Skip directly to search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to navigation Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options
CDC Home

Federal Tax Increase

Higher Cost of Tobacco Products, Cigarettes Increases Quit Attempts

The largest federal tobacco tax increase in history took effect on April 1, 2009—a move expected to prompt 1 million smokers to quit and prevent 2 million young people from ever starting.

The 62-cent increase raises federal excise taxes on cigarettes to $1.01 per pack, up from 39 cents. The tax increase, which will fund the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) for lower-income children, covers cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and cigars.

Research has proven that raising cigarette prices, through excise taxes or other methods, increases the quit rate among adult smokers and is especially effective in discouraging children and young people from ever starting to smoke.

Quitting smoking has immediate, as well as long-term, health benefits, including reducing risks for smoking-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, and some respiratory illnesses.

For support in quitting, including free confidential coaching, educational materials, and referrals to local resources, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669); TTY 1-800-332-8615.

Additional Resources

 


 
A tobacco-free life starts now. Learn more
Tips From Former Smokers: Smoking Causes Immediate Damage to Your Body. Learn More.
CDC 24/7 – Saving Lives, Protecting People, Saving Money. Learn More About How CDC Works For You…
Contact Us:
  • CDC/Office on Smoking and Health
    4770 Buford Highway
    MS K-50
    Atlanta, Georgia 30341-3717
  • 800-CDC-INFO
    (800-232-4636)
    TTY: (888) 232-6348
    8am–8pm ET
    Monday–Friday
    Closed Holidays
  • tobaccoinfo@cdc.gov
USA.gov: The U.S. Government's Official Web PortalDepartment of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention   1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348 - cdcinfo@cdc.gov
A-Z Index
  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D
  5. E
  6. F
  7. G
  8. H
  9. I
  10. J
  11. K
  12. L
  13. M
  14. N
  15. O
  16. P
  17. Q
  18. R
  19. S
  20. T
  21. U
  22. V
  23. W
  24. X
  25. Y
  26. Z
  27. #