TOBACCO TAX SECTION 78th ANNUAL MEETING

TOBACCO TAX SECTION
78th ANNUAL MEETING
HYATT REGENCY NEWPORT
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND

AUGUST 29 TO SEPTEMBER 1, 2004

To State Tax Administrators And Guests:

Summary

The 2004 FTA Tobacco Tax Section Annual Meeting will be held in Newport, Rhode Island, August 29 to September 1, 2004. Conference registration form and hotel reservation information are included. The conference will include daily general sessions discussing a variety of current issues in cigarette and tobacco products tax administration. Topics include states’ experiences in administering and enforcing tax increases, criminal investigations, audit issues, Master Settlement Agreement and nonparticipating manufacturer issues. The deadline for advance conference registration is August 6, 2004, and hotel reservations is July 30, 2004.

FTA Tobacco Tax Section Chairperson Johanna Bales, Alaska, and R. Gary Clark, Tax Administrator, RI Division of Taxation, extend a cordial invitation to you to attend the 2004 Annual Meeting of the FTA Tobacco Tax Section, to be held at the Hyatt Regency Newport on Goat Island, Newport, Rhode Island August 29 to September 1, 2004.

Conference Agenda
The conference will open Sunday, August 29, with registration, an executive committee meeting, industry exhibits, and an evening reception. On the preliminary agenda for Monday are a presentation by a noted economist on the economics of cigarette taxation; a panel on regulatory tools to protect cigarette tax revenue, including internet sales; updates from state, federal and Canadian agencies; a presentation on tribal taxation; and updates on tax indicia. Tuesday’s preliminary agenda includes a government-only session dealing with enforcement issues and the master settlement agreement, and an industry forum. It will conclude Wednesday at noon with the annual business meeting. A preliminary agenda is enclosed. Registration will be available on Sunday, August 29, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Local Arrangements
The social program arranged by the Rhode Island Division of Taxation will begin with a Sunday evening reception at the Newport Hyatt Regency and conclude with a Tuesday evening reception and banquet at the hotel. In addition, the guest registrants will be treated to a guided sightseeing tour of Newport’s historic buildings, the rugged beauty of Ten-Mile Ocean Drive and a visit to the fabulous Newport mansions along tree-lined Bellevue Avenue.

Hotel Reservations
Please make your reservations directly with the Hyatt Regency Newport by calling (401) 851-1234. When making reservations, you must mention you are attending the Federation of Tax Administrators Tobacco Tax Meeting.

The room rate for the conference will be $139.00 per night single/double occupancy, plus 12% tax. The cut-off date for making hotel reservations is July 30, 2004. To cancel your reservation without charge, the hotel must receive your cancellation 72 hours prior to your arrival date.

Transportation
Airport Transportation: Cozy Cab Shuttle (401) 846-2500, $20.00 one-way.
Parking: Parking Charge of $10.00 per day for conference attendees.

Conference Registration
Return the attached registration form with your check for the registration fee to:

FTA TOBACCO TAX CONFERENCE
P.O. BOX 28375
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND 02908

Please make your remittance payable to 2004 FTA Tobacco Tax Conference. FTA’s Tobacco Tax Section Federal EIN is 52-1763624. Registration fees are:

Government:	$275.00
Industry Representative:	$400.00
Guest:	$150.00

Advanced registration closes August 6, 2004. A late fee of $30.00 will apply to registrations received after that date.

The FTA Tobacco Tax Section looks forward to your participation at its Annual Meeting in Newport, Rhode Island. If you have any questions concerning the conference, please contact David Thomas at Rhode Island Division of Taxation by: phone (401) 222-6260; fax (401) 222-6314; or e-mail <dthomas@tax.state.ri.us>.