Nation's high court rules Oklahoma Indigenous woman must pay income taxes

[Polybius]

Source: Oklahoma Voice

OKLAHOMA CITY – The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday decided to let stand an Oklahoma ruling that found an Indigenous woman is required to pay income taxes despite living and working on a reservation.

The high court’s refusal to consider the case leaves in place the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s July ruling that Muscogee (Creek) Nation member Alicia Stroble is not exempt from paying state income taxes because she worked for the tribe and lived on its land.

The state’s high court ruled that McGirt, a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case decided in 2020 that found much of the state remained reservation land, was narrowly limited to criminal jurisdiction under the Major Crimes Act.

Stroble had argued that the ruling also included civil issues. She argued the U.S. Supreme Court finding meant she was exempt from paying income taxes for years 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Read more: https://oklahomavoice.com/2026/04/06/nations-high-court-rules-oklahoma-indigenous-woman-must-pay-income-taxes/

[dweller]

1. How will this play if at all

with the current 14th amendment case before SCrOTUS ?

Are indigenous people under jurisdiction ?


🤔



✌🏻

[wnylib]

2. The position for Indigenous people is similar to

that of a territory like Puerto Rico. Tribal members are US citizens, but they are also self-governing. Each tribal nation has its own requirements for membership. The federal government recognizes their right to set membership requirements. Indigenous people became citizens of the US by an act of Congress (Snyder Act, aka Indian Citizenship Act) in 1924, signed by Calvin Coolidge.

Although self-governing, they are also subject to federal US laws and state laws where they live, with variations according to agreements (treaties) with state and federal governments.

[Bayard]

3. Most tribal members on a reservation don't make enough to require paying taxes

[wnylib]

4. Depends on the tribe and its location and resources.