Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Maraya1969

(22,441 posts)
Mon Dec 17, 2012, 10:08 PM Dec 2012

What would happen if they imposed a really high tax on guns and ammunition? I just checked and

you can buy ammo tax free on the internet. That is terrible. I think it should be taxed at least as high as cigarettes and maybe even higher. Guns should be taxes as much too.

Of course considering what people pay for their guns it won't stop much but it may stop some. Every little bit helps.

As long as the President enacts the laws that are on the books also.

4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
What would happen if they imposed a really high tax on guns and ammunition? I just checked and (Original Post) Maraya1969 Dec 2012 OP
Taxing is tricky BeyondGeography Dec 2012 #1
There's a federal excise built into the price, sort of like with gasoline Recursion Dec 2012 #2
I read up on this last night. DURHAM D Dec 2012 #4
I would like to see a surtax DURHAM D Dec 2012 #3

BeyondGeography

(39,276 posts)
1. Taxing is tricky
Mon Dec 17, 2012, 10:14 PM
Dec 2012

With cigarettes, the number of smokers dwindles all the time, and the tax is seen as an investment in public health since it's designed to discourage consumption. With guns, it's not clear that would happen, so you'd potentially have a growing revenue stream supported by growing numbers of people and you a) have to answer to them and b) have to worry about governments becoming addicted to the cash.

Better to eliminate certain forms of consumption altogether.

Recursion

(56,582 posts)
2. There's a federal excise built into the price, sort of like with gasoline
Mon Dec 17, 2012, 10:17 PM
Dec 2012

It funds wetlands conservation or something like that.

DURHAM D

(32,595 posts)
4. I read up on this last night.
Mon Dec 17, 2012, 10:53 PM
Dec 2012

It is a 10% tax that is collected at the federal level, given to the Department of the Interior and the proceeds are then sent to the state. It goes to fish and wildlife for management of hunting areas.

When I opened the link for those items that are taxed vs. those not taxed it was missing so I don't know what the loopholes are but I assume there are many.

DURHAM D

(32,595 posts)
3. I would like to see a surtax
Mon Dec 17, 2012, 10:47 PM
Dec 2012

on all license, weapons and ammunition and the proceeds earmarked for mental health programs.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»What would happen if they...