Tax Data
Excise Taxes
Excise taxes are special taxes on specific goods or activities—such as gasoline, tobacco or gambling—rather than general tax bases such as income or consumption. Excise taxes are often included in the final price of products and services, and are often hidden to consumers. Overall excise taxes account for less than 10 percent of all federal receipts. All 50 states and many local municipalities levy excise taxes of various kinds. Studies show excise taxes are disproportionately borne by low-income taxpayers, making them one of the most regressive components of the U.S. tax system.
Additional questions about excise taxes? Contact Bill Ahern at (202) 464-5101.
Tax Data from The Tax Foundation
- Federal Gasoline Excise Tax Rate, 1932-2008, April 30, 2008
- Oil Profits and Taxes, 1981-2006 , April 2, 2008
- The Growth in Federal Gasoline Taxes, 1932-2005, March 11, 2008
- State Sales, Gasoline, Cigarette, and Alcohol Tax Rates by State, 2000-2008, March 7, 2008
- Toll Revenue vs. Motor Fuel Taxes by State, 2005, June 11, 2007
- State Motor Fuel Tax Collections by State, 2006, June 7, 2007
- Federal Excise Tax Collections, 1940-2006, April 28, 2006
- Effective State, Local & Federal Telecommunications Taxes by State, 2004, May 25, 2005
- Federal Excise Tax Rates, 1944-2003, December 31, 2003