How to Calculate Your State’s Fuel Tax

Motor vehicle fuels like gasoline and gasohol are subject to motor vehicle fuel tax. However, some taxpayers may be eligible for a refund on their fuel tax payments. In addition to gasoline, other types of fuel are taxed, including diesel, biodiesel, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, waste oil, and soy oil. These fuels are subject to the 23-cents-per-gallon motor vehicle fuel tax when used in a licensed vehicle.

Motor fuel taxes vary widely from state to state. In most states, motor fuel taxes are set as a percentage of the sale price. To determine the rates in your state, you can check AAA fuel prices. Each state will calculate an average motor fuel tax based on the AAA’s report of current fuel prices. This way, you can compare your state’s motor fuel tax to those of other states. You can also use API’s fuel price index to find the tax rate for different fuel types.

Certain governmental entities and retailers may qualify for a license exemption. If you are selling fuel in Colorado, you need a license to sell it. Getting a license will ensure that you comply with all of Colorado’s laws and regulations. In addition to obtaining a license, you must remit the applicable tax and file monthly returns. Additionally, you must have a sign posted in front of your retail location indicating that you are selling fuel, not motor vehicles. If you are selling LPG, you must have other licenses and apply for them.

In addition to gas taxes, fuel tax rates vary across the country. The highest gasoline tax rate is 58.8 cents in California. The lowest gasoline and diesel tax rates are found in Pennsylvania and Illinois, respectively. The highest rates can reach up to 42 cents per gallon in New Jersey. This is more than double the national average, which makes California the most expensive state in which to drive. Aside from gas taxes, there are other state fees that must be paid on fuel, including environmental fees, aviation licenses, and load and clean-up fees.

In New York state, the per-gallon price of gas is increasing as a result of a war in Ukraine. Some state lawmakers have pushed for gas tax relief to help consumers. But despite the state-wide gas tax relief, the federal government’s fuel supply has been affected by an oil shortage in Ukraine. That’s why they are urging state lawmakers to consider lowering the tax. And if they do, they’ll lower the gas tax to avoid any additional burden on the motorist.