Galveston Cruise ship passengers arriving in Texas are required to pay tax on liquor and tobacco that guests bring into the State of Texas. This tax is collected by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). This post will take a look at the tax on alcohol and cigars that guests must pay arriving back into Galveston and discuss some basic information that is helpful for guests that are bringing back alcohol or cigars.
When did Texas begin collecting the alcohol and cigar taxes at the cruise terminals in Galveston?
The Port of Galveston's website mentions that this collection began January 4, 2014. Cruisers who sailed from Galveston prior to this date likely did not encounter a station to pay the taxes to TABC.
Does this tax apply to all cruise lines from Galveston, Texas?
Yes, all of the cruise line passengers sailing into Texas are subject to the rules and must pay the applicable taxes owed to TABC.
When did Texas begin collecting the alcohol and cigar taxes at the cruise terminals in Galveston?
The Port of Galveston's website mentions that this collection began January 4, 2014. Cruisers who sailed from Galveston prior to this date likely did not encounter a station to pay the taxes to TABC.
Does this tax apply to all cruise lines from Galveston, Texas?
Yes, all of the cruise line passengers sailing into Texas are subject to the rules and must pay the applicable taxes owed to TABC.
On my ships and ports of call the alcohol and cigarettes were sold as "duty free". Does this mean I still have to pay?
Carnival Cruise Line issues a letter to guests that mentions all liquor and tobacco that is brought into Texas will be subject to the taxation. Here is a brief excerpt from the letter Carnival issues guests: "The tax is applicable to all liquor and tobacco that enters the state of Texas via the cruise terminal. Therefore, all purchases made onboard and on the islands, will be taxed upon debarkation in the cruise terminal." Unfortunately, even if the alcohol, liquor, or tobacco were sold as duty free they are still subject to the tax that is paid to TABC.
Carnival Cruise Line issues a letter to guests that mentions all liquor and tobacco that is brought into Texas will be subject to the taxation. Here is a brief excerpt from the letter Carnival issues guests: "The tax is applicable to all liquor and tobacco that enters the state of Texas via the cruise terminal. Therefore, all purchases made onboard and on the islands, will be taxed upon debarkation in the cruise terminal." Unfortunately, even if the alcohol, liquor, or tobacco were sold as duty free they are still subject to the tax that is paid to TABC.
Do non-Texas residents have to pay?
Yes, anyone getting off the cruise ship in Texas is required to pay the tax. This means both Texas residents and non-Texas residents are required to pay the tax to TABC. Carnival Cruise Line's letter notes that guests that are non-residents are required to pay regardless of the amount of time being spent in Texas.
Yes, anyone getting off the cruise ship in Texas is required to pay the tax. This means both Texas residents and non-Texas residents are required to pay the tax to TABC. Carnival Cruise Line's letter notes that guests that are non-residents are required to pay regardless of the amount of time being spent in Texas.
What are the amounts and personal limits that TABC imposes on cruise passengers?
Please refer to TABC's website for the latest amount by good that is charged as well as for the personal limits. I have included some helpful links below, which include TABC's website.
Please refer to TABC's website for the latest amount by good that is charged as well as for the personal limits. I have included some helpful links below, which include TABC's website.
How does paying the tax work when getting off a Galveston cruise?
From my experience when cruising from Cruise Terminal 25 and Cruise Terminal 28, TABC is stationed in the cruise terminal after guests go through US Customs. TABC agents will ask guests if they are carrying back any alcohol, cigarettes, liquor, or tobacco products. Guests who answer yes are directed to a TABC table or station to pay the tax. According to TABC's website, taxes can be paid with cash or credit card and a receipt will be issued.
From my experience when cruising from Cruise Terminal 25 and Cruise Terminal 28, TABC is stationed in the cruise terminal after guests go through US Customs. TABC agents will ask guests if they are carrying back any alcohol, cigarettes, liquor, or tobacco products. Guests who answer yes are directed to a TABC table or station to pay the tax. According to TABC's website, taxes can be paid with cash or credit card and a receipt will be issued.
For more information please check out one of the following links (will take you away from RyG's Cruise Guide):
TABC's Website: https://www.tabc.texas.gov/services/texas-ports-of-entry/
Port of Galveston's Website: https://www.portofgalveston.com/191/Notices-to-Cruise-Passengers
Carnival's Website With Info On Texas Tax Declaration: https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1382/~/texas-tax-declaration%3A-the-texas-alcoholic-beverage-commission-%28tabc%29
TABC's Website: https://www.tabc.texas.gov/services/texas-ports-of-entry/
Port of Galveston's Website: https://www.portofgalveston.com/191/Notices-to-Cruise-Passengers
Carnival's Website With Info On Texas Tax Declaration: https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1382/~/texas-tax-declaration%3A-the-texas-alcoholic-beverage-commission-%28tabc%29
Please refer to TABC or your cruise line for the most up to date information!