Fuel Tax California

[RVPioneer]

For those of you who travel to California be advised that fuel taxes will increase this November. The gas tax will increase 12 cents per gallon, the diesel tax will go up over 30 cents per gallon, a combination of a 20 cent increase and a 4% sales tax increase. California already has some of the most expensive fuel in the nation, typically fifty cents to a dollar more than any other state.

The state is beyond broke, and as California goes so goes the nation, so prepare for the same wherever you live. The promise is to fix potholes and relieve traffic congestion, so at least your time here will be more pleasant. Additionally, a special vehicle registration fee will be added based on the value of the vehicle. It will be between $25-175 per year beginning in January of 2018. Zero emission vehicles will be hit with an additional $100 fee. Sales tax increased a quarter of a percent to 9.25%.

Plan to get in and out of the state without a fuel stop if possible, or buy just enough to find fuel elsewhere. Purchase as few non food items as possible while in the state as food is not taxed. Fuel prices vary wildly, particularly diesel, so use an App to locate the best price.

Bob

[Old-Biscuit]

At start of 2017 CA was 5th highest in fuel taxes---- gasoline/diesel

Nov 2017 CA moves to 2nd highest behind PA

Just wish TAXES would be used for 'what they are taxed for'---State & Fed
Unfortunately 2 things a politician loves---A camera and more taxes to spend

[cruzbill]

The state is beyond broke

Why is the Budget Office predicting a $2.8B (that's Billion) surplus?

[Mr_D]

Fill up in southern OR, then again when I get to AZ. Been doing that years now. 150 gallon tank allows that.

[DonDee]

Originally Posted by cruzbill

Why is the Budget Office predicting a $2.8B (that's Billion) surplus?

State of California Debt Clock

[raineman]

The happenings in Middle East will drive the prices higher and higher in the coming months and years. I think the prices will be very high this summer.

[Hgrace56]

I'm in California. I'm fine with it.
It's been 23 years since gas tax was increased. It costs $794 per vehicle per year to deal with the neglected roads.
This neglect began when our state treasury was robbed of nearly 10 Billion dollars by Enron and the Administration in D.C. decided it was our problem.
Well since then we survived an Arnold Schwarzenegger era and are now actually doing quite well.
If we got more than 0.67 cents for each $1 in federal taxes in services we'd be much better.
Anyway I'm a contractor and have 11 vehicles including my MH and I'm fine with this all.
I propose we tax non residents more since they pay no registration fees.
Remember to thank California for a few other things like clean air and water and consumer affairs boards.
Personally I'm more concerned that the current administration's foreign policy will drive our file rates above $5.00/gal like they were in the summers of 2007 and 2008.
Drive safe all.

[cruzbill]

x2, H!

[Dutch Star Don]

As a California resident, it would be lovely if the taxes were used for what they were intended. The State has been stealing the fuel tax for years. A few years back a lawsuit was required to force the State to use the tax for the intended purposes. Four years ago, during the last presidential election, the people voted in a Bond measure tp build reservoirs to catch water runoff, part of our drought issue. We haven't seen any type of water project since. But...we do have a bullet train being built that goes form nowhere to nowhere......whohoo!

I don't mind paying the extra taxes if we actually see some work being done. But as usual, there was a caveat that some of the money could be used for other purposes.

[Fiesta48]

As an outsider that visits family yearly in Southern CA, we hate going there. We buy our RV fuel just before leaving AZ. Everything is more expensive. Our frequented RV park went up 40% last year. Rude drivers, too many people. My sisters business, she can not afford to pay the high min wages and benefits required by CA.
Electric was .25 per kw, buy your own shopping bags, fuel .50 more than any where near.
Next year S. TX or FL.

[jchristian11]

Originally Posted by cruzbill

Why is the Budget Office predicting a $2.8B (that's Billion) surplus?

Because they were wrong or lied?

Gov. Jerry Brown predicts a $1.6-billion deficit as he unveils state budget - LA Times

[10Boomer]

Well don't want to be argumentative especially on this site. But recently just retiring from CA government: let me square away the taxes on gasoline and transportation. It has not been over 20 years since the last gas tax for road repairs. There were State and your local county taxes too. Some were just disguised in different bills. Here are the years your gas taxes and transport bills were adjusted. 1985, 1990, 2003, 2005, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, and most recently 2017. Now not all were state adjustments many were district related only. Many should remember the VLF registration buffoon were none of the proposed money went to transportation repairs. Well it's back again in the form of excise tax based on vehicle value. So the proposed media reporting of $25-175 is automotive only not commercial based or value based. Remember CA still has adjusted luxury taxes. Diesel will be .43 to .65 cents per gallon depends on your district or county. The Zero emissions add on will be up to $500 per year use fee, well that makes me want to buy an electric car! Not. That countered many power company incentives for free powered in the first year if you purchased an EV vehicle.
Lastly I'm tired of politicians placing the burden on the backs of its citizens. This upward climb of uncontrolled spending has to stop, high prices require high wages this can't be sustained. We can't be competitive in the world market place.
Simple answer for CA recall this not so budget minded Governor.
My opinion but based on reading the whole bill and many bills before this one. Most recent SB1. Senate Bill.
If you want facts read the whole bill as it's passed to the vote. It changed a lot as it seeks approval through both sides. Don't buy fuel in CA if you can help it.

[Sandy Swede]

As a MH owner traveling around this great big beautiful country, fuel prices would be of great concern. That would definitely be a rational reason for avoiding a fill up in Cali. But I would not avoid sightseeing in this varied and beautiful state because of high fuel taxes.

What is interesting is to compare the per capita tax burden for each state (see link below). For example, NY has the highest tax burden at 12.94%. Cali is ranked #10 at 9.52%. Texas is ranked 34th at 7.99%. My home state of Delaware is ranked dead last (50th) at 5.59%. When we retired and wanted to leave the PR of Maryland, how long do you think it took to make the decision to move to Delaware 100 miles distant? Couple of miles from the ocean. No state sales tax, low or no tax on retirement income. With the geezer discount on RE taxes, we pay $600 per year on a house that cost 30% less than the comparable one we sold in Maryland. We were paying $6,000/yr RE tax in Maryland. Delaware also respects the 2nd Amendment with CC. The only tax downside I see is if you want to register an expensive MH here you will pay a one-time 3.75% fee (you do get a credit for value of any previously owned vehicle).

https://wallethub.com/edu/states-wit...#main-findings

[SD Traveler]

As a native of Cali I've watched it deteriorate over the last 30 years. It has become an overtaxed one party state. No longer is it the golden state.