A new state tax on guns and ammunition in Colorado is sparking concerns among residents, with some calling it a move to “turn law-abiding gun owners into criminals” and “reduce gun ownership.” The 6.5% excise tax on gun sales, as well as the 10 to 11% federal tax, will add up to an effective 25% tax rate for small gun stores, affecting their ability to operate in the state. The tax is designed to generate $39 million annually, which will be directed towards mental health and public safety initiatives.
El Paso County Commissioner Stan VanderWerf criticized the move, saying, “It’s not caused by the guns at all, it’s caused by evil intent – these laws turn law-abiding gun owners into criminals. But the point is to reduce gun ownership. The point is to eliminate points of sale to make it harder to purchase, own, and procure a gun.” He contended that gun control measures are designed to chip away at the Second Amendment, citing the state of California’s practice of slowly closing off gun ownership options.
The tax is expected to impact small business owners like Hammer Down Firearms, which has seen 34 attempted burglaries since it opened in 2012. Owners Chris Jandro and Mike Rickert expressed frustration that politicians wouldn’t address the issues plaguing their business, such as the recent successful burglary that resulted in $200,000 in losses. “Isn’t it fascinating? You have to be taxed for a constitutional right!” Jandro said, criticizing the tax as a “sin tax.”
Colorado State Representative Monica Duran, a key advocate of the bill, argued that the move was necessary to help fund mental health and public safety initiatives, particularly for victims of domestic violence. However, opponents of the measure argue that it will disproportionately affect law-abiding citizens and those who need protection, particularly women who are victims of domestic abuse.