A Tobacco Control Policy & Legal Resource Center
Supporting Smokefree Air & Tobacco-Free Lives

Cigarette sales tax increased by 12.5 cents, effective July 1, 2009

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A4103/S2012 (amends NJSA 54:40A-8) increases the NJ state cigarette sales tax per pack by 12.5 cents (from $2.575 to $2.70 per pack), effective July 1, 2009. The Governor signed the budget bill on June 29 which included the increase. The bill will increase the State’s cigarette tax collections by $26.5 million (for fiscal year 2010).

NJ has the 3rd highest state cigarette sales tax in the nation at $2.70 (Rhode Island is #1 at $3.46/pack, New York State is #2 at $2.75/pack; New York City adds on $1.50, making it the highest combined state-local cigarette sales tax in the nation at $4.25/pack).

Studies show that increasing the price of cigarettes can motivate smokers to quit smoking.

Click here to read S2012. Click here to read the companion statement to S2012.