Alabama cities sue internet travel companies over lodging taxes

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Birmingham is teaming up with eight other Alabama cities to sue several internet travel companies. These cities accuse Orbitz, Expedia, Travelocity and Priceline of paying these cities the wholesale rate for the lodging tax.

The suit claims the websites are charging their customers the retail rate for the tax.

The cities' attorney says Birmingham could get more than five-million dollars alone.