New California Gun and Ammo Tax Becomes Law: What to Know

New California gun control laws are effective as of July 1. One doubles the tax on guns and ammunition purchased in the state.

picture of California state capitol with flag
(Image credit: Getty Images)

California has a gun and ammo tax now that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed several new gun control measures. One piece of legislation, California SB2, bans the carrying of firearms in most public places within the state. Another measure, AB 28, doubles the tax on guns and ammunition purchased in California. The move makes California the only state to add a separate excise tax on ammunition and firearms.

In a release regarding the measures, Newsom pointed to the effectiveness of gun laws in the Golden State. “The data proves they save lives: California’s gun death rate is 43% lower than the rest of the nation. These new laws will make our communities and families safer,” Newsom said.

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Kelley R. Taylor
Senior Tax Editor, Kiplinger.com

As the senior tax editor at Kiplinger.com, Kelley R. Taylor simplifies federal and state tax information, news, and developments to help empower readers. Kelley has over two decades of experience advising on and covering education, law, finance, and tax as a corporate attorney and business journalist.