Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68 (1976). · Go Syfert
Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68 (1976). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
Quick Summary

Federal courts should refrain from interfering with state revenue collection unless an asserted federal right would otherwise be lost (equitable duty).

An out-of-state corporation sought a preliminary injunction in federal court to restrain a state from collecting assessed sales taxes, alleging the assessments violated constitutional protections. The district court granted the injunction, finding the state lacked a plain, speedy, and efficient remedy. Under the Tax Injunction Act, federal district courts are prohibited from enjoining the assessment or collection of state taxes if a plain, speedy, and efficient remedy is available in state courts. Because New York law allows for declaratory judgment actions to challenge the constitutionality of a tax, the state provides an adequate remedy. The mere fact that a taxpayer must litigate across state lines does not render the remedy inefficient.

815 citation events (193 in the last 25 years) across 68 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: The Church of Holy Redemption v. Wendell, Jr. (nywd, 2024-03-22)
Treatment trajectory · 1976 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
1976 2001 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 50 distinct citers. How cited ↗
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) The Church of Holy Redemption v. Wendell, Jr.
W.D.N.Y. · 2024 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
it also seems clear that under new york law plaintiff can fully preserve its right to challenge the amount of tax due while litigating its constitutional claim that no tax at all can validly be assessed against it.
examined Cited as authority (quoted) Direct Marketing Association v. Brohl (3×)
10th Cir. · 2013 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 3 verbatim quotes · confidence low
the statute has its roots in equity practice, in principles of federalism, and in recognition of the imperative need of a state to administer its own fiscal operations.
examined Cited as authority (quoted) Miller v. State of New York Div. of Tax Appeals (4×) also: Cited "see"
E.D.N.Y · 2007 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
it also seems clear that under new york law the plaintiff can fully preserve its right to challenge the amount of tax due while litigating its constitutional claim that no tax at all can validly be assessed against it
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Matthew M. Schroeder v. Portland Revenue Division and Portland Metro
D. Or. · 2026 · confidence medium
The TIA “has its roots in equity practice, in principles of federalism, and in recognition of the imperative need of a State to administer its own fiscal operations.” Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 73 (1976).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Ronald Arashi and Laurie Arashi v. County of Nevada, et al.
E.D. Cal. · 2025 · confidence medium
The Tax Injunction Act Deprives This Court of Jurisdiction 27 The Tax Injunction Act states that a district court “shall not enjoin, suspend or restrain the 28 assessment, levy or collection of any tax under State law where a plain, speedy and efficient 1 remedy may be had in the courts of such State.” 28 U.S.C. § 1341 . “[T]he statute has its roots in 2 equity practice, in principles of federalism, and in recognition of the imperative need of a State to 3 administer its own fiscal operations.” Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 73 (1976).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Commonwealth of Ky. v. Janet Yellen
6th Cir. · 2023 · confidence medium
Page 4 § 802(c)(2)(a), could be read to bar the states from enacting any tax cuts—a key part of their sovereign taxing authority, see, e.g., Dep’t of Revenue of Or. v. ACF Indus., Inc., 510 U.S. 332, 345 (1994) (noting that “the taxation authority of state government” is “an authority we have recognized as central to state sovereignty”) (citing Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 73 (1976); Union Pac.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Pan v. City of Niagara Falls
W.D.N.Y. · 2023 · confidence medium
Aug. 26, 2022) (“The Second Circuit has found that New York ‘provides several remedies’ permitting constitutional challenges to property taxes, and that these remedies satisfy the TIA and comity doctrine’s procedural requirements.”) (citing LILCO, 889 F.2d at 431 ); Miller v. State of New York Div. of Tax Appeals, 480 F. Supp. 2d 574, 579 (E.D.N.Y. 2007) (“The Supreme Court has determined that New York provides sufficient remedies for taxpayers in the state courts.”) (citing Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 75 (1976)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Chaudry v. County of San Diego
S.D. Cal. · 2022 · confidence medium
“The only exception is where a state does not provide 18 the Taxpayers with an adequate state remedy.” Id. 19 “[T]he statute has its roots in equity practice, in principles of federalism, and in 20 recognition of the imperative need of a State to administer its own fiscal operations.” 21 Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 73 (1976).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Deborah Howard v. City of Detroit (2×)
6th Cir. · 2022 · confidence medium
The TIA “has its roots in equity practice, in principles of federalism, and in recognition of the imperative need of a State to administer its own fiscal operations.” Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 73 (1976).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Peterson v. Dalton, NH, Town of
D.N.H. · 2021 · confidence medium
The TIA plainly seeks to limit federal district court jurisdiction over such a case in light of “the principles of federalism[] and in recognition of the imperative need of a State to administer its own fiscal operations.” Rosewell, 450 U.S. at 522 (quoting Tully v. Grifin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 73 (1976)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) David Peterson v. Town of Dalton, Jessie R. Wentworth, Jo Beth Dudley, Carol Sheltry, and Tamela Swan
D.N.H. · 2021 · confidence medium
The TIA plainly seeks to limit federal district court jurisdiction over such a case in light of “the principles of federalism[] and in recognition of the imperative need of a State to administer its own fiscal operations.” Rosewell, 450 U.S. at 522 (quoting Tully v. Grifin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 73 (1976)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Nachmenson v. New York State Department of Tax and Finance
E.D.N.Y · 2021 · confidence medium
July 7, 1999) (Koeltl, J.) (listing the methods of administrative and judicial review); Tully v. Griffin, 429 U.S. 68, 73-76 (1976) (holding that New York provides sufficient remedies to challenge New York tax schemes).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) The Legion of Christ, Incorporated v. Town of Mount Pleasant
S.D.N.Y. · 2020 · confidence medium
“This provision ‘has its roots in equity practice, in principles of federalism, and in recognition of the imperative need of a State to administer its own fiscal operations.’” Long Island Lighting Co. v. Town of Brookhaven (“LILCO”), 889 F.2d 428, 431 (2d Cir. 1989) (quoting Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 73 (1976)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Castanon v. United States of America
D.D.C. · 2020 · confidence medium
State Bd. of Elections, 440 U.S. at 182 ; see also Anderson v. Celebrezze, 460 U.S. 780 , 784-85 n.5 (1983); Washington v. Confederate Band & Tribes of the Yakima Indian Nation, 439 U.S. 463 , 477 n.20 (1979); Mandel, 432 U.S. at 176 ; Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 74 (1976)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Castanon v. United States of America
D.D.C. · 2020 · confidence medium
State Bd. of Elections, 440 U.S. at 182 ; see also Anderson v. Celebrezze, 460 U.S. 780 , 784-85 n.5 (1983); Washington v. Confederate Band & Tribes of the Yakima Indian Nation, 439 U.S. 463 , 477 n.20 (1979); Mandel, 432 U.S. at 176 ; Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 74 (1976)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Buckle Up Festival, LLC v. Cincinnati City of
S.D. Ohio · 2020 · confidence medium
The Tax Injunction Act “has its roots in equity practice, in principles of federalism, and in recognition of the imperative need of a State to administer its own fiscal operations.” Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 97 S. Ct. 219, 222 (1976).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Wal-Mart Puerto Rico, Inc. v. Zaragoza-Gomez
1st Cir. · 2016 · confidence medium
See, e.g., Levin, 560 U.S. at 421 , 130 S.Ct. 2323 (stating that comity limits federal jurisdiction “given that an adequate state-court forum is available” to adjudicate the claims); Fair Assessment in Real Estate Ass’n, Inc., 454 U.S. at 116 , 102 S.Ct. 177 (comity limits federal jurisdiction “provided of course that [state] remedies are plain, adequate, and complete”); Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 73 , 97 S.Ct. 219 , 50 L.Ed.2d 227 *125 (1976) (comity limits federal jurisdiction “except in cases where an asserted federal right might otherwise be lost”).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Direct Marketing Assn. v. Brohl
SCOTUS · 2015 · confidence medium
Assigning the word “restrain” its meaning in equity is also consistent with our recognition that the TIA “has its roots in equity practice.” Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U. S. 68, 73 (1976).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Valeria Tanco v. William Haslam
6th Cir. · 2014 · confidence medium
From the perspective of a lower court, summary dispositions remain “controlling precedent, unless and until re-examined by [the Supreme] Court.” Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 74 (1976); see Hicks, 422 U.S. at 343–45.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Bishop v. Smith
10th Cir. · 2014 · confidence medium
Her focus is on the Court’s statement that a summary disposition “is not here of the same precedential value as would be an opinion of this Court treating the question on the merits.” Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 74 (1976) (quotation omitted, emphasis added).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Bishop v. Smith
10th Cir. · 2014 · confidence medium
Her focus is on the Court’s statement that a summary disposition “is not here of the same precedential value as would be an opinion of this Court treating the question on the merits.” Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 74 (1976) (quotation omitted, emphasis added).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Louis Capra v. Cook County Board of Review
7th Cir. · 2013 · confidence medium
We recognize that the Supreme Court has said on several occasions that uncertainty surrounding the scope of a state remedy “may make it less than ‘plain.’” See Rosewell, 450 U.S. at 517 , citing Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 76 (1976) (dictum), citing in turn Township of Hillsborough v. Cromwell, 326 U.S. 620, 625 (1946) (state remedies were at best speculative where long line of state supreme court precedents barred effective relief).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Caprio v. New York State Department of Taxation & Finance
N.Y. Sup. Ct. · 2012 · confidence medium
Co. v New York State Dept. of Taxation & Fin., 185 AD2d 201 [1st Dept 1992] [citing Tully v Griffin, Inc., 429 US 68, 75 (1976)], affd 81 NY2d 1002 [1993]). 3.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In re Contest of November 8, 2011 General Election of Office of New Jersey General Assembly, Fourth Legislative District
N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. · 2012 · confidence medium
The United States Supreme Court has made clear that a summary affirmance of a district court’s judgment is “a controlling precedent,” but is not “ ‘of the same precedential value as would be an opinion of this Court treating the question on the merits.’ ” Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 74 , 97 S.Ct. 219, 223 , 50 L.Ed.2d 227, 233 (1976) (citations omitted).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Amazon.com, LLC v. New York State Department of Taxation & Finance
N.Y. App. Div. · 2010 · confidence medium
Co. v New York State Dept. of Taxation & Fin., 185 AD2d 201, 201 [1992], affd 81 NY2d 1002 [1993], citing Tully v Griffin, Inc., 429 US 68, 75 [1976]).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Scott Air Force Base Propertie v. St. Clair County IL
7th Cir. · 2008 · confidence medium
Rosewell, 450 U.S. at 516-17 (quoting Tully v. Griffin, 429 U.S. 68, 76 (1976)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Hibbs v. Winn (2×)
SCOTUS · 2004 · confidence medium
In Fair Assessment, the Court observed that "[t]he [TIA] `has its roots in equity practice, in principles of federalism, and in recognition of the imperative need of a State to administer its own fiscal operations.' This last consideration was [its] principal motivating force." 454 U. S., at 110 (quoting Rosewell, supra, at 522 , in turn quoting Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U. S. 68, 73 (1976) (other citation omitted)).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Folio v. City of Clarksburg (3×) also: Cited "see"
4th Cir. · 1998 · confidence medium
Va. Ordinances at § 957.16, is a "plain, speedy and efficient” remedy in and of itself, cf. Tully, 429 U.S. at 74-77 , 97 S.Ct. at 223-24 (holding that New York declaratory judgment procedure provided adequate recourse to challenge the constitutionality of a state tax statute even though the statute contained an "exclusive” remedy provision). 3 .
examined Cited as authority (rule) Folio v. City Of Clarksburg (3×) also: Cited "see"
4th Cir. · 1998 · confidence medium
Va. Ordinances at § 957.16, is a "plain, speedy and efficient" remedy in and of itself, cf. Tully, 429 U.S. at 74-77 , 97 S.Ct. at 223-24 (holding that New York declaratory judgment procedure provided adequate recourse to challenge the constitutionality of a state tax statute even though the statute contained an "exclusive" remedy provision) 3 We note ironically that appellants maintained inconsistent positions in federal and state court, essentially making the reverse arguments of the City.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Bank of New England v. Clark
1st Cir. · 1993 · confidence medium
With the Act, Congress sought "to protect tax collection as an 'imperative need' of government." Trailer Marine, 977 F.2d at 5 ______________ (quoting Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 73 (1976)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Bank of New England v. Clark
1st Cir. · 1993 · confidence medium
With the Act, Congress sought "to protect tax collection as an 'imperative need' of government." Trailer Marine, 977 F.2d at 5 (quoting Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 73 (1976)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) American Telephone & Telegraph Co. v. New York State Department of Taxation & Finance
N.Y. Sup. Ct. · 1992 · confidence medium
It is well established that a declaratory judgment action may be used to challenge the constitutionality of a taxing statute without exhausting the administrative remedies that the taxing authority may provide (Tully v Griffin, Inc., 429 US 68, 75 [1976]; Allstate Ins.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Smith v. Travis County Education District
W.D. Tex. · 1992 · confidence medium
Id., 429 U.S. at 74, 97 S.Ct. at 219 (emphasis added).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation v. State of New York and City of New York
2d Cir. · 1991 · confidence medium
The Tax Injunction Act, which “ ‘has its roots in equity practice,’ ” Rosewell v. LaSalle National Bank, 450 U.S. 503, 522 , 101 S.Ct. 1221, 1234 , 67 L.Ed.2d 464 (quoting Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 73, 97 S.Ct. 219, 222 , 50 L.Ed.2d 227 (1976)), reh’g denied, 451 U.S. 1011 , 101 S.Ct. 2349 , 68 L.Ed.2d 864 (1981), “was promulgated in recognition of the imperative need of state sovereigns to administer their own fiscal operations without interference.” United States v. Anderson County, 705 F.2d 184, 188 (6th Cir.), cert. denied, 464 U.S. 1017 , 104 S.Ct. 548 , 78 L.Ed.2…
examined Cited as authority (rule) Hardwick v. Cuomo (3×) also: Cited "see"
3rd Cir. · 1989 · confidence medium
See Fair Assessment in Real Estate Ass'n v. McNary, 454 U.S. 100 , 102 S.Ct. 177 , 70 L.Ed.2d 271 (1981); Tally v. Griffin, 429 U.S. at 73, 97 S.Ct. at 222 .
examined Cited as authority (rule) Allen v. Wright (3×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
SCOTUS · 1984 · confidence medium
Rev. 378 , 385-386 (1979). [8] *779 Similarly, although entitled to less weight than a decision after full briefing and oral argument on the merits, see Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U. S. 68, 74 (1976), our summary affirmance in Coit v. Green, 404 U. S. 997 (1971), summarily aff'g Green v. Connally, 330 F. Supp. 1150 (DC), is directly relevant to the standing of the respondents in this litigation.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Mueller
Haw. · 1983 · confidence medium
The summary affirmance was a decision “on the merits of a case,” Hicks v. Miranda, 422 U.S. 332, 344 (1975), and “is therefore a controlling precedent, unless and until reexamined by . . . [the] Court.” Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 74 (1976).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) California v. Grace Brethren Church (2×) also: Cited "see"
SCOTUS · 1982 · confidence medium
Any delay in the proceedings of the officers, upon whom the duty is devolved of collecting the taxes, may derange the operations of government, and thereby cause serious detriment to the public"). [24] See Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U. S. 68, 74 (1976); Hillsborough v. Cromwell, 326 U. S. 620, 625 (1946); Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. v. Huffman, 319 U. S., at 300-301 . [25] See 81 Cong.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) American Trucking Associations, Inc. v. Conway
D. Vt. · 1981 · confidence medium
Tully v. Griffin, Inc., supra, 429 U.S. at 76, n. 8 , 97 S.Ct. at 224 n. 8; Garrett v. Bamford, 538 F.2d 63, 68 (3d Cir. 1976) (“If plaintiffs could bring this action in Pennsylvania courts of equity, they would have an adequate remedy”).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Rosewell v. LaSalle National Bank (6×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
SCOTUS · 1981 · confidence medium
Discussing the general meaning of the phrase, the Court, in Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U. S. 68, 74 (1976), described its “basic inquiry” as “whether under New York law there is a 'plain, speedy and efficient’ way for [the taxpayer] to press its constitutional claims while preserving the right to challenge the amount of tax due.” More directly, in Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. v. Huffman, 319 U. S. 293, 300-301 (1943), the Court stated: “[I]t is the court’s duty to withhold such relief when, as in the present case, it appears that the state legislature has provided that on payme…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Washington v. Confederated Tribes of the Colville Indian Reservation (2×)
SCOTUS · 1980 · confidence medium
Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U. S. 68, 73 (1976).
examined Cited as authority (rule) LaSalle National Bank v. Rosewell (6×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
7th Cir. · 1979 · confidence medium
Tully, supra, 429 U.S. at 76, 97 S.Ct. 219 ; Hillsborough, supra, 326 U.S. at 629 , 66 S.Ct. 445 ; 28 East Jackson, supra, 523 F.2d 439 ; Garrett, supra, 538 F.2d at 70 .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) 57th Street Management Corp. v. City of New York
S.D.N.Y. · 1978 · confidence medium
While the Court declined to reach the issue in Tully, 429 U.S. at 76, n. 8 , 97 S.Ct. 219 , provisions for administrative determination and Article 78 review substantially identical to those applicable to plaintiffs have been found to qualify under this standard.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Town of Ball v. Rapides Parish Police Jury
W.D. La. · 1977 · confidence medium
The Johnson Act provides: “The district courts shall not enjoin, suspend or restrain the assessment, levy or collection of any tax under State law where a plain, speedy and efficient remedy may be had in the courts of such State.” The Supreme Court in Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68 , 97 S.Ct. 219, 222 , 50 L.Ed.2d 227, 232 (1976), stated that the statute “. . . has its roots in equity practice, in principles of federalism, and in recognition of the imperative need of a State to administer its own fiscal operations. ‘Interference with state internal economy and administration is in…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) United States v. King
E.D.N.Y · 1976 · signal: cf. · confidence medium
Cf. Tully v. Griffin Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 75 , 97 S.Ct. 219, 223 , 50 L.Ed.2d 227, 233 (1976) (recognition of state procedures for challenging state tax decisions as reason for federal courts to abstain from granting injunction).
cited Cited as authority (rule) COLEMAN H. SMITH, ET AL v. TRAVIS COUNTY EDUCATION DISTRICT, ET AL
unknown court · confidence medium
Rosewell, 450 U.S. at 512 -13 (citing Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 74 (1976), and Huffman, 319 U.S. at 300-01 (1943)).
cited Cited "see" Pina v. Bank of America Corporation
S.D.N.Y. · 2025 · signal: see · confidence high
See Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 74-77 (1976).
discussed Cited "see" Roberts v. The NYS Department of Taxation and Finance
S.D.N.Y. · 2022 · signal: see · confidence high
See Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 74-77 (1976); see also Long Island Lighting Co, 889 F.2d at 431 (“Because New York provides several remedies which afford [the taxpayer] an opportunity to raise all constitutional objections to the real property taxes imposed, . . . the Tax Injunction Act bar[s] access to federal court.”).
discussed Cited "see" DeMartino v. New York State Department of Taxation and Finance
E.D.N.Y · 2022 · signal: see · confidence high
See Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 74-77 (1976); MLB Enterprises, 832 F. App’x at 26–27; Long Island Lighting Co., 889 F.2d at 431 (“Because New York provides several remedies which afford [the taxpayer] an opportunity to raise all constitutional objections... the Tax Injunction Act bar[s] access to federal court.”).
discussed Cited "see" Shekhem El Bey v. State of New York (State)
S.D.N.Y. · 2021 · signal: see · confidence high
See Tully v. Griffin, Inc., 429 U.S. 68, 74-77 (1976); see also Long Island Lighting Co. v. Town of Brookhaven, 889 F.2d 428, 431 (2d Cir. 1989) (“Because New York provides several remedies which afford [the taxpayer] an opportunity to raise all constitutional objections to the real property taxes imposed, . . . the Tax Injunction Act bar[s] access to federal court.”).
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
TULLY Et Al.
v.
GRIFFIN, INC.
75-831.
Supreme Court of the United States.
Nov 9, 1976.
429 U.S. 68
1976 U.S. LEXIS 173
Thomas P. Zolezzi, Assistant Attorney General of New York, argued the cause for appellants.. With him on the brief were Louis J. Lefkowitz, Attorney General, and Ruth Kessler Tochj Solicitor General., R. Paul Wickes argued the cause for appellee. With him on the brief was John H. Williams II.
Stewart.
Cited by 250 opinions  |  Published
2 passages pin-cited by 2 cases
Pinpoint authority: bottom 75%
Citer courts: Tenth Circuit (3) · E.D. New York (1)
Mr. Justice Stewart

delivered the opinion of the Court.

The question in this case is whether New York provides a "plain, speedy and efficient” remedy to an out-of-state[*69] corporation that seeks to challenge New York’s assessment of sales taxes against it. The United States District Court for the District of Vermont held that New York does not provide such a remedy, and issued a preliminary injunction restraining the collection of the New York taxes. 404 F. Supp. 738. We noted probable jurisdiction of the appeal, 424 U. S. 907.

I

The appellee, Griffin, Inc., is a Vermont corporation that operates a furniture store in Arlington, Vt., six miles from the New York-Vermont border. It advertises on radio and television and in newspapers that serve the Albany-Schenectady-Troy area of New York, and makes substantial sales at its place of business to customers from that State. It regularly delivers furniture to the New York buyers in its own trucks, and its employees also enter New York on occasion to repair furniture it has sold.

In February 1973, the New York Department of Taxation and Finance determined that Griffin was “doing business” in New York and thus was required to collect state and local sales taxes from its New York customers. The Department sent a tax examiner to Vermont to audit Griffin’s records, but Griffin refused its consent. Little more happened until March 1975, when the Department reaffirmed its position and advised Griffin that another tax examiner would soon be dispatched for an audit. Griffin responded by filing suit in the United States District Court for the District of Vermont, alleging generally that any assessment, levy, or collection of sales taxes against it would violate the Commerce, Due Process, and Equal Protection Clauses of the United States Constitution, and asking for injunctive relief. A three-judge court was convened.

After Griffin again denied the tax examiner access to its records, the Department issued a “Notice of Determination and Demand for Payment of Sales and Use Taxes Due.”[*70] This assessment, by necessity only an estimate, demanded that Griffin pay $218,085.37 in back taxes, interest, and penalties. [1] Griffin moved in the federal court for a preliminary injunction to prevent steps from being taken to collect the taxes and to stay the running of the 90-day period in which it could contest the amount shown in the Notice of Determination. [2] The defendant New York tax officials filed a cross-motion to dismiss the action for lack of jurisdiction, claiming that suit was barred by the Tax Injunction Act, 28 U. S. C. § 1341, which provides:

“The district courts shall not enjoin, suspend or restrain the assessment, levy or collection of any tax under State law where a plain, speedy and efficient remedy may be had in the courts of such State.”

The District Court rejected this defense, ruling that New York law does not provide Griffin “a plain, speedy and efficient remedy.”

In reaching this conclusion, the federal court considered first the availability under New York law of direct review of the Notice of Determination. Under New York Tax Law § 1138 (a), a taxpayer has 90 days from the receipt of a notice of determination to apply for a hearing before the Tax Commission. [3] The Tax Commission’s decision after the[*71] hearing is judicially reviewable “for error, illegality or unconstitutionality or any other reason whatsoever” in a proceeding under Art. 78 of New York’s Civil Practice Law and Rules. [4] Before a taxpayer may seek Art. 78 review, however, he must either prepay or post a bond for the amount of the assessment. The court found that Griffin lacked the means to do this. Although the assessment was only a gross estimate, the court assumed that the amount would not be changed unless Griffin submitted to an audit. It ruled that Griffin should not be required to “tur[n] over its books and records to a state whose authority it claims is invalid,” and[*72] further questioned whether a New York court would entertain an Art. 78 proceeding if Griffin refused to be audited. 404 F. Supp., at 743-745.

The District Court then considered the availability of declaratory relief under § 3001 of New York’s Civil Practice Law and Rules. [5] It viewed this possible avenue of relief as insufficiently “plain, speedy and efficient” because N. Y. Tax Law § 1140 on its face seems to limit review of sales tax liability to the Art. 78 procedure discussed above. [6] Although the court took note of substantial federal and New York case law holding that New York’s administrative review proceedings are not in fact exclusive where a plaintiff claims that a tax is unconstitutional, the court concluded that the issue was “cloak [ed] ... in some uncertainty.” Even if Griffin could get declaratory relief, the court held, its contacts with New York were so “minimal” that “it seems unfair to make Griffin litigate in an unfamiliar forum.” Finally, the court expressed “reservations” about Griffin’s ability to get a preliminary injunction pending a New York court’s decision in a declaratory judgment suit. 404 F. Supp., at 745-747. On the basis of this reasoning the District Court granted Griffin preliminary injunctive relief.

[*73] II

A federal district court is under an equitable duty to refrain from interfering with a State’s collection of its revenue except in cases where an asserted federal right might otherwise be lost. See Hillsborough v. Cromwell, 326 U. S. 620, 622-623; Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. v. Huffman, 319 U. S. 293, 297-299; Matthews v. Rodgers, 284 U. S. 521, 525-526. This policy of restraint has long been reflected and confirmed in the congressional c&mmand of 28 U. S. C. § 1341 that no injunction may issue against the collection of a state tax where state law provides a “plain, speedy and efficient remedy.” As the Court has frequently had occasion to note, the statute has its roots in equity practice, in principles of federalism, and in recognition of the imperative need of a State to administer its own fiscal operations. “Interference with state internal economy and administration is inseparable from assaults in the federal courts on the validity of state taxation, and necessarily attends injunctions, interlocutory or final, restraining collection of state taxes. These are the considerations of moment which have persuaded federal courts of equity to deny relief to the taxpayer — especially when the state, acting within its constitutional authority, has set up its own adequate procedure for securing to the taxpayer the recovery of an illegally exacted tax.” Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. v. Huffman, supra, at 298. See also Moe v. Salish & Kootenai Tribes, 425 U. S. 463; Hillsborough v. Cromwell, supra, at 622-623; Matthews v. Rodgers, supra, at 525-526.

These principles do not lose their force, and a State’s remedy does not become “inefficient,” merely because a taxpayer must travel across a state line in order to resist or challenge the taxes sought to be imposed. If New York provides an otherwise adequate remedy, the mere fact that Griffin must go to New York to invoke it does not jeopardize its ability to assert its rights. To accept the District Court’s holding that it would be “unfair” to make Griffin litigate in[*74] New York would undermine much of the force of 28 U. S. C. § 1341.

We turn then to the basic inquiry — whether under New York law there is a “plain, speedy and efficient” way for Griffin to press its constitutional claims while preserving the right to challenge the amount of tax due. This Court answered the first part of that question by its summary judgment of affirmance three years ago in Ammex Warehouse Co. v. Gallman, 414 U. S. 802. In that case, the New York Tax Commission had assessed state alcoholic beverage, tobacco, and sales taxes against two New York companies that sold cigarettes and liquor to persons about to leave the State to enter Canada. The companies brought suit in Federal District Court, claiming that the assessment of the taxes against them violated the Commerce and Import-Export Clauses of the Constitution. The three-judge District Court held that 28 U. S. C. § 1341 required dismissal of the action. AmmexChamplain Corp. v. Gallman, 72 Civ. 306 (NDNY, Mar. 15, 1973) (unreported). The court held that “[t]here is ample authority that a declaratory judgment action may be employed to challenge imposition of a tax. . . . Accordingly, Ammex may present its arguments in the state supreme court and seek a declaratory judgment from .that court that application of these taxes to Ammex’s export operations is unconstitutional.”

The correctness of that holding was placed squarely before us by the Jurisdictional Statement that the appellants filed in this Court in the Ammex case. This Court’s affirmance of the District Court’s judgment is therefore a controlling precedent, unless and until re-examined by this Court. Hicks v. Miranda, 422 U. S. 332, 343-345. Since, however, it was a summary affirmance, it is not here “of the same precedential value as would be an opinion of this Court treating the question on the merits.” Edelman v. Jordan, 415 U. S. 651, 671. But having now had[*75] a full opportunity to consider the issue after briefing and argument, we adhere to our judgment in the Ammex case.

The District Court’s ruling in that case was fully supported by New York decisional law. Despite the provisions of its taxing statutes that provide that judicial review of an administrative determination shall be a taxpayer’s only remedy, the New York courts have consistently held that other procedures, including an action for a declaratory judgment, may be used when the claim is that the tax is unconstitutional. Slater v. Gallman, 38 N. Y. 2d 1, 4, 339 N. E. 2d 863, 864 (1976); In re First Nat. City Bank v. City of New York Finance Admin., 36 N. Y. 2d 87, 92-93, 324 N. E. 2d 861, 864 (1975); Richfield Oil Corp. v. City of Syracuse, 287 N. Y. 234, 239, 39 N. E. 2d 219, 221 (1942); Dun & Bradstreet, Inc. v. City of New York, 276 N. Y. 198, 206, 11 N. E. 2d 728, 731-732 (1937) ; Hospital TV Sys., Inc. v. State Tax Comm’n, 41 App. Div. 2d 576, 339 N. Y. S. 2d 603 (1973). Thus, we remain fully persuaded that the District Court’s holding in Ammex was correct, announced as it was by three New York federal judges “who are familiar with the intricacies and trends of local law and practice,” Bishop v. Wood, 426 U. S. 341, 346 n. 10, quoting Hillsborough v. Cromwell, supra, at 630, quoting Huddleston v. Dwyer, 322 U. S. 232, 237.

It also seems clear that under New York law Griffin can fully preserve its right to challenge the amount of tax due while litigating its constitutional claim that no tax at all can validly be assessed against it. Griffin, in other words, need not accept as binding the Tax Commission’s rough estimate of its sales tax liability as a price of challenging the constitutionality of the tax.

The New York Attorney General in his brief and in oral argument has represented to this Court that Griffin can obtain a preliminary injunction in state court that will toll the running of the 90-day period within which Griffin may challenge the amount of the assessment at an administra[*76] tive hearing. [7] Moreover, we have no reason to believe that a New York court, acting sua sponte, would question its ability to award preliminary relief in a proper case.

The District Court cited no New York authority for its “reservations” on this score, and we have found none. To the contrary, a New York statute speaks of the availability of a preliminary injunction “in any action” where certain conditions are met. N. Y. Civ. Prac. § 6301 (McKinney 1963). There are New York cases suggesting that courts may award preliminary relief in declaratory judgment actions jn general, see, e. g., In re Public Serv. Comm’n v. Norton, 304 N. Y. 522, 529, 109 N. E. 2d 705, 708 (1952); Opoliner v. Joint Queensview Housing Enterp., Inc., 11 App. Div. 2d 1076, 206 N. Y. S. 2d 681 (1960), and several New York courts have done so in cases involving the collection of taxes. See, e. g., Stacy v. State, 82 Misc. 2d 181, 368 N. Y. S. 2d 448 (Sup. Ct. 1975) (sales tax); Glen Cove Theatres, Inc. v. City of Glen Cove, 231 N. Y. S. 2d 747 (Sup. Ct. 1962). See also Dun & Bradstreet, Inc. v. City of New York, supra, at 206, 11 N. E. 2d, at 731-732 (permanent injunction approved in declaratory judgment action challenging imposition of sales tax). Although we have held that uncertainty concerning a State’s remedy may make it less than “plain” under 28 U. S. C. § 1341, see Hillsborough v. Cromwell, 326 U. S., at 625, these New York precedents convincingly demonstrate that Griffin’s fears about the availability of such preliminary relief are unfounded. [8]

Since New York provides a “plain, speedy and efficient” means for the redress of Griffin’s constitutional claims, the[*77] District Court should not have granted injunctive relief. Its judgment granting Griffin’s motion for a preliminary injunction is- vacated, and the case is remanded to that court with instructions to dismiss the complaint.

It is so ordered.

1

The Department later withdrew this initial Notice of Determination and issued another demanding payment of $298,580.59.

2

See N. Y. Tax Law § 1138 (a) (McKinney 1975).

3

New York Tax Law § 1138 (a) (McKinney 1975) provides:

“(a) If a return required by this article is not filed, or if a return when filed is incorrect or insufficient, the amount of tax due shall be determined by the tax commission from such information as may be available. If necessary, the tax may be estimated on the basis of external indices, such as stock on hand, purchases, rental paid, number of rooms, location, scale of rents or charges, comparable rents or charges, type of accommodations and service, number of employees or other factors. Notice of such determination shall be given to the person liable for the collection or payment of the tax. Such determination shall finally and irrevocably fix the tax[*71] unless the person against whom it is assessed, within ninety days after giving of notice of such determination, shall apply to the tax commission for a hearing, or unless the tax commission of its own motion shall redetermine the same. After such hearing the tax commission shall give notice of its determination to the person against whom the tax is assessed. The determination of the tax commission shall be reviewable for error, illegality or uneonstitutionality or any other reason whatsoever by a proceeding under article seventy-eight of the civil practice law and rules if application therefor is made to the supreme court within four months after the giving of the notice of such determination. A proceeding under article seventy-eight of the civil practice law and rules shall not be instituted unless the amount of any tax sought to be reviewed, with-penalties and interest thereon, if any, shall be first deposited with the tax commission and there shall be filed with the tax commission an undertaking, issued by a surety company authorized to transact business in this state and approved by the superintendent of insurance of this state as to solvency and responsibility, in such amount as a justice of the supreme court shall approve to the effect that if such proceeding be dismissed or the tax confirmed the petitioner will pay all costs and charges which may accrue in the prosecution of the proceeding, or at the option of the applicant such undertaking filed with the tax commission may be in a sum sufficient to cover the taxes, penalties and interest thereon stated in such determination plus the costs and charges which may accrue against it in the prosecution of the proceeding, in which event the applicant shall not be required to deposit such taxes, penalties and interest as a condition precedent to the application.”
4

N. Y. Civ. Prac. Law, Art. 78, § 7801 et seq. (McKinney 1963).

5

New York Civ. Prac. Law §3001 (McKinney 1974) provides:

“The supreme court may render a declaratory judgment having the effect of a final judgment as to the rights and other legal relations of the parties to a justiciable controversy whether or not further relief is or could be claimed. . . .”
6

New York Law § 1140 (McKinney 1975) provides:

“The remedies provided by sections eleven hundred thirty-eight and eleven hundred thirty-nine shall be exclusive remedies available to any person for the review of tax liability imposed by this article; and no determination or proposed determination of tax or determination on any application for refund shall be enjoined or reviewed by any action for declaratory judgment, an action for money had and received, or by any action or proceeding other than a proceeding under article seventy-eight of the civil practice law and rules.”
7

Although acknowledging a New York court’s power to issue a preliminary injunction in these circumstances, the Attorney General remains free, of course, to oppose the granting of such relief in any particular case.

8

As we conclude that Griffin has an adequate remedy in a suit for a declaratory judgment, we need not decide whether judicial review under N. Y. Civ. Prac. Art. 78 would also be “plain, speedy and efficient.”