MS HB1573

Increases the Mississippi excise tax on cigarettes from 3.4 cents to 8.4 cents per cigarette sold, effective July 1, 2019.

Maintains the 15% excise tax rate on other tobacco products (cigars, snuff, chewing tobacco, smoking tobacco) based on manufacturer's list price.

Brings forward Section 27-70-5 establishing a tobacco equity tax of $0.0135 per cigarette on all cigarettes, with annual increases of the greater of 3% or the Consumer Price Index.

Exempts cigarettes manufactured by parties to the tobacco settlement agreement from the tobacco equity tax.

Requires distributors to remit the tobacco equity tax by the 15th day of the month following the month cigarettes are stamped, with returns showing quantity and brand family information.