Tobacco Manufacturers' Association

[Peter11216]

A relative is traveling to the UK, near the Liverpool area, and kindly offered to pick up a box of cigars for me. I suspect that it is extremely expensive given the taxes, unfortunately. If anyone cares to disabuse me of this, and suggest a reputable shop in the area (¿or in the aeroport?), please do!

However, while trying to figure out what the tax rate is in the UK, I came across the website for the Tobacco Manufacturers' Association. According to their site (UK tobacco market summary),

The total tax burden (excise duty plus VAT) accounts for 90% of the price of the cheapest cigarettes on sale in the UK.

Quite something. Is this similar in other members' countries? I'm embarrassed to say, I have no idea what the rate is here in New York.

There's also a table showing that the UK collects £8.8 Billion is excise taxes on tobacco products. It's small in comparison to the tax revenue (including national insurance) of the UK, which, according to the Guardian, was £519 Billion in 2009 - 2010. I'm not sure how it compares with the U.S.; or other excise-taxed things in the UK.

Please Advise, Please Discuss,

Peter

[mazolaman]

You would be a brave(or rich) man to buy decent cigars at UK prices

re Taxes.

There is a constant debate about banning smoking,but the government(s) all realise it's a tax cash cow,

More interestingly,the estimated tax evaded by the general public is £42billion/,thats over aprox 60million people.

Estimated tax evaded by top 5%highest earners £146billion.

So,rather than chasing the smoke lovers for the estimated £1.9-3.8billion lost revenue,maybe there are others to look at?

[thechenman]

In NY and NYC in particular you pay the highest cigarette, loose tobacco and cigar taxes in the country. Chew on that one...I know it infuriates me to no end.