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S Emery, M M White, E A Gilpin, J P Pierce
Was there significant tax evasion after the 1999 50 cent per pack cigarette tax increase in California?
Tob Control 2002; 11: 130-134 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]
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[Read eLetter] Conclusions are somewhat correct
Joseph L. McFarland   (27 September 2003)

Conclusions are somewhat correct 27 September 2003
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Joseph L. McFarland,
Web Master
Web Master

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Re: Conclusions are somewhat correct

joemac33703{at}aol.com Joseph L. McFarland

In your article you touch on the fact that the consumer would likely not report internet pruchases for fear of reprisal in taxation issues. The state does in fact over look the 1 or 2 carton of cigarette purchase issues when for instance a business man travels to Kentucky and buys a couple ther and brings them back with him to California.

I have also detected, in the industry of Internet Toabacco sales, where the new proposals for laws have only one true effect. 91% of the Internet sales are accpomplished by Soveriegn Tribal nations that pay for the most part no state or federal taxes and also from the international online sales points which also pay no state or federal taxes.

There is a movement a foot to set the Jenkins act more stringant and also prohibit the mailing of cigarettes thru the USPS via the S1177. The issue would eliminate only and I do say "only" the American online retailers that pay the federal and for the most part state taxes.

The retailer I web master for is a brick and mortar operatin in florida, pays Florida and Federal taxes on all cigarettes he sells, online and thru his store. He would be affected by the changes propsed and the ones that have already been made in effect in New York for example. Yet the 91 % that are exempt from following those proposed changes will not be affected. Not in the slightest bit. To assume that changing the laws to affect only those that actually pay some State taxes and all federal taxes would have an impact on internet sales is at the very least a sign of ignorance. Those who are legitimate would stop and the customers would go to the tribal nations or to foreign entities for the savings.

Tribal Nations avaoid taxes and ship vis the USPS in New York and the Universal Postal Union Convention ratified by the United States forbids the Federal and state governments from prohibition of foreign sales. I see the irony that a few politicians are seeking special interest money and support and ignoring the truth and only affecting American tax paying citizens.

I doubt if you as a liberal would even care but I felt the need to get it off my chest and tell yo just how wrong you really are in your views and reporting.

Joe McFarland St. Petersburg Florida