Sacramento, CA…The California State Board of Equalization (BOE) announces that the state excise tax on gasoline will drop by 2.2 cents per gallon on July 1, 2016. This will lower the excise tax rate from 30 cents to 27.8 cents per gallon for the 2016-17 fiscal year, effective July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2017. “Californians have another reason to celebrate during Independence Day weekend,” said BOE Member Runner. “This gas tax rate cut comes right on time for those hitting the road during the holiday.”

The Board approved the 2.2-cent tax rate reduction at its February 2016 meeting. The Board has been tasked with adjusting the excise tax rate on gasoline since 2010, when two pieces of legislation (AB x8 6 and SB 70, collectively known as the fuel tax swap) took effect. The Board sets the rate annually so that over a three-year period, no more or less revenue is collected under the fuel tax swap than would have been collected under the prior gasoline tax structure. The excise tax on gasoline goes to the State Transportation Fund for the construction and maintenance of public roads and mass transit.

Although Californians will pay less in state excise tax on gasoline starting July 1st, this may not necessarily translate to lower overall prices at the pump. According to the United States Energy Information Administration, factors such as crude oil prices, refining costs, and distribution and marketing costs also affect gasoline prices. Crude oil prices—which are affected by worldwide economic growth, regional economies, supply and demand—are the largest component of United States gasoline prices, as explained in the latest issue of BOE’s Economic Perspective.

The latest issue also highlights the strong relationship between U.S. gas prices and California gas prices, and California’s gas price is one of the biggest components in setting the excise tax rate annually. U.S. gas prices have declined 37 percent from June 2014 to May 2016, and California’s gasoline excise tax rate has decreased every year since fiscal year 2013-14. Gasoline purchases in California also have increased, with the latest data showing that gasoline consumption for the fourth quarter of 2015 was the highest since 2007.

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George Runner represents the State Board of Equalization’s First District and is a leading advocate for California taxpayers. Prior to being elected to the BOE, Runner served in the State Legislature where he authored California’s Amber Alert and Blue Alert. As a member of the Senate Revenue and Taxation committee, he led the fight against tax increases and supported tax relief for all Californians. A thoughtful conservative, Runner’s priorities include improving the economy, business growth, education excellence, and public safety for all Californians.

The five-member California State Board of Equalization (BOE) is a publicly elected tax board. The BOE collects $60.5 billion annually in taxes and fees, supporting state and local government services. It hears business tax appeals, acts as the appellate body for franchise and personal income tax appeals, and serves a significant role in the assessment and administration of property taxes. For more information on other taxes and fees in California, visit the California Tax Service Center.

Note: This news release may discuss complex tax laws and concepts. It may not address every situation, and is not considered written advice under Revenue and Taxation Code section 6596. Changes in law or regulations may have occurred since the time this news release was written. If there is a conflict between the text of this news release and the law, decisions will be based upon the law and not this news release. For specific help, please contact the BOE at 1-800-400-7115.

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