Tax Panel Recommends Increase on Cigarettes

Smokers in Kentucky will have to pay more to light up.  The Governor’s Commission on Tax Reform voted Monday to raise the cigarette tax to $1 per pack from the current rate of 60 cents. 

The Courier-Journal reports the commission also recommended a tax increase on other tobacco products.  The increase in tobacco taxes is expected to raise about $120 million in new revenue in the first year.  Governor Beshear has given the commission until December 15th to make a list of final recommendations.  One of the more complex issues still to be decide is changes to the state income tax.

Enlarge image