The taxes and other fees on retail gasoline and diesel fuel, in cents per gallon, as of January 1, 2021
| Gasoline | Diesel | |
| Federal | 18.40 | 24.40 |
| Average of total state taxes | 30.06 | 31.92 |
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Federal taxes include excises taxes of 18.3 cents per gallon on gasoline and 24.3 cents per gallon on diesel fuel, and a Leaking Underground Storage Tank fee of 0.1 cents per gallon on both fuels. State taxes include rates of general application including, but not limited to, excise taxes, environmental taxes, special taxes, and inspection fees, but they exclude state taxes based on gross or net receipts. State taxes do not include county and local taxes. This information is for general informational purposes only.
| Kansas: | $.2503 |
| Missouri: | $.1742 |
| Difference: | .0761 |
Where do my gas tax dollars go?
As a driver, you’re supposed to directly benefit from the gas taxes you pay. Federal gas tax revenue is pumped into a Highway Trust Fund. The HTF funds federal and state infrastructure projects for roads, bridges and public transportation systems. State gas taxes go into state-managed funds, and each state decides how to use them.
State gas taxes
Every state imposes its own tax on gas. As of August 2018, drivers pay an average of 28.62 cents in state taxes on every gallon of gasoline, plus the federal fuel tax — adding up to an average 47.02 cents in total taxes on every gallon. More than half of U.S. states have raised their gas taxes since 2013.
Though you may not pay attention to the taxes added to every gallon of gasoline, they add up over time. By filling up a 12-gallon gas tank, you’ll pay an average of $5.64 in tax. If you fill up your tank once a week, you’re paying about $293 in gas tax per year.