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2026 Session

Budget Amendments - SB30 (Member Request)

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Chief Patron: Jordan
Cigar Tax Modifications (language only)

Item 3-5.17 #1s

Item 3-5.17 #1s

Adjustments and Modifications to Tax Collections
Cigarette Tax, Tobacco Products Tax and Tax on Liquid Nicotine

Language

Page 598, after line 6, insert:

"3. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the tobacco products tax imposed under § 58.1-1021.02 of the Code of Virginia shall be imposed on cigars at the rate of 20 percent or 30 cents per cigar, whichever is less, beginning July 1, 2026, for taxable sales or purchases occurring on and after such date."



Explanation

(This amendment imposes a 20.0 percent tobacco products tax on cigars or 30 cents per cigar, whichever is less. Cigars are currently taxed at 20.0 percent of the manufacturer's sale price. As a placeholder, based on Department of Taxation estimates, this assigns a revenue reduction of $1.7 million in FY 2027 and $1.8 million in FY 2028 to the Health Care Fund. Health Care Fund revenue is used as the state match to Medicaid; therefore, a companion amendment backfills Medicaid with general fund for the state match to Medicaid.)