Fuel Tax Calculator
Hook
Every time you fill up, you're paying federal fuel excise. How much is it really costing you?
Key Numbers
- Current excise rate indexed twice a year [ATO]
- Historical trajectory shown on chart [ATO]
- Household impact calculator: enter weekly fuel use, see annual tax [interactive]
- Compared to state road infrastructure spending [BP4]
Context
Federal fuel excise is often framed as a "road user charge". In practice it goes into consolidated revenue and is spent on whatever the federal government chooses. The fuel tax calculator lets you see both sides: how much you're personally paying, and how much the state is spending on the roads that excise is supposedly funding.
The calculator is illustrative — real fuel use varies. But it lets anyone plug in their own weekly fuel bill and see the annual dollar figure flowing out of their household to the Commonwealth.
Takeaway
Fuel excise is one of the least-seen taxes in the country, and one of the most regressive. The calculator makes it visible.
Share Stat
Plug in your weekly fuel use. See how much fuel excise you pay the government every year.
Last reviewed: 11 Apr 2026