To Our Readers:

As part of new tax laws passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Pete Wilson, newspapers and other periodicals sold in California are now subject to sales taxes for the first time ever.

The new tax law went into effect July 15. This law applies both to home delivery subscriptions and the newspapers purchased from a news rack, newsstand or store.

Subscription statements mailed to Times subscribers starting July 15 will reflect the new sales tax application on home delivery subscriptions. The total amount shown on a subscriber’s statement will include applicable California sales taxes for delivery service rendered after July 14.

The single copy price of The Times, which has not changed since 1979, has been increased to 35 cents for daily editions. The Sunday single copy price changes to $1.50, effective today. The single copy price in news racks will include tax. Copies priced elsewhere may have tax added. The single copy price increase also reflects ongoing operating costs for The Times. Prices may vary in designated areas.