NY Legislators pass Increase in OTP tax
Despite the tireless efforts of the New York Tobacconists Association, New York State Legislators foolishly and irresponsilbly passed an emergency "extender bill" on June 21, 2010 that raises the OTP (Other Tobacco Tax) from its current 46% of wholesale to 75% of wholesale. Just over a year ago, the same tax was raised from 37% at the time to the current 46%. Although it was clearly outlined to the State Legislators that this tax is not only revenue negative but would be devastating to the countless small businesses throughout New York State, they decided to turn their back on New Yorkers and push the tax through anyway.
It should be noted that taxes are collected in the state in which the consumer takes ownership of the goods. TO OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS outside of NY State, this type of ridiculous over-taxation can no doubt mislead other State Leaders into thinking this is actually a good idea, so please be sure you are following the budget discussions in your state.
If you have not already done so, you should also consider joining the CRA. The Cigar Rights of America, though still relatively new organization, has been a driving force to helping states form their own organizations, as well as spreading the word on a national level as to what's happening state to state. http://www.cigarrights.org/
Even today, a final budget is still not passed and Governor Paterson continues to threaten Legislators and New Yorkers with a Government shutdown if a final budget... actually, his budget... isn't passed.
On June 18, the New York Tobacconists Association held a press conference at our sister store, De La Concha. Here is the coverage from that event. http://gothamgr.com/new-york-tobacconists-speak-out-against-increased-otp-tax/
Rest assured, we have not given up our battle against this egregious taxation. We will continue to show the negative impact this tax has on State revenue, and will hold these legislators accountable for that loss as well as the loss of jobs this tax will cause state-wide as small business will be forced to close their doors.
REMINDER! IT IS NEVER TO LATE TO CONTACT New York's "Leaders".
It should be noted that taxes are collected in the state in which the consumer takes ownership of the goods. TO OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS outside of NY State, this type of ridiculous over-taxation can no doubt mislead other State Leaders into thinking this is actually a good idea, so please be sure you are following the budget discussions in your state.
If you have not already done so, you should also consider joining the CRA. The Cigar Rights of America, though still relatively new organization, has been a driving force to helping states form their own organizations, as well as spreading the word on a national level as to what's happening state to state. http://www.cigarrights.org/
Even today, a final budget is still not passed and Governor Paterson continues to threaten Legislators and New Yorkers with a Government shutdown if a final budget... actually, his budget... isn't passed.
On June 18, the New York Tobacconists Association held a press conference at our sister store, De La Concha. Here is the coverage from that event. http://gothamgr.com/new-york-tobacconists-speak-out-against-increased-otp-tax/
Rest assured, we have not given up our battle against this egregious taxation. We will continue to show the negative impact this tax has on State revenue, and will hold these legislators accountable for that loss as well as the loss of jobs this tax will cause state-wide as small business will be forced to close their doors.
REMINDER! IT IS NEVER TO LATE TO CONTACT New York's "Leaders".
 | Sheldon Silver, Speaker Email: Sheldon Silver  Telephone: 212-312-1420 Postal Address: 250 Broadway Suite 2307 New York, NY 10007 |
 | John Sampson, Senator Email: John Sampson Telephone: 718-649-7653 Postal Address: 1222 East 96th Street Brooklyn, NY 11236 |
 | Governor David Paterson Email: Governor David Paterson Telephone: 518-474-8390 Postal Address: State Capitol Albany, NY 12224 |
 | Pedro Espada, Senator Email: Pedro Espada Telephone: 518-455-3395 Postal Address: Capitol Building Room 420 Albany, NY 12247 |
 | Carl Kruger, Senator Email: Carl Kruger Telephone: 718-743-8610 Postal Address: 2201 Avenue U Brooklyn, NY 11229 |
 | Malcolm A. Smith, Senator Email: Malcolm A. Smith Telephone: 718-528-4290 Postal Address: 205-19 Linden Boulevard St. Albans, NY 11412 |
 | Jeffrey D. Klein, Senator Email: Jeffrey D. Klein Telephone: 718-822-2049 Postal Address: Capitol Building Room 427 Albany, New York 12247 |
 | Eric Adams, Senator Email: Eric Adams Telephone: 718-284-4700 Postal Address: 572 Flatbush Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11225 |
