What is an excise tax and why do I have to pay so much?

During a portion of 2005 and 2006 I purchased a total of 18 cartons of cigarettes online for a discounted rate. These were not sold, they were for my own personal use, also for my boyfriend.

I received a bill today in the mail for almost $500 for sales and excise tax. The sales tax total is $60.00, but the excise tax is $420.00. What exactly is the excise tax and how is the state of NJ able to charge me the excise tax and is there anything I can do to reduce these charges?

I just wanted to get some answers before I called and paid anything.


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