statements on a tax return.
12.17. Enforcement.
a.
The provisions of this Ordinance shall be enforced by Tribal law enforcement
officers, and by anyone authorized or deputized to enforce this Ordinance by Tribal
law or resolution of the Tribal Council.
Upon the recommendation of the Tax Officer, the Ogema shall have the authority
to authorize special agents to perform services reasonably necessary to conduct
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Amendments Adopted by Resolution #18-1107-322
investigations within the scope of the Tax Department authority or to monitor and
assure compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance. When acting as a special
agent, a person shall be accorded the privileges and protections of a Tribal law
enforcement officer. The activities of special agents shall be under the supervision
and the direction of the Tax Officer. Nothing in this subsection shall limit the
normal law enforcement functions of any special agent, nor of other Tribal law
enforcement officers.
Article XIII. Commercial Division of the Tribal Court; Proceedings; Tax Ordinance
Enforcement.
13.01. Jurisdiction of the Commercial Division. The Tribal Court shall have the following
jurisdiction:
a. Appeals of Tax Department enforcement actions, determinations of tax deficiencies
and/or denials of requests for refunds.
b. Review of enforcement actions taken by the Tax Department without a prior
hearing.
c. Suits brought by the Tax Department against a taxpayer to:
1. Collect taxes, interest and penalties owed to the Tribe under applicable
Tribal tax ordinances;
2. Compel production of books and records, to compel the appearance or
testimony of an individual, or to undertake an audit;
3. Prohibit the continuation of sales at retail or other business activity by
person who does not possess the license or registration required by this
Ordinance;
4, Civil or criminal enforcement proceedings alleging a violation of applicable
Tribal tax ordinances;
d. To issue a search warrant for any location within the Tribal and trust lands and any
lands owned by the Tribe, a Tribal member or Tribal entity that is located within
the exterior boundaries of the Reservation upon a showing by the Tax Department
or the State that it has reasonable cause to believe that tobacco products or motor
fuel may be stored at such location contrary to applicable Tribal tax ordinances.
e. Suits brought by the State of Michigan against the Tribe under the terms of the Tax
Agreement to:
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Ordinance #05-100-08
Adopted by Resolution #05-1214-687
Amendments Adopted by Resolution #18-1107-322
1. Compel arbitration; or
2. Enforce the terms of an arbitration award.
f. Suits brought by the State of Michigan under the terms of the Tax Agreement
against a Tribal member or Tribal entity located on the Reservation to:
1. Enforce the judgment or order of a Michigan State Court affecting the
person or property of such Tribal member or Tribal entity; or
2. Compel production of books and records, to compel the appearance and/or
testimony of an individual, or to undertake an audit.
g. Suits brought by a Tribal member or Tribal entity against the State of Michigan
pursuant to the Tax Agreement to:
1, Review an enforcement action taken by the Tax Department or State
without a prior hearing; or
2. Challenge a final tax assessment or denial of a refund.
h. Enforcement actions brought by the State in accordance with the provisions of
Article XTII of the Tax Agreement. In any such action, the determination of the tax
liability owed to the State by the Tribe, Tribal members and Tribal entities pursuant
to the Tax Agreement and the enforcement of the payment of any such liability,
shall be made in accordance with State law, except as modified by the terms of the
Tax Agreement. In addition, State law, including judicial decisions interpreting
State law, prescribing the scope and entitlement to exemptions or deductions other
than those recognized in the Tax Agreement shall govern the determination of tax
liability. To the extent that the provisions of the Tax Agreement differ from those
of the otherwise applicable State law, the Tax Agreement shall control.
13.02. Action to Compel Compliance with Tax Investigation. Upon a showing by the Tax Officer
that a taxpayer subject to this Ordinance has failed or refused to comply with a request to produce
books and records, or to appear or give testimony, or to participate in an audit, the Tribal Court
may issue an order requiring compliance with the requested action. Such order shall be issued as
follows:
a. Hearing. The Tribal Court shall conduct a hearing on the State’s petition for such
order within ten (10) business days of the date the taxpayer is served by the State.
b. Order Issuance. The Tribal Court shall issue its decision and order within fourteen
(14) business days of the date of service of the petition on the taxpayer.
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Amendments Adopted by Resolution #18-1107-322
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This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.