Cigar Assoc of America Inc
Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.
What it says it does
Our vision is to ensure a strong, vibrant, and growing cigar industry. We achieve this vision through our threefold mission: (1) Championing member-driven advocacy to defend and protect the industry from harmful regulations and legislation. (2) Raising awareness of the positive economic impact and charitable contributions of our members and the industry. (3) Promoting policies that foster growth and deliver value for our members and the industry.
- Income
- $5.3 million
- Spending
- $5.4 million
- Employees
- 5
- Volunteers
- 0
- Highest pay
- $279,861, vice president of finance & operations
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Governance
This return does not answer enough of the governance questions to score.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (9)
- $2.2 million spent. State Affairs Program Activities: CAA actively monitors and responds to tax and regulatory developments affecting the cigar industry at state and local levels. As the industry's advocate, CAA represents its members' views on legislation, taxation, regulation, and other government issues. Member companies are promptly informed of any proposed legislation that could negatively impact the cigar industry. When necessary, CAA takes action to prevent harmful regulations or pursues litigation in specific states to protect its members' best interests.
- $250,000 spent. Federal Affairs Program Activities: CAA monitors and responds to federal tax and regulatory developments affecting the cigar industry. As a dedicated advocate, CAA represents its members' interests by conveying the industry's perspectives on regulation, taxation, and legislative matters to lawmakers and relevant government agencies. Members are promptly informed of any proposed federal legislation that may negatively impact the cigar industry. When necessary, CAA takes action to halt unfavorable regulations or pursue litigation to protect the industry's interests.
- $678,838 spent. FDA Litigation, State Litigation, Other Litigation, and Industry Regulation Monitoring and Response: Most of these expenses relate to ongoing litigation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 2023, the association continued its legal and regulatory efforts with the FDA on behalf of its members. These legal services included engaging in discussions, educating, and informing the FDA about the cigar industry, explaining how our products are processed and manufactured, highlighting the unique challenges of regulating the industry, and emphasizing the impact that FDA regulations could have on our members and the industry as a whole. Other expenses in this category address litigation with local and state governments, focusing on tax issues, legislation, and sales bans that affect the cigar industry.
- Economic Insights and Reporting: This program activity encompasses various member surveys for reporting on purchases and sales, along with statistical reporting of industry data. It includes analysis of key industry metrics, such as import and export data, as well as domestic manufacturing information provided by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).
- Public Relations and Communications: This program activity involves public communication, industry promotion, and targeted PR efforts through social media, our website, press releases, and other media outlets. Expenses include fees for public affairs and communications consulting, graphic design for social media, website, and promotional materials, as well as website development and maintenance. Additional costs cover meetings and events sponsored or co-sponsored by the Cigar Association of America.
- Annual Meeting Expenses: The annual board and member meeting is a pivotal event for the Cigar Association of America, uniting industry leaders to discuss key issues, regulatory updates, and advocacy priorities. It includes strategic sessions on legislative challenges, and market insights, along with networking opportunities and collaborative team sessions. This meeting strengthens industry alignment, member engagement, provides valuable data and insights, and reinforces CAA's mission to support and advance the cigar industry.
- $87,263 spent. Public relations and communications expenses for promotion of CAA.
- $205,426 spent. Annual Meeting Conference Expenses
- $37,382 spent. Statistical Reporting and Economic Insights Program
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(6) business league.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(6) business league as not deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since May 1938.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.