West Virginia House Bill 5631 has been introduced and proposes to increase the tax on premium cigars from 12% to 51% of the wholesale purchase price.
This tax hike would have significant negative consequences for West Virginia's small businesses and premium cigar consumers. Higher taxes on premium cigars would drive customers to lower-cost out-of-state or online retailers, reducing in-state purchases and ultimately decreasing tax revenue for West Virginia. This decline in local sales would place added pressure on small businesses, making it harder for them to stay afloat and potentially leading to job losses.
Take action now—urge your representatives to oppose House Bill 5631 and protect West Virginia's small businesses and economy.

Say No To Premium Cigar Tax Increases in West Virginia

As a premium cigar consumer and resident of West Virginia, I am writing to urge you to oppose House Bill 5631, which seeks to increase the rate of taxation on premium cigars from 12% to 51% of the wholesale purchase price.

This proposed tax hike unfairly targets premium cigars, which are handcrafted, artisan products enjoyed infrequently and responsibly by adults. Unlike cigarettes or other tobacco products, premium cigars are not habit-forming, are not typically used by youth, and do not contribute to the public health rationale often cited for tobacco taxation. Raising taxes on these products serves no legitimate public policy goal, but it does impose an unnecessary financial burden on small businesses and consumers.

Additionally, increasing taxes on premium cigars would drive consumers to purchase from lower-taxed online and out-of-state retailers, hurting local businesses while failing to generate the intended tax revenue. Instead of increasing state revenue, this tax hike would discourage in-state sales, harm  retailers, and threaten jobs in West Virginia's premium cigar industry.

I urge you to stand with West Virginia's small businesses, support fair taxation, and preserve responsible consumer choice by voting NO on House Bill 5631. Protect our economy, local jobs, and the premium cigar industry from the harmful impact of this misguided tax increase.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I trust you will support West Virginia's small businesses and responsible adult consumers.

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