St. Kitts-Nevis 'War Tax' Stamps

The "War Tax" stamps were issued during World War I to help fund the war effort.   Generally these stamps were regular stamp issues that were overprinted with the words "WAR", "WAR TAX" or "WAR STAMP".

The War Tax Acts in most colonies and countries stated that the War Tax stamps were to be used in addition to whatever postage fees were due on the item being mailed (postcards, letters and parcels). While the stamps were supposed to be used just to pay for the War Tax, many times they were also used to pay part of the postage and registration fees (as long as the total amount with the war tax was correct, it appears that most countries did not seem to mind).

St Kitts-Nevis followed the pattern of the other Leeward Islands colonies. In October 1916 the ½d stamp appeared overprinted “WAR TAX”. Then in August 1918 there was the issue of a special printing of a 1½d stamp, in orange, this time overprinted ‘WAR STAMP”.

'WAR STAMPS. By Rule made in Council on 12th February, 1917 the St. Kitts-Nevis 1/2 d. green (Columbus design) was surcharged WAR TAX. Owing to the demand, on account of increased postage rates, for a 1-1/2 d. stamp, in July, 1918, a St. Kitts-Nevis (Columbus design) Stamp of the value of "one penny half penny" (orange colour), surcharged WAR STAMP, was printed and issued throughout the Presidency. The issue of these stamps ceased after the conclusion of peace.'
- p.121 A Handbook of St. Kitts-Nevis. 1920