New Cigarette Tax: How Much Does It Have To Cost Before You Quit?
Posted: Sunday, March 29, 2009
by Abigail Richards
This week marks a historical week as the United States Federal government passes the largest tobacco tax ever in history on April 1st.
The current tax per pack is 39 cents. On Wednesday, it will climb to $1.01. That is on top of an already inflated pack of cigarettes. The current average price for a pack is between $4 and $5 depending on the state. The federal tax also does not take into account any state taxes already on the pack.
I realize it is an addiction. My husband and I both smoke throughout college several packs a week. However, I think at some point, you have to evaluate your decisions. We both quit cold turkey and financially I think we would be homeless if we didn't.
Smoking is probably the most expensive habit to have. Not only do you pay a ton in costs just to smoke, but you pay more for insurance, health costs, etc. Not to mention many employers do not even want to hire a smoker because of the increase in health insurance costs.
Of course, it is a catch 22 for the government. The government will be dependent on the smokers these next four years. That is because they need this money from this tax to fun an expansion in children's health insurance.
They can front the tax by saying that it is a way to defer people from smoking, but in actuality they need people to smoke. This initiative was passed as a way to recharge the anti-smoking campaign. The new tax program is expected to raise $33 billion for children's healthcare over the next four and a half years.
What do you think? Does the government really want people to quit smoking?
It isn't just cigarette users who will take a punch this week. Other tobacco products, from cigars to pipes and smokeless, will see similarly large tax increases, too. The tax on chewing tobacco will go up from 19.5 cents per pound to 50 cents.
Already, Americans are hitting the stores to buy their smokes in advance. My advice if you can't quit is to do the same. Otherwise, it might be time to quit.
Just think about all the money you will be saving. You could reward yourself with a vacation or your own trip to the doctor for half the costs.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)Abigail,
I totally agree with everything you say. People who are smoking should try to give up.We have a c.d. on our site which will help you give up smoking. Read books, try c.d.'s. Try chewing gum.Try Try try again and you will eventually succeed. You will save money and have better health. You will not have to paint those smoke stained rooms so often and your children and relatives will not be exposed to possible secondary smoke.Try to quit today. Good Luck.
humm8598
It would be nice if all you needed was will power and for some that is all they need to quit. They may have tried all kinds of avenues and I hope eventually that if they don't give up they can quit. I quit ten years ago through the grace of God and total surrender to Him. I am so glad I did. The increased taxation always brings to mind why don't they add more taxes to liquor consumption too since it also brings untold amounts of damage to others and shoots up health and insurance costs? Could it have something to do with lobbyist? Thank you for a stimulating article.Linda D
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