Navigating California's 11% Excise Tax on Firearms and Ammunition: What You Need to Know

Understanding California's New Excise Tax on Guns and Ammunition

Alright folks, buckle up because we’ve got some news that’s going to hit you right in the wallet especially if you’re in California and you love your firearms and ammo. As of July 1, 2024, the cost of owning these bad boys has gone up, thanks to the all-new, shiny Assembly Bill 28. Yep, you heard it right. This law slaps an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition sales. Ouch, right? But hey, we’re here to break it down for you and maybe lighten the mood a bit.

So, What’s the Deal with Assembly Bill 28?

Picture this: Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel, probably sipping on a latte, decided California needed something extra. And boom, Assembly Bill 28 was born. Also known as the Gun Violence Prevention and School Safety Act, this bill got the nod from Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2023. Now, every gun and ammo sale gets a neat little 11% tax on top. It’s like that cherry on your sundae except it’s not delicious.

Where’s All This Money Going?

You’re probably wondering, “Why are they taking more of my money?” Good question! The revenue from this tax is funneled into the Gun Violence Prevention and School Safety Fund. According to AB 28, it’s supposed to do some good. The money will be splashed on:

• Grants and programs for violence intervention and prevention.
• School safety improvements, because apparently, that’s still a thing.
• Programs helping victims of gun violence and supporting firearm relinquishment.
• Informational gun safety initiatives, so everyone can be as clued up as possible.

What This Means for You

Alright, straight talk now. If you’re buying guns or ammo, expect to pay more. Dealers, manufacturers, and vendors are rolling this new tax into their prices, and guess what? That extra cost lands squarely on your shoulders. The good old federal tax already had us at 10-11%, and now this. So yeah, owning a gun in California just got pricier.

Fear Tactics and Your Protection

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Some folks see this law as a giant fear tactic – a nudge to get you to buy firearms and ammo before prices go even higher. And hey, who doesn’t love a good panic buy, right? But seriously, consider your needs for personal protection and make informed choices. Don’t let the fearmongering drive you crazy.

The Market Shuffle

Now, here’s where things get interesting. Some big-shot retailers might eat part of this tax to keep you coming back. Take Sportsman’s Warehouse, for instance – they’re eating 11% of the tax. But wait, there’s more! We’re also joining the party by covering 6% of the excise tax for the whole month of July. Think of it as our way of saying, “Hey, we’ve got your back during this wild ride.”

The Bigger Picture

This excise tax is just one piece of a bigger puzzle. California’s lawmakers are on a roll with new gun control measures. Besides this tax, they’re also restricting concealed weapons in public and making financial institutions track firearm sales. The goal? To reduce gun violence and boost public safety. It’s a tough balance, but they’re going for it.

Wrapping It Up

So, there you have it. The new 11% excise tax on guns and ammo in California is here to stay, bringing financial challenges but also aiming to fund programs tackling gun violence and school safety.

In response, the Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) has filed a Second Amendment lawsuit, Jaymes v. Maduros, challenging the tax's constitutionality. FPC President Brandon Combs calls the tax a modern Jim Crow law targeting disfavored rights. Supported by the NRA, CRPA, and SAF, the lawsuit seeks to block the law's enforcement, arguing it unfairly targets the constitutional right to keep and bear arms.

With this legal challenge underway, our company is covering 6% of the excise tax for the entire month of July to help ease the burden on our customers during this transition.