Smoke and Mirrors: Cigarette Taxes Vanish on the Web

Yahoo News ^ | July 12, 2002 | Eric Gillin

[SheLion]

hahaaaaaaa good one! Thanks, KS!!

[Just another Joe]

Everyone wrings their hands focusing on what's happening in California from smoking to SUV's while your/their neighborhoods/communities/states crumble around you/them....

Much as I hate to agree, I can't do other than agree with this statement.

[Petronski]

I smoke about a carton a year, but even with that low level of consumption, I just have to say, $8.00 a pack is obscene.

[Just another Joe]

thinking about rolling my own. anyone tried any of the machines out there?

I've used both the small plastic handheld injectors and the Supermatic Premier.
I have used both for an extended period of time.
The small handheld is OK but takes a lot longer to make a larger amount, over a pack, than the Supermatic.

[SheLion]

I've used both the small plastic handheld injectors and the Supermatic Premier.

I LOVE this one, Joe!

[Just another Joe]

That's the one I have now.
It's pretty good.

[uglybiker]

"If you buy them online, you're suppose to file a return with us and remit the excise tax of 98 cents a pack," says Mike Klemens, a spokesman with the Illinois Department of Revenue.

Mr.Klemens. These ladies have something to say to you.

[SteamshipTime]

Shakedowns are voluntary too.

[NYCVirago]

I highly doubt the state will go after the reservations to provide lists on who is buying. Even if they did it would take years .

I haven't yet bought cigarettes online, but it looks like the Indian reservations may be the way to go. Any recommendations from fellow freepers?

[Just another Joe]

Any recommendations from fellow freepers?

Stuff your own. It's cheaper and tastes better.

[SheLion]

LOL! My kind of gals. hehe!

[Max McGarrity]

Oh great... a talking gekko.

ROFLMAO

[the crow]

thx, SheLion. I think I will give it a try.

[SheLion]

thx, SheLion. I think I will give it a try.

You won't be sorry! :)

[jackbill]

9 dollars shipping is a lot less then gas to Maryland which is also highly taxed.

Everything in Maryland is "highly taxed". Why? Because the state motto is "If you can dream it, we can tax it".

[rb22982]

Did you mean to write $3/pack?

Nah, ~ means around or aka roughly 3/pack

10 pack Carton of Marboro were 23.99 at the gas station across from my work, and 2.79/pack today btw

[brat]

When are the smokers going to march on their capitol and demand this be rescinded? Why do they put up with it?

[blondee123]

Well, here is something i got from my online cigarette source. Find it interesting that they don't go for more taxes on alcohol, seeing that drunk drivers are worse than smoking drivers! But, look at who is sponsoring this bill!! here is the message i got in email:

"There is a a bill going through the senate right now brought by Ted Kennedy that would have the FDA Regulate tobacco. If it passes it could be the end of online sales. Please Call your senator and weigh in on the issue. This link will give the the contact info for your Senator : http://www.senate.gov/senators/senator_by_state.cfm Tell them that it is suspicious that Phillip Morris is the only company backing the bill which should tip them off that their interest is about squashing the competition. Many brands like the bronco and even Carlton are not always available due to limited shelf space and online is the only place many of you can get these brands. Thanks for your time. "

[KS Flyover]

Here is a thread about the proposed legislation, co-sponsored by Kennedy, from last month:

U.S. Senators offer bill regulating tobacco by FDA - 06/14/2002

A key sentence in the article that would pertain to online sales:

"And it would give the FDA the power to limit the sale of cigarettes to face-to-face transactions in which the age of the purchaser can be verified by identification."

[jonefab]

Yesmoke

Camels are $13.95, Marlborol's $14.95 all brands except many generic. Free shipping or you can pay to get them there faster.