Understanding Fuel Tax in the USA
Fuel tax is a crucial component of government revenue and plays a significant role in funding infrastructure projects, particularly the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, and highways. In the United States, fuel tax is imposed at both federal and state levels, with rates varying significantly from one state to another.
Federal Fuel Tax Rates
The federal government imposes a uniform tax on fuel across all states. As of now, the federal fuel tax rates are:
- Gasoline: $0.184 per gallon
- Diesel: $0.244 per gallon
These rates have remained unchanged for several years and are used primarily to fund the Highway Trust Fund, which supports the construction and repair of the nation's roadways and public transportation systems.
State Fuel Tax Rates
In addition to the federal fuel tax, each state imposes its own tax on fuel. State fuel tax rates vary widely and can be influenced by various factors including the state's infrastructure needs, political climate, and fiscal policies. Below is a table listing the state fuel tax rates:
| State | Gasoline Tax (per gallon) | Diesel Tax (per gallon) |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $0.29 | $0.29 |
| Alaska | $0.0895 | $0.0895 |
| Arizona | $0.18 | $0.18 |
| Arkansas | $0.247 | $0.247 |
| California | $0.511 | $0.511 |
| Colorado | $0.22 | $0.22 |
| Connecticut | $0.25 | $0.25 |
| Delaware | $0.23 | $0.23 |
| District of Columbia | $0.235 | $0.235 |
| Florida | $0.26325 | $0.26325 |
| Georgia | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Hawaii | $0.16 | $0.16 |
| Idaho | $0.32 | $0.32 |
| Illinois | $0.392 | $0.392 |
| Indiana | $0.34 | $0.34 |
| Iowa | $0.2725 | $0.2725 |
| Kansas | $0.24 | $0.24 |
| Kentucky | $0.287 | $0.287 |
| Louisiana | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Maine | $0.30 | $0.30 |
| Maryland | $0.271 | $0.271 |
| Massachusetts | $0.24 | $0.24 |
| Michigan | $0.272 | $0.272 |
| Minnesota | $0.285 | $0.285 |
| Mississippi | $0.18 | $0.18 |
| Missouri | $0.195 | $0.195 |
| Montana | $0.325 | $0.325 |
| Nebraska | $0.248 | $0.248 |
| Nevada | $0.23 | $0.23 |
| New Hampshire | $0.222 | $0.222 |
| New Jersey | $0.423 | $0.423 |
| New Mexico | $0.17 | $0.17 |
| New York | $0.2535 | $0.2535 |
| North Carolina | $0.385 | $0.385 |
| North Dakota | $0.23 | $0.23 |
| Ohio | $0.385 | $0.385 |
| Oklahoma | $0.19 | $0.19 |
| Oregon | $0.38 | $0.38 |
| Pennsylvania | $0.576 | $0.576 |
| Rhode Island | $0.34 | $0.34 |
| South Carolina | $0.26 | $0.26 |
| South Dakota | $0.28 | $0.28 |
| Tennessee | $0.26 | $0.26 |
| Texas | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Utah | $0.345 | $0.345 |
| Vermont | $0.3201 | $0.3201 |
| Virginia | $0.262 | $0.262 |
| Washington | $0.494 | $0.494 |
| West Virginia | $0.372 | $0.372 |
| Wisconsin | $0.309 | $0.309 |
| Wyoming | $0.24 | $0.24 |
How the Fuel Tax Calculator Works
Our fuel tax calculator is designed to provide you with an accurate estimate of the total fuel tax you will pay based on the amount of fuel you purchase, the type of fuel, and the state in which you make the purchase. Here’s how it works:
- Enter the amount of fuel you wish to purchase in gallons.
- Select the type of fuel (gasoline or diesel).
- Select the state where the fuel is being purchased.
- Click the "Calculate Tax" button to see a detailed breakdown of the tax amount.
The calculator uses the latest state tax rates along with the federal tax rates to provide an accurate calculation. The breakdown includes the state tax per gallon, federal tax per gallon, total state tax, total federal tax, and the total tax amount.