Sins Sell – But What about the Sales and Excise Taxes

Sins — those related to drinking (alcohol or sugary drinks), smoking (tobacco or marijuana), gambling, or sex — have been around for quite a while. Sin taxes, both worldwide and particularly among the states, are just now becoming a hot growing trend. 

In numerous states, sins are an easy target to tax, especially where a state has a revenue shortfall. State legislative representatives simply argue that what they are taxing is detrimental to the good of the individual or the community. While the tax may be directed at certain vendors, for the most part, the cost is ultimately absorbed by the consumer.