State Cigarette Excise Tax Increases—United States, 2010–2011

March 30, 2012 / Vol. 61 / No. 12

MMWR Introduction

CDC conducted a survey of cigarette excise tax increases for 2010 and 2011. During that period, eight states increased and one state decreased the state cigarette excise tax. The national per pack mean excise tax rose from $1.34 in 2009 to $1.46 in 2011.

The cigarette excise tax rates in tobacco-growing and bordering southeastern states remain substantially lower than in the rest of the country. These states also typically have higher smoking rates and do not have strong tobacco control policies. For instance, none of the states in the southeastern, tobacco-growing region of the U.S. has a comprehensive smoke-free law prohibiting smoking in workplaces, restaurants and bars.

Cigarette tax increases are a proven method to increase state revenues. States that have substantially increased their cigarette taxes also have increased related revenue, even accounting for consumption declines and any increases in smuggling or tax avoidance.