Wednesday, July 2, 2003
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Wednesday, July 2, 2003 |
Tobacco taxes increasedGeorgians have begun paying more for their cigarettes, cigars and loose or smokeless tobacco since yesterday, when the state's tax increase on tobacco products went into effect. These tax increases on tobacco products are the first in Georgia since April 1971. The excise tax on a pack of 20 cigarettes has increased 25 cents to 37 cents. On pacts of 25 cigarettes, the new tax will be 46.25 cents, an increase of 31.25 cents. For the first time, Georgia will collect an excise tax on loose or smokeless tobacco products. Loose or smokeless tobacco includes products that are suitable for chewing or smoking in a pipe or both. The tax on these products will be 10 percent of a wholesaler's cost. The tax on each little cigar, which are packaged in packs similar to cigarettes, will increase .0005 cents or 1 cent per pack of 20 cigars. The excise tax on all other cigars will increase by 10 percent to 23 percent of a wholesaler's cost. Georgia Revenue Commissioner Bart L. Graham reminds everyone that Georgia law prohibits individuals under the age of 18 from purchasing cigarettes or tobacco related products and prohibits the sale of cigarettes and tobacco related products to minors. The law also prohibits the purchasing of cigarettes and tobacco related products for a minor unless the minor is the purchaser's child. The Commissioner cautions all retailers, who sell tobacco products, that they must have a state license. The license application is available at DOR's Atlanta central office and at any of its regional offices. The license applications are also available on the Internet at www.gatax.org.
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