Gothamist: From Coughers to Coffers, Smoke Tax Increases

MarygraceNYC

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 09:05:44 -0500

This is so out of control. I have been smoking since it was 50 cents a pack. Road trips down south and internet overseas purchases are a must. I don't understand why NY is anti-smoking. From the bars and restaurants to the tax. They should put that same tax on liquor and all luxury items as well. Lets see how the rest of the population reacts. It would be fair if everyone was targeted and not just one group. If I want to smoke then it is my right to. It is my body and my health. They are succeeding in making criminals out of us!! It is an addiction you know!

sonyactivision

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 02:40:21 -0500

Taking Route 13 through scenic Delaware, the Virginia state line is 220 miles away. Carpool for this one, kids, and make a roadtrip of it.

EastRiver

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 15:27:54 -0500

Because the 8.375% is a total of the state and city tax; Amazon doesn't even have any presence in New York. That doesn't even begin to answer the question. Try again. I didn't ask under what legal argument were the companies not required to collect the tax. I asked why we should have two different standards in the first place. If your only justification is the Constitution I would suggest the following: The Supreme Court decision that affirmed out of state retailers don't have to collect sales tax was written about 40 years ago. They upheld it again in 1991 but specifically outlined how Congress could give the power to collect sales tax to the states. If Congress did this what would you argument be then?

99centmenu

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:29:29 -0500

cool. it's only another buck. i'll smoke twice as much for you, new york city.

tch

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 13:29:26 -0500

Why is it ridiculous? Why should it be possible to buy the exact same item tax free online that you would have to pay 8.375% at a store? Because the 8.375% is a total of the state and city tax; Amazon doesn't even have any presence in New York.

edEx

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 13:18:33 -0500

the black market just got bigger.

EastRiver

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 12:13:48 -0500

As for the internet tax, THAT is really ridiculous. Why is it ridiculous? Why should it be possible to buy the exact same item tax free online that you would have to pay 8.375% at a store?

solidago

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 11:40:20 -0500

This will probably help me stay on the wagon. New York is ridiculous w/r/t taxes, but putting a hefty tax on cigarettes seems like a good policy choice to me. That said, as pointed out in some paper a little while back though, it may simply make the bootlegging business more lucrative. As for the internet tax, THAT is really ridiculous.

Steven

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 11:32:20 -0500

Don't forget about the new tax for newegg and amazon which starts today.

bornbrednewyorker

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 11:13:12 -0500

SimonLok I agree with your comments. I've never smoked a cigarette in my life and I think this is another outrageous tax. Tax Tax Tax it never ends. Now be prepared for a slew of people shouldn't smoke responses...

SimonLok

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 10:48:21 -0500

i have no love for cigarettes, but the pattern in ny continues, tax the hell out of everyone - do nothing about the waste in spending. they tell us the increased costs will make people stop, then they take the money and add to the bloated govt. if the revenues do go down, the bloat stays and regular taxes increase to pay for it. i really cant stand the way the city and state is run.