High gas prices can put a damper on vacations and road trips, and high gas taxes can make filling up feel even more painful. Unfortunately, some states have very high gas taxes. But, the good news is that if you know which ones they are, you can try to plan your gas stops accordingly.
The federal gas tax isn’t too bad at $0.183 per gallon, but these states charge more than twice that amount. Diesel taxes aren’t much better. The federal tax on diesel fuel is $0.243 per gallon, but diesel taxes on this list range from $0.372 to $0.88. So, if filling up can wait until you cross state lines, it might be worth it.
Here are 10 states to avoid getting gas in (if possible).
(Note: State or local sales taxes may not be included in the gas tax totals listed.)
[Gas and diesel tax prices are based on data from the Federation of Tax Administrators and the Tax Policy Center. This data reflects prices accurate as of January, 2023.]
10. West Virginia Gas Tax
Gas tax total: $0.372 per gallon of gasoline
Excise tax on gas in West Virginia is only $0.205 per gallon, but the state tacks on an additional $0.167 in extra taxes and fees, bringing the total to $0.372. On the bright side, West Virginia doesn't tax diesel fuel any higher than gasoline. So, if you need diesel fuel, you can expect to pay the regular gas tax of $0.372.
West Virginia isn't a large state, so you might make it across state lines before you need to fill up. If you're headed to Kentucky or Virginia, you'll pay lower gas taxes, but gas taxes in northern bordering states are even higher.
Sponsored Content
9. Oregon Gas Tax
Gas tax total: $0.38 per gallon of gasoline
Oregon taxes gasoline slightly higher than West Virginia does. At a tax rate of $0.38 per gallon, filling up in Oregon is less than ideal. On the bright side, the state doesn't tax diesel fuel at a higher rate like many other states do. So, if you need diesel, you can expect to pay the same rate of $0.38.
If you do need to get gas in Oregon, you can avoid paying tax on any snacks you purchase afterward. Oregon is a state with no sales tax.
Sponsored Content
8. Ohio Gas Tax
Gas tax total: $0.385 per gallon of gasoline
Gas taxes climb closer to $0.40 in Ohio. State excise tax is $0.385. Gasohol taxes are the same. But, if you want diesel fuel, be prepared to pay more. Taxes jump all the way to $0.47 on diesel.
Unfortunately, most of the states that border Ohio also have some of the highest gas taxes in the country, but you're in luck if Michigan is your next stop. You'll find gas taxes nearly $0.10 lower when you fill up in Michigan.
Sponsored Content
7. North Carolina Gas Tax
Gas tax total: $0.408 per gallon of gasoline
Excise tax on gasoline in North Carolina is $0.405. The state adds a modest $0.003 in additional taxes and fees, resulting in a total tax of $0.408 on each gallon of gas you purchase. Drivers with diesel-powered vehicles catch a small break by paying the same tax rate of $0.408.
It doesn't matter which direction you're driving. You will find lower gas taxes in all of North Carolina's bordering states, including South Carolina and Tennessee.
Sponsored Content
6. New Jersey Gas Tax
Gas tax total: $0.414 per gallon of gasoline
Excise tax on gasoline is surprisingly low in New Jersey at only $0.105 per gallon, but the extra taxes and fees of $0.309 land it spot #6 on this list of the highest gas taxes. Diesel taxes are more expensive, but the excise tax on diesel fuel is a low $0.135 per gallon. Additional taxes and fees of $0.349 make the total state diesel tax $0.484.
If you're driving south, filling up in Delaware is a great idea since it's one of the states with the lowest gas taxes. You'll even find a gas tax break if you're headed to New York.
Sponsored Content
5. Maryland Gas Tax
Gas tax total: $0.427 per gallon of gasoline
Maryland has a high gas tax of $0.427. However, a portion of the nearly $0.43 tax is adjustable (based on costs, inflation, and other factors), according to the Tax Policy Center.
Diesel taxes are slightly greater. Filling your tank with diesel will cost you $0.435 in taxes when you pump in the state of Maryland.
Sponsored Content
4. Illinois Gax Tax
Gas tax total: $0.434 per gallon of gasoline
Illinois has a high state gas excise tax of $0.423. Although the additional taxes and fees only amount to an extra $0.011, the expenses add up quickly, especially if you're filling a 15 gallon (or even bigger) tank.
Excise tax on diesel fuel is worse at $0.488. Again, Illinois adds an additional $0.011 in other taxes and fees, bringing the tax on diesel to a total of $0.499.
Stocking up on snacks for the road probably isn't the greatest idea in Illinois. The state has one of the highest sales tax rates in the county.
Sponsored Content
3. Washington Gas Tax
Gas tax total: $0.494 per gallon of gasoline
Gas tax in Washington hits nearly $0.50. At a whopping $0.494, it has the third highest gas tax in the U.S. Drivers with diesel-fueled trucks might rejoice at paying the same $0.494 per gallon, but in reality, no drivers win when filling their tanks in Washington.
Sales tax is also high in Washington, so grabbing fast food will cost you even more. However, you can enjoy no sales tax if you stop at the grocery store since groceries are tax-exempt in Washington.
Sponsored Content
2. Pennsylvania Gas Tax
Gas tax total: $0.576 per gallon of gasoline
Gas tax in Pennsylvania rises above $0.50. At $0.576 per gallon, the state earns the #2 spot on this list. There's no relief for diesel truck drivers, either. Tax on diesel fuel is $0.741.
Pennsylvania is a big state, so you might need to get gas before you cross state lines. Neighboring states like New York, New Jersey, and Maryland have fairly high gas taxes, too, but at least they are less expensive than Pennsylvania's.
Sponsored Content
1. California Gax Tax
Gas tax total: $0.629 per gallon of gasoline
California's excise tax on gasoline is $0.539, which is already high. But when you add the extra $0.09 in other taxes and fees, it's the most expensive in the country. Diesel taxes are even worse in California, totaling $0.88 when considering excise tax and other fees.
Given the high gas taxes, it's no surprise that California has more EV drivers than any other state. California has the highest statewide sales tax rate, too. So, it's nearly impossible to avoid paying high taxes when visiting the state, whether or not you drive an electric vehicle.
Sponsored Content
-
10 States With the Lowest Sales TaxDon't rush to a state with low sales tax if your goal is to save money.
-
How 12 Types of Retirement Income Get Taxed
retirement Don't forget about taxes on your pensions and other retirement income while planning for your golden years.
-
10 Least Tax-Friendly States for Middle-Class Families
state tax It can cost your family thousands of dollars each year if you end up in one of the worst states for taxes after a move.
-
9 Most Tax-Friendly States for Middle-Class Families
state tax If a move from one state to another is in your future, you could save big bucks by relocating to one of these states where the tax bite is light for middle-class families.
-
15 States That Tax Military Retirement Pay (and Other States That Don't)
retirement Taxes on military retirement pay vary from state-to-state. How generous is your state when it comes to helping retired veterans at tax time?
-
5 Tax Deadlines for October 17
tax deadline Many taxpayers know that October 17 is the due date for filing an extended tax return, but there are other tax deadlines on this date.
-
States With No State Sales Tax
Tax Breaks A handful of states don't impose a sales tax, but that doesn't necessarily make them the best states for low taxes.
-
Penalties for Filing Your Tax Return Late
tax deadline Stiff penalties await those who didn't file their return (or pay any tax owed) by the tax filing deadline.
