Sin taxes

A seemingly favorite way for government to tax is with the so-called “sin” taxes. Ostensibly, these taxes are imposed to reduce behavior that society considers unhealthy, immoral, or just undesirable in some way. That is why there is a tax on soda, alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and ammunition and firearms. According to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, revenue collected in 2011 for just some of the above-referenced items totaled approximately $26 billion. (Source: Statistical Release, December 1, 2011, www.TTB.gov)