Tax Deductions and Credits The Highs and Lows of Gasoline Tax Read the Article Open Share Drawer Share this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Written by Ginita Wall Published Aug 13, 2013 - [Updated Jul 19, 2019] 2 min read Nobody likes high gas prices — or taxes — and in many states you are being hit with both this summer. For example, in July the California state gasoline tax rate was raised 3.5 cents to almost 72 cents a gallon, which is the highest gas tax rate in the country, with New York gas taxes just a few cents behind. It’s likely that you never think about the gas tax when you fill your tank. That’s because it is included in the cost of each gallon, rather than being added on at the end of the sale like sales tax, or collected at tax time like income taxes. But even if you never think of gas tax, it is likely that you benefit from its collection: state excise tax on gasoline funds highway and mass transit projects in most states. Though California gas taxes are the highest in the country, they are significant in other states as well. The average tax on a gallon of gas is 49 cents nationwide. What does that mean to your wallet? If you drive 15,000 miles a year at 25 mpg and pay 49 cents a gallon for gas taxes, you would pay almost $300 per year extra for gasoline. You unfortunately can’t take a tax deduction for gas taxes on your federal income tax return, however it is a component of the auto mileage rates that you can deduct on your taxes for use of your vehicle for business, moving, medical, or charitable purposes. The deductible standard mileage rates are: 56.5 cents per mile for business miles driven 24 cents per mile driven for medical and moving 14 cents per mile for service of a charitable organization So next time you are filling up, check out the sticker on the pump that lists what makes up the cost of each gallon – you’ll be amazed. Previous Post Tax Deductions for Newlyweds Next Post Tax Tips if You Traveled for Charity Work This Summer Written by Ginita Wall More from Ginita Wall One response to “The Highs and Lows of Gasoline Tax” If the gas has a sales tax – that component of the taxes is deductible…. not the excise taxes, but the sales tax – how is that different than the sales tax on purchasing dishes and silverware at Target…?? Reply Leave a ReplyCancel reply Browse Related Articles Tax News Intuit TurboTax April Report: A Look at Refunds and S… Tax Planning April 15 is the Tax Deadline: 6 Things You Need to Know… Tax Planning Unable to Pay Your Tax Bill? Here’s What To Do Tax Tips Tax Credits 101: What They Are & How They Work Business How to Know if You Should Invest in Business Insurance Tax Deductions and Credits What Is the Standard Tax Deduction for 2023 – 202… 401K, IRA, Stocks Should You Use Your 401(k) or Retirement to Pay Off Deb… Tax Planning What Happens If You Don’t Pay Taxes? Understanding Pe… Tax Deductions and Credits Family Taxes: Take Advantage of Tax Savings Taxes 101 How Much Do You Have to Make to File Taxes? Demystifyin…
If the gas has a sales tax – that component of the taxes is deductible…. not the excise taxes, but the sales tax – how is that different than the sales tax on purchasing dishes and silverware at Target…?? Reply