State Taxes - Are Folks Paying Them?

[Joe234]

If one orders snus from an overseas retailer, and does not pay state tax, what
are the chances of getting stuck paying the state tax at some later date?

[GoVegan]

If one orders snus from an overseas retailer, and does not pay state tax, what
are the chances of getting stuck paying the state tax at some later date?

I am thinking slim to none as the state would have to compel an overseas seller to reveal their financial transactions at this time but having said that, The possibility does exists. I have a feeling our government has access to the shipping records of UPS. Also, look at internet gambling where our government has literally hijacked the records of overseas companies via internet and arrested their company officers the second they fly into US soil. At this time, the USA does not have much regard for the rights of other countries so long as it is opposed to whatever they are doing. Also, it would be very easy for our government to look at your credit card records to see where your money is going. Unfortunately, our right to privacy is no more. The AntiPatriot Act allows our government to make blanket requests for financial records. So you are fairly safe because snus is such a small industry but if the government wanted to come after you, it could.

Wow! I just saw on facebook that you can't order snus from Northerner anymore if you live in Oregon because of some new legislation. Sorry to hear that. It doesnt look like you even have the option to order it legally anymore.

[texastorm]

If one orders snus from an overseas retailer, and does not pay state tax, what
are the chances of getting stuck paying the state tax at some later date?

I thought you staunch democrat types where all for paying more and higher taxes? Oh wait never mind you want rich guys to pay yours.

On a non sarcastic humor note, I am just taking a wait and see attitude. If one day they come and ask me for the money I will probably pay it, but I am going to wait until they ask me. Will someone here be willing to smuggle snus to my cell block?

[lxskllr]

That's a reasonable analysis GV, but I'm not so sure about the slim to none part. I could see the government demanding records under the threat of not being allowed to ship to the USA. Personally, if I ran an internet snus company, I'd hold a strict data deletion policy, with no records being kept after 30 days. That would eliminate frequent purchase specials, but freedom isn't always cheap.

[GoVegan]

That's a reasonable analysis GV, but I'm not so sure about the slim to none part. I could see the government demanding records under the threat of not being allowed to ship to the USA. Personally, if I ran an internet snus company, I'd hold a strict data deletion policy, with no records being kept after 30 days. That would eliminate frequent purchase specials, but freedom isn't always cheap.

That would help but you still have credit card and UPS records available. You and Joe are in unique situations where the state government has made it impossible to buy snus from a US based company. If I were in that situation, I would say **** them and order it from Sweden. It almost seems like a form of entrapment if they were to come after you for taxes and they have effectively outlawed the one source of snus that does pay taxes.

[sirloot]

My question is :
Why should you pay state taxes on something that #1 isnt even made in the State and #2 not buying it from a store within that state ? if Amazon can get away with it in most states why not Internet Snus Dealers ?

[GoVegan]

My question is :
Why should you pay state taxes on something that #1 isnt even made in the State and #2 not buying it from a store within that state ? if Amazon can get away with it in most states why not Internet Snus Dealers ?

Amazon did not get away with it they just bought some time. They agreed to California's demand that they collect state tax but they wanted a year to be in full compliance with it. Other states are sure to follow!

[lxskllr]

That would help but you still have credit card and UPS records available. You and Joe are in unique situations where the state government has made it impossible to buy snus from a US based company. If I were in that situation, I would say **** them and order it from Sweden. It almost seems like a form of entrapment if they were to come after you for taxes and they have effectively outlawed the one source of snus that does pay taxes.

Prepaid Visa would get rid of one attack vector. UPS is a tough one. The only way around that is outright bootlegging. I don't have a problem with that, but getting a legitimate company to play along is unlikely.

[GoVegan]

I just don't see how state governments can outlaw the purchase of tobacco online and then act shocked about the amount of tobacco being purchased overseas. It also seems like the list of states banning online tobacco purchases is growing fast and with little to no advanced warning. Why is there no middle ground on this war against tobacco? You would think that states would be thrilled to see companies like Northerner set up shop because they collect the taxes for them but instead, they tend to screw the legitimate companies through legislation. Also, the whole industry could easily die if UPS just decided to no longer allow tobacco shipments as company policy. The days of online tobacco stores be it here or overseas are numbered. As far as taxes go, I see it like MP3's. The odds of getting caught are remote. It is just too expensive and time consuming to go after individuals but they will make examples out of the ones they do catch.

[Mill]

GoVegan,

No question that online sales will not last!!! Taxes and restrictions can and most likely will be imposed with little warning.

I think it is critical to take advantage of sales and try to stock up as much as possible. Before PACT I loaded up and am now gradually restocking...the wife just has to deal with a corner of the freezer being offlimits.

Even with the recent increases in snus prices it still seems a fraction of the cost of smoking and in terms of health incalculable.

My strategy forward is to order what I can when on overseas business trips.

Don't recall reading any posts on buying duty free snus at the airport in Sweden.

Anyone stock up there?

I just don't see how state governments can outlaw the purchase of tobacco online and then act shocked about the amount of tobacco being purchased overseas. It also seems like the list of states banning online tobacco purchases is growing fast and with little to no advanced warning. Why is there no middle ground on this war against tobacco? You would think that states would be thrilled to see companies like Northerner set up shop because they collect the taxes for them but instead, they tend to screw the legitimate companies through legislation. Also, the whole industry could easily die if UPS just decided to no longer allow tobacco shipments as company policy. The days of online tobacco stores be it here or overseas are numbered. As far as taxes go, I see it like MP3's. The odds of getting caught are remote. It is just too expensive and time consuming to go after individuals but they will make examples out of the ones they do catch.

[Joe234]

Wow! I just saw on facebook that you can't order snus from Northerner anymore if you live in Oregon because of some new legislation. Sorry to hear that. It doesnt look like you even have the option to order it legally anymore.

I wondered why my test order on The Northerner would not process.

WTF is this all about? I've used snus for a year and a half and now I'm cut off??

What are my options folks?

[GoVegan]

I wondered why my test order on The Northerner would not process.

WTF is this all about? I've used snus for a year and a half and now I'm cut off??

What are my options folks?

Your screwed! Your options are 1. Take up smoking 2. Order overseas and skip the taxes 3. Get it from an overpriced tobacco store that will laugh at you when you make any special requests 4. Order it from the snuson exchange or auction section. 5. Quit

Update - I don't see any new laws that prohibit the shipment of snus in Oregon. It does look like your Attorney General is trying to ban e cigs and suing people who sell them there and I am thinking that may have something to do with it as he is targeting reduced harm alternatives.

[rickcharles606]

The Oregon situation is temporary. It will be rectified very soon, sorry for the inconvenience guys. License renewal issues, but all will be worked out very soon. Again...sorry for the issues.

[Joe234]

The Oregon situation is temporary. It will be rectified very soon, sorry for the inconvenience guys. License renewal issues, but all will be worked out very soon. Again...sorry for the issues.

Sounds like and issue for Occupy Wall Street.

[GoVegan]

Sounds like and issue for Occupy Wall Street.

How about a sigh of relief instead?