California Gas Tax Calculator
2026Calculate total gas tax per gallon in California, including the federal excise tax of $0.184/gal and CA state fuel taxes. Compare California gas and diesel tax rates for 2026.
Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Methodology · Updated
Fuel Needed
1.0 gal
Trip Cost
$4.10
Annual Cost
$1,066.00
Fuel Cost Breakdown
| Total Distance | 30.0 miles |
| Fuel Needed | 1.00 gallons |
| One-Way Cost | $4.10 |
| Trip Cost | $4.10 |
| Weekly Cost | $20.50 |
| Monthly Cost | $88.77 |
| Annual Cost | $1,066.00 |
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
How much is gas tax in California?
Every gallon of gasoline pumped in California carries two layers of tax: a federal excise tax of 18.4¢ per gallon (24.4¢ for diesel) collected by the IRS, and a state-level fuel tax of approximately 59.6¢ per gallon that funds California highway, bridge, and transit projects. Combined, that's roughly 78.0¢ per gallon in 2026.
State gas tax rates vary widely — from under 10¢/gal in Alaska to nearly 60¢/gal in California and Pennsylvania. Some states, including California, periodically adjust the rate via fuel-index formulas tied to wholesale prices or inflation, so the figure can drift mid-year. Many states also stack on smaller environmental, underground-storage-tank, or pre-paid sales-tax fees that aren't always shown at the pump but are baked into the posted price.
For a typical 12-gallon fillup in California, you contribute about $9.36 to combined road and federal infrastructure funds before any sales tax. Use the calculator above with your local pump price and tank capacity for an exact breakdown of pre-tax fuel cost vs. tax burden.
California fuel-tax history, indexing, and where the money goes
- Diesel state tax (2026)
- 45.4¢ per gallon
- Last increase
- 2023 (annual index under SB 1)
- Indexed?
- Yes — adjusts automatically
- Where revenue goes
- Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB 1) — Local Streets, State Highway Operations
California's 59.6¢ gasoline excise — the highest in the country — combines a 51.1¢ base excise (indexed annually for inflation under SB 1 of 2017), a 2¢ underground storage tank fee, and adds an additional ~6.5¢ from the cap-and-trade compliance cost passed through at the pump. SB 1 dedicates revenue to a 10-year, $54B transportation funding plan; voters affirmed the law by rejecting Proposition 6 (which would have repealed it) in 2018. EVs pay a $118 Transportation Improvement Fee plus a $100 ZEV fee.
California Tax Rates (2026)
| Federal Gas Tax | $0.184/gal |
| State Sales Tax | 7.25% |
| State Income Tax | progressive (up to 13.3%) |
| Avg. Property Tax Rate | 0.71% |
Gas tax — frequently asked questions
What is the total California gas tax in 2026?
California's 2026 all-in state gasoline excise tax is 59.6 cents per gallon — the highest in the country. That includes a 51.1¢ base excise (indexed annually for inflation under SB 1 of 2017), a 2¢ underground storage tank fee, plus roughly 6.5¢ from cap-and-trade compliance costs passed through at the pump. Diesel is taxed at 45.4¢/gallon. Add federal 18.4¢ and California's 7.25%+ sales tax on the gasoline price for the all-in pump tax.
Why is California gas tax so high in 2026?
The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB 1) raised the gas tax 12¢ and indexes it annually for inflation, dedicating revenue to a 10-year, $54B transportation funding plan. Voters affirmed SB 1 by rejecting Proposition 6 (which would have repealed it) in 2018. California also passes through cap-and-trade compliance costs at the pump (about 6.5¢/gal in 2026). EV owners pay a $118 Transportation Improvement Fee plus a $100 ZEV registration surcharge.
Does California's gas tax go up every year?
Yes — under SB 1 of 2017, the base excise rate is automatically adjusted each July 1 by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration based on the California Consumer Price Index. The most recent indexing took effect July 2025 and the next is scheduled for July 2026. This automatic indexing is a key reason California's rate has climbed to 59.6¢ — far above states with frozen rates like Mississippi (18.4¢) or Texas (20¢).