Does tax reduce cigarette smoking?
James Craig
Published Feb 13, 2026
Most studies found that raising cigarette prices through increased taxes is a highly effective measure for reducing smoking among youth, young adults, and persons of low socioeconomic status.
How much do cigarette taxes reduce smoking?
Notably, increases in cigarette tax had the greatest impact on smoking prevalence in younger adults; a $0.25 per-pack tax increase was associated with an estimated 1.5% reduction in smoking prevalence among those aged 18–24 (p<0.001), 0.5% reduction in ages 25–44; 0.4% reduction in ages 45–64; and 0.2% reduction in …
What is the new tax on cigarettes?
$0.1435
Effective April 1, 2017 (due to Proposition 56, November 2016), the cigarette tax rate increased from $0.0435 to $0.1435 per cigarette.
Who pays most of the burden of the cigarette tax?
The bottom quintile pays 16 percent of tobacco taxes and 18 percent of penalties under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) (compared to 4 to 5 percent of other excises), while the top quintile pays 27 percent of tobacco taxes and 25 percent of ACA penalties (compared to about 45 to 50 percent of other excises).
What state is the cheapest to buy cigarettes in?
The six lowest-priced states are Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri. Louisiana and Alabama are also among the lowest prices for cigarettes. The north Rocky Mountain States, including Idaho, Wyoming, and North Dakota, also have low prices and are geographically concentrated.
What kind of taxes do you pay on tobacco?
Truth Initiative® supports a set of policies regarding tobacco taxes, starting with federal, state and local tax authorities levying the highest possible taxes on cigarettes and all other combustible tobacco products, such as cigars, pipe, roll your own tobacco and hookah.
What is the purpose of the cigarette tax?
Revenues collected from cigarette and tobacco taxes are used for a variety of purposes depending on the jurisdiction. Some states spend a portion of the revenue on smoking and tobacco use prevention programs. The revenue from federal taxes has also been used to fund programs like the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
How can I find out what tax I pay on cigarettes?
Take a look at the current tobacco tax rates by state. They’re broken out by cigarettes, large cigars, little cigars, chewing tobacco, smoking tobacco, and snuff. You can scroll at the bottom to see more columns. Use the search box to find your state quickly.
What are the tax rates for cigars in Vermont?
Comparing tax rates for other tobacco products is difficult as some states levy a per unit rate and others take a percentage of wholesale or manufacturer prices. Vermont has one of the highest rates for cigars at 92% the wholesale price or up to $4.00 a cigar depending on the cigar’s category.