Tobacco tax is a tax imposed upon the consumer of tobacco products at the time of purchase. The Michigan Tobacco Products Tax Act PA 327 of 1993 as amended sets specific requirements for licensing, stamping, collecting and remittance of the tobacco taxes. The Act provides civil and criminal penalties for violations of the Tobacco Tax Act.

How do I get an application?

The Application for a Tobacco Products Tax License, Form 336 is available on-line. You may also contact the Tobacco tax Unit at 517-636-4630 to have a copy mailed or faxed to you, or you may call our toll-free phone number for forms at 1-800-367-6263.

What are the dates of the license year?

The license year runs from July 1st through June 30th.

How do I get a renewal application?

We send renewal applications automatically to each licensee each spring. The licensee should complete the renewal application and return it to the Michigan Department of Treasury with the appropriate license fee(s) by June 1st to ensure that the renewal license is received by July 1st.

May I sell cigarettes and/or tobacco products from behind the counter of a bar, restaurant or hotel?

Yes, as long as the tobacco tax has been paid and the tobacco products are out of reach of minors.

Do I need a State of Michigan tobacco tax license to sell cigarettes in my bar, bowling alley, or store (i.e., convenience store, grocery store or party store?

You do not need a license, as long as you purchase all the cigarettes and other tobacco products from a wholesaler licensed with the State of Michigan who affixes the tobacco tax stamp to the cigarettes and remits the appropriate tax to the State.

How do I find out who is a wholesaler licensed with the State of Michigan?

You may contact the Michigan Distributors and Vendors Association at (517) 372-2323 or ask the wholesaler for a copy of their current State of Michigan tobacco tax license (not sales tax license).

I have a vending machine that dispenses tobacco products. Do I need to have a license to sell tobacco products?

Yes. The fee is $25.00 for each location that the tobacco products are stored at, not for each vending machine. A current marker must be visibly placed on each vending machine.

Is there a limit to the number of vending machines that I may have under one license?

No. However, you must provide to the Michigan Department of Treasury a list of the business names and addresses where each vending machine is located. Include your business name and account number (FE, ME or TR) on the list. Vending machines must be placed in a location so that they can be monitored to prevent sales to minors.

What is the Tobacco Tax Rate?

Effective July 1, 2004

• Cigarette tax rate - .10 per (10 cents) individual stick or $2.00 per pack of 20.

• Other Tobacco Products - Cigars, non-cigarette smoking tobacco and smokeless tobacco tax rate is 32% of the wholesale price which is the price charged by the manufacturer including the federal taxes before any discounts.

Are Blunts subject to tobacco tax?

          Yes, they fall under other tobacco products (OTP) category and are subject to tobacco tax.

Who is required to file a tobacco tax return?

The Michigan Tobacco Products Tax Return, must be filed monthly by licensed wholesalers and unclassified acquirers of both cigarettes and other tobacco products.

When are the tax returns due?

Returns are due on the 20th of the month following the reporting period. The returns must be filed even if no tobacco was purchased or imported.

Is the reporting of total ounces mandatory on the tobacco taxes return?

Yes, only for Roll-your-own Non Participating Manufacturer products.

Is the reporting brand information required for participating Manufacturer Tobacco Products?

No, Brand information is only required for Non-Participating Manufacturer products.

How do I contact the Tobacco Tax Unit?

You may contact the Tobacco Tax Unit by:

• fax at (517) 636-4631
• writing to the Michigan Department of Treasury, Customer Contact Division, Tobacco Tax Unit, Lansing, MI 48922
• sending an email to: treas-tobaccotaxes@michigan.gov
• phone at (517) 636-4630