Do Southern Ute tribal members pay the same taxes as non-Indians?
Because they are U.S. citizens, they pay the same federal income tax as anyone else. Members who live and work on the reservation do not pay state income tax. If they live or work off the reservation, they do. Some tribal benefits are taxable and some not. Member benefits are distributed in a way to minimize taxes owed. Does the tribe itself pay federal or state income taxes? The tribal government, like the state of Colorado, pays no state or federal income tax. Certain tribal investments may be taxed, however, depending on what they are and how they are set up. Does the tribe or its members pay city or county sales tax? The tribe is considered a governmental entity, so it is exempt from paying sales taxes on purchases. Tribal members do pay sales taxes just as nontribal shoppers do, but they can qualify for exceptions on items purchased within the boundaries of the reservation or on goods ordered from home and delivered to them on the reservation. Can the tribe collect taxes? Yes, but