N.Y. C-stores Face Cigarette Tax Stamp Confusion

ALBANY, N.Y. — The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance prompted a bout of retailer confusion when it changed the colors of cigarette tax stamps without notification on Sept. 1, according to the New York Association of Convenience Stores [NYACS].

All state tax stamps sold to stamping agents are now pink instead of yellow, and all joint state/New York City stamps sold to stamping agents are now lime green instead of pink.

The Department traditionally changes the stamp color every two years with notice, but no such notice was issued this time, NYACS stated. As a result, some retailers that received products with the new stamp color hesitated to sell it, as they were unsure if it had been properly stamped.

NYACS advised c-stores if they have cigarettes stamped with the previous color in stock or receive more from their distributor, they are fine to sell. There is no cutoff date for the transition from one color to the next.