STATE system tax stamp fact sheet

Tax stamps by location in effect as of June 30, 2018 (n=58)When a licensed vendor (e.g., manufacturer, distributor, wholesaler) has paid the state excise tax for tobacco products, they receive a stamp from the state to affix to the tobacco products in order to sell at retail. Essentially, tax stamps are evidence of the payment of tax. Tax stamps have been historically required since excise taxes were first imposed on tobacco products, much like stamps are used on other licenses and products states regulate (e.g., hunting, alcohol sales). Forty-seven states and the District of Columbia currently require a tax stamp affixed to tobacco products. It is illegal in those states to sell tobacco products without tax stamps.The STATE System is an interactive application that presents current and historical state-level data on tobacco use prevention and control.STATE System: CDC.gov/STATESystemOSHData: CDC.gov/OSHDataOffice on Smoking and Health: CDC.gov/TobaccoCS289505-H201