History of Michigan's tax on Cigarettes
• Pre-1994: 25 cents a pack
• Pre-1994: 25 cents a pack • 1994: 75 cents a pack • 2002: $1.25 a pack • 2004-today: $2 a pack, tied for fourth-highest in the nation with five other states. Rules for smokers (22% of Michigan adults) It is illegal to: • Possess, import or sell Cigarettes not taxed in Michigan. (Licensed wholesalers can buy Cigarettes outside of Michigan, but must affix a state stamp on each pack). • Buy untaxed Cigarettes over the Internet. Penalties: Importing 15 cartons or More is a potential 5-year felony and $50,000 fine. Bringing in less than 15 cartons is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $1,000 or five times the retail value of the Cigarettes, whichever is More. Making or using counterfeit tobacco stamps is a possible 10-year, $50,000-fine felony. Back taxes: Since February 2005, the state has collected about $19 million in back taxes from Internet sales. Sources: Citizens Research Council of Michigan, Michigan Department of Treasury, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.