Well, the California gas tax is actually comprised of several different taxes and fees, which can make it a bit confusing to understand. As of January 1, 2021, the combined state and federal gas tax in California is about 73.5 cents per gallon.
Here's a breakdown of the different components of the gas tax:
- The excise tax is currently 50.5 cents per gallon for gasoline and 38.2 cents per gallon for diesel fuel.
- There is also a 2.25% sales tax on gasoline, which is applied to the overall price of gasoline, including the excise tax.
- In addition to these taxes, there are also underground storage tank fees, an additional local sales tax, and an additional 5.75% state sales tax on diesel fuel.
It's important to note that these numbers are current as of January 2021, and they may be subject to change in the future. Additionally, local jurisdictions may also impose additional taxes or fees on gasoline, so the actual amount you pay at the pump can vary depending on where you are in California.
So, in short, the California gas tax is currently about 73.5 cents per gallon, but there are several different components that make up this total amount.