Countries To Explain Tax Lapse To Supreme Court

The U.N. missions from Mongolia and India will get an opportunity to explain to the U.S. Supreme Court why they refuse to pay city property taxes.

The Supreme Court agreed to hear the case last Friday. The case stems from the city's efforts to collect about $18 million in unpaid property taxes from the two countries. While certain diplomatic buildings are generally tax-exempt, the city claims that Mongolia and India are using their properties to house people who are not entitled to a tax-exemption.

The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan, whose decision will be reviewed, has ruled that the city should be permitted to bring the suit.