Tobacco Association Argues Against Raising Cigarette Tax

As per the Iranian National Tax Administration’s data, the tobacco industry paid a total of 61 trillion rials ($230 million) in taxes over the 11 months ending Feb. 19, which accounts for 3% of the government’s total tax revenues during the period, says chairman of Tobacco Products Importers and Exporters Association.
“Tobacco industry pays a total of 40% in taxes and 25% in value added tax. That’s contrary to some parliamentarians’ claim that the industry pays less than 15% in taxes,” Mohammad Reza Tajdar was also quoted as saying by Mehr News Agency.
“There are between 12 and 15 million smokers in Iran,” he said, noting that the exponential rise in the prices of cigarettes would disrupt the economy.