Biggest cigarette tax increase starts now...ready to quit smoking yet?
Today the largest increase in the federal tobacco tax of all time is going into effect -- what used to be 39 cents per pack will now be $1.01 per pack. It won't exactly pay the tab of the stimulus package, but it's probably the most palatable to the average Joe.
Typically the easiest way to get a consumer to be in favor of a tax increase is by convincing her or him that someone else will pay it. No one personally wants to pay more in taxes, but if someone else is paying, who really cares? It's even easier to get a consumer to endorse a tax if those paying the tax are made out to be evil villains.
Naughty rich people are often the targets of tax increases. It doesn't matter that they pay an enormously high proportion of the taxes in this country (yes, more than their fair share), they can "afford" more so let's stick it to them.
Sin taxes are popular as well. Many states are looking at large increases in taxes on cigarettes, but our federal government is going to get its (bigger) cut first, with this new assessment.
The tax package comes with other programs as well, including possible legislation to put tobacco under the regulation of the Food and Drug Administration. There will also be an increase in attention to anti-smoking campaigns and quitting incentives.
I think many taxpayers won't feel too bad for smokers, who are only about 20% of the adult population. Why should they? Well they should because tax increases like this don't happen in a vacuum.
Here's my take on it: They are just part of a larger overall strategy to take more and more of our money and use it as our government sees fit. (That's been working out real well, huh?) I think we should all be protesting tax increases of any kind, on any group of people. Our government already takes too much from taxpayers, and it's not going to stop unless we act.
Taxation is a slippery slope and we are sliding down it faster and faster. Soon we will be giving more than half our incomes to the government. Contact your politicians and put pressure on them to stop taxing. Difficult economic times should mean lower taxes for all of us, especially when so many are struggling to find work and pay for basic necessities.
What do you think? Are you for this tax or against it?
Forensic accountant Tracy Coenen investigates corporate fraud and consumer scams, and is the author of Expert Fraud Investigation and Essentials of Corporate Fraud.
Typically the easiest way to get a consumer to be in favor of a tax increase is by convincing her or him that someone else will pay it. No one personally wants to pay more in taxes, but if someone else is paying, who really cares? It's even easier to get a consumer to endorse a tax if those paying the tax are made out to be evil villains.
Naughty rich people are often the targets of tax increases. It doesn't matter that they pay an enormously high proportion of the taxes in this country (yes, more than their fair share), they can "afford" more so let's stick it to them.
Sin taxes are popular as well. Many states are looking at large increases in taxes on cigarettes, but our federal government is going to get its (bigger) cut first, with this new assessment.
The tax package comes with other programs as well, including possible legislation to put tobacco under the regulation of the Food and Drug Administration. There will also be an increase in attention to anti-smoking campaigns and quitting incentives.
I think many taxpayers won't feel too bad for smokers, who are only about 20% of the adult population. Why should they? Well they should because tax increases like this don't happen in a vacuum.
Here's my take on it: They are just part of a larger overall strategy to take more and more of our money and use it as our government sees fit. (That's been working out real well, huh?) I think we should all be protesting tax increases of any kind, on any group of people. Our government already takes too much from taxpayers, and it's not going to stop unless we act.
Taxation is a slippery slope and we are sliding down it faster and faster. Soon we will be giving more than half our incomes to the government. Contact your politicians and put pressure on them to stop taxing. Difficult economic times should mean lower taxes for all of us, especially when so many are struggling to find work and pay for basic necessities.
What do you think? Are you for this tax or against it?
Forensic accountant Tracy Coenen investigates corporate fraud and consumer scams, and is the author of Expert Fraud Investigation and Essentials of Corporate Fraud.



Reader Comments (Page 1 of 24)
4-01-2009 @ 2:11PM
pedro said...
Make it $50 a pack!!!
Reply
4-01-2009 @ 4:27PM
Gary K said...
What a jackass you are.
4-01-2009 @ 5:55PM
Chris said...
Yeah, your right when the government want's to stop an action or reduce it they raise the tax on that activity. This is what they are doing by raising taxes on the rich evil companies and people who make over $250K a year. They want it to stop or slow down. Cap and trade is another fine example. When they raise the tax on those evil carbon makers those taxes will be sent you in the mail as part of your bill to try and get you cut back on what you use. lets just see how well that works. People will more then likely start burning more wood which will kill more trees and put more smoke in the air. I can't wait. LOL! I got my 2 cycle saw ready to go. Lets all watch this great change together as we get attacked.
4-01-2009 @ 6:29PM
robtheblogger6 said...
DAMN RIGHT. Screw the smokers. I'm tired of choking on their sh*t anyway
4-01-2009 @ 9:09PM
Lynda Farley said...
Smokers are NOT the Fed, they don't print themselves up some more money to pay extortion, they shift ALL that spending from some OTHER part of their budget. EVERYONE pays tobacco taxes. Get ready for convenience stores to add to business closings and unemployment, and a huge new boost for organized crime.
I want to remind all smokers who still have children at home to run right out tomorrow and SIGN THEM UP for Socialist Children's Health Program. Then you can drop the insurance you were paying for to pay your new cigarette extortion taxes : ). They have vastly raised the income limits for eligibility, and now some families with income up to $80,000/year will be eligible. I understand some states also allow ADULTS in this program, so find out if YOU, or adults in your family are eligible.
My husband and I each smoke 3 pk/day, and have NO intention of EVER quitting, ESPECIALLY in light of THIS - MUST READ:
The Scientific Scandal of Antismoking By J. R. Johnstone, PhD (Monash)
and P.D.Finch, Emeritus Professor of Mathematical Statistics (Monash)
http://members.iinet.com.au/~ray/TSSOASb.html
We will be paying about $6/day in new extortion tax, or about $180/month, or about $2190/year. We are going to finance that by dumping DirecTV, our 2nd phone line, and our dial up internet service, and replace with cable TV and DSL. That will save only about $20/month, but we now have a fast internet connection - and also we will get local networks. We will finance the balance by signing up our two kids we still have at home (and maybe myself as well?) with Socialist Children's Health Insurance Program. That will save us $350/month, or about $4,200/year, so we will come out ahead $2,250/year. Since I am very opposed on principle to paying EXTORTION, we will do our best to avoid the new cig taxes ANYWAY. So, this whole situation MAY have some stimulating effect on the economy from us. However, since the massive tripling of government debt is likely to be financed by the PRINTING PRESS, I am expecting horendous INFLATION rates in the fairly near future, so any excess we will have by making the indicated changes just might help us to keep our heads above water.
4-01-2009 @ 9:22PM
frank said...
I think its funny yall want people to quit smoking If they all quit what will the govt tax next alchol or maybe our thoughts
4-01-2009 @ 9:39PM
blair said...
Typical idiot response. Lets tax your toliet paper because you poop and we got to protect the forest. Lets vote for a tax on poop paper next.
4-01-2009 @ 10:02PM
Susan said...
Would you be in favor of a $ 50.00 tax on tortillas Pedro? Are you an American citizen?
4-03-2009 @ 1:53AM
Rich said...
Are you really that Stupid? If there are too many people like you on this, then get ready to bend over and pay $50.00 for a gallon of gas. Now let's see how you propose to get to work. Can't pay the babysitter, for paying for the commute to work. Oh, guess what, now you can't go to work, for not getting a babysitter. Good luck with that.
Social engineering is wrong on all levels, and that is what this tax is. You wear a red t-shirt, on blue Tuesday, and you may find yourself paying a, wait for it, a $50.00 fine.
Do you get it yet?
4-15-2009 @ 10:53AM
Susan said...
Hey Pedro, Wait till they tax your six pack that much. Do you honestly think their greed is going to stop after taxing all the smokers?
4-02-2009 @ 9:34AM
Bronco3233 said...
It's time to quit!!! Tired of the smell and 2nd - 3rd hand smoke! You smokers need to find another addiction.
Reply
4-01-2009 @ 3:39PM
Simzee said...
You're right. It's CHEAPER to smoke weed. Hope ya do not mind catching a buzz. IMAO
4-01-2009 @ 4:00PM
J.H. said...
Ok then, what are you going to give up, drinking? What about the type of car you drive, no SUV's, no diesel gas trucks, or maybe we should limit the amount of meat people eat, you get tickets and can only buy one lb per person per month? Oh wait how about fast food restaurants, let's close them all down, that way no one can eat all that crap they sell. If you don't like the smoke stay away. I can't stand drunks so I don't go to bars. Let people live their own lives. They want to take the risk let them.
4-01-2009 @ 4:40PM
tjhns129 said...
what , and pick up complaining about other peoples buisness such as you do bronco3233 , get a life !
If we wanna kill ourselves by smoking , then let us do it .
then we as smokers dont have to hear people like you
complain about us any longer .
4-01-2009 @ 4:45PM
Brian said...
you need to get a life, your shallow minded as hell
4-01-2009 @ 5:03PM
doris said...
the business of people suggesting what other people do or not is certainly one of yours. i dont smoke but if i did and you stood face to face with me you would be one sorry person.
nosy pious people make me ill the government certainly does not want people to stop smoking use that empty box on yur shoulders and maybe just maybe you will digest the reason of this tax.. all for more money for our politicians the tobacco industry is very large what a shame to put them out of business, i would rather see anyone smoke a cigarette than take the drugs and smoke the weed
4-01-2009 @ 4:56PM
Gary K said...
Hey Jerk! The only smoke-free environment you're entitled to is PROPERTY YOU OWN!
Beyond that, you have no additional rights.
What a hypochondriac.
4-01-2009 @ 5:30PM
Bill said...
"You smokers." What a sanctimonius azzhole You are. How about if we make Scotch $100.00 per 1/5th.?Chocolate candy bars $5.00 per? Ya gonna like that? If you are without sin, then, may God bless you. But, I ame quite doubtful.
4-02-2009 @ 9:24AM
marion said...
try pot
4-01-2009 @ 9:24PM
FishonJohnson said...
All smoke kills you retard,go stick your mouth around you exaust pipe. TAX alcohol cause the whole freakin world are a bunch of drunk alcoholics!