The numbers were reported by Michael Chapman of CNSNews.com:
Lowest Beer Taxes Per Gallon
50. Wyoming, $0.02
49. Missouri, $0.06
48. Wisconsin, $0.06
Lowest Wine Taxes Per Gallon
50. Louisiana, $0.11
49. California, $0.20
48. Texas, $0.20
Lowest Liquor/Spirits Taxes Per Gallon
50. Wyoming, $0.00
49. New Hampshire, $0.00
48. West Virginia, $1.87
Turns out my current residential state, Virginia, has the third-highest cost per gallon of liquor in the country at $19.19. I should probably drink more beer.
While it appears that Wyoming and New Hampshire have no excise tax, the government actually controls all sales; thus, liquor may be subject to so-called “ad valorem” mark-ups. This means higher property taxes, sales taxes, or value-added taxes.
California surprises me the most, but it makes sense with their expansive wine industry. A lower tax rate with a huge rate of consumption still means high revenues.
So should I move to the liquor-friendly New Hampshire? Or follow so many others and head to Texas?
