OREGON CIGARETTE TAX INCREASE KICKS IN JANUARY 1

The Oregon Department of Revenue is reminding smokers that the tax on cigarettes will increase on January 1, 2014. Legislation enacted in the special legislative session this fall increases the state tax on a standard, 20-count pack of cigarettes by 13 cents: from $1.18 to $1.31.

"Ordinarily, the consumer pays the tax as a part of the price when purchasing cigarettes from an Oregon retailer. Consumers must remember that they are responsible for filing and paying the tax on cigarettes purchased on-line or otherwise brought in from outside the state," said Chris Wytoski, manager of Oregon's tobacco tax program.

Oregon's total tobacco tax revenue, from cigarettes and other tobacco products, is about $250 million per year. The revenue supports the Oregon Health Plan, the state General Fund, and the Tobacco Use Reduction Account. Portions of cigarette tax revenue are also specifically dedicated to cities, counties, and public transit and, with recent legislation, mental health programs.

"We've been working with retailers and distributors to ensure the appropriate tax is paid on their inventory on January 1," Wytoski said. "Retailers who haven't seen our information about the special one-time tax return they need to file should contact us right away."

Additional information for consumers, retailers, and distributors is available at www.oregon.gov/dor/tobacco.

*Consumers can obtain the form they need from the "consumer reporting" link at www.oregon.gov/dor/tobacco or by calling 503-378-4988 or 1-800-356-4222.