New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A05284

Introduced
2/12/25  
Refer
2/12/25  

Caption

Provides that certain persons shall not be deemed a distributor for certain sales of premium cigars; provides that the tax on premium cigars shall be at the rate of seventy-five percent of the wholesale price or fifty cents, whichever is less, and is intended to be imposed only once upon the sale of any premium cigars; defines "premium cigar".

Summary

Bill A05284 amends New York's tax law to establish a specific definition for 'premium cigars' and sets a tax rate for these products. Under this bill, premium cigars are defined by specific criteria including their construction and weight. The tax imposed on premium cigars will be set at seventy-five percent of the wholesale price or fifty cents, whichever is lower, and will apply only once upon sale. This legislation aims to clarify the tax structure for premium cigars and differentiate them from other tobacco products.

Impact

The bill will impact the taxation of premium cigars in New York by providing a clear definition and a specific tax rate. This change is expected to simplify the tax process for retailers and consumers of premium cigars, potentially leading to increased sales in this segment of the tobacco market. Additionally, the bill includes a provision for the tax to expire after three years, which may influence the market dynamics and regulatory environment surrounding premium cigars during that period.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill A05284 appears to be neutral to positive, as it seeks to clarify existing tax laws and provide a more favorable tax rate for premium cigars. However, there may be concerns from anti-tobacco advocates regarding any potential increase in tobacco consumption resulting from lower taxes on premium cigars.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from public health advocates who argue that any reduction in taxes on tobacco products, including premium cigars, could undermine efforts to reduce smoking rates. Conversely, supporters of the bill, including cigar retailers and consumers, may argue that the tax structure is overly burdensome and that the bill will help promote fair competition in the tobacco market.

Companion Bills

NY S02133

Same As Provides that certain persons shall not be deemed a distributor for certain sales of premium cigars; provides that the tax on premium cigars shall be at the rate of seventy-five percent of the wholesale price or fifty cents, whichever is less, and is intended to be imposed only once upon the sale of any premium cigars; defines "premium cigar".

Previously Filed As

NY S02133

Provides that certain persons shall not be deemed a distributor for certain sales of premium cigars; provides that the tax on premium cigars shall be at the rate of seventy-five percent of the wholesale price or fifty cents, whichever is less, and is intended to be imposed only once upon the sale of any premium cigars; defines "premium cigar".

NY S00078

Provides that the tax on cigars and premium cigars shall be at the rate of seventy-five percent of the wholesale price or fifty cents, whichever is less, and is intended to be imposed only once upon the sale of any cigars or premium cigars; makes related provisions.

NY S00093

Provides that the tax on cigars and premium cigars shall be at the rate of seventy-five percent of the wholesale price or fifty cents, whichever is less, and is intended to be imposed only once upon the sale of any cigars or premium cigars; makes related provisions.

NY A03376

Provides that the tax on premium cigars shall be at the rate of seventy-five percent of the wholesale price or fifty cents, whichever is less, and is intended to be imposed only once upon the sale of any premium cigars; defines "premium cigar"; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.

NY S2979

Prohibits sale of flavored cigarettes, non-premium cigars, and oral nicotine pouches.

NY A3703

Prohibits sale of flavored cigarettes, non-premium cigars, and oral nicotine pouches.

NY HF926

Sales of certain cigars exempted from the excise taxes imposed on tobacco products and premium cigars.

NY SB26086

Concerning the taxation of premium cigars, and, in connection therewith, capping the statutory excise tax on premium cigars at twenty percent.

NY SF1388

Certain cigars exemption from the taxes imposed on tobacco products and premium cigars

NY S3005

Permits dealers without a distributor's license to resell cigars, and ultra premium pipe tobacco, excluding pipe tobacco intended for cigarettes, to other dealers.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.