Excise taxes are special taxes on specific products and activities—things like gasoline, alcohol, tobacco, and airline tickets. Unlike sales tax that applies broadly, excise taxes target particular items the government wants to discourage or regulate. If you buy these products or run a business that sells them, you may encounter excise taxes on your tax return or in your business records.

These articles explain what excise taxes are, which products and services have them, how they show up on your tax forms, and what happens if you owe them. You'll find answers about reporting excise taxes on your return, understanding the difference between federal and state excise taxes, and what records you need to keep if your business involves taxable products.