Business: Gasoline Tax

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Forty-four states and the District of Columbia are endeavoring to pay for roads built primarily for the convenience of motorists, by laying a tax on gasoline sales. Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York alone of the states still lack a gasoline tax. Moreover, there exists a constant tendency to increase the amount of the tax.

Present tax rates range from Ic in North Dakota, Rhode Island and Texas up to 5¢ in South Carolina. In 23 states it is 2¢, and in 13 states 3¢.

In 1919 only four states possessed such a tax, and revenue from it brought in only $553,987. Last year, with taxes in 35 states, revenue had risen to $79,734,490. This year it is estimated that the 44 states possessing the tax will collect $139,906,242.

An interesting by-product of gasoline tax statistics is the record of the number of gallons consumed in the different states. California, it is estimated, will lead this year with 593,727,300 gallons; Ohio comes second vith 558,720,000; Pennsylvania third with 552,864,150. Fourth is Michigan, home of motor industry with 390,395,250, while Texas, home of distances and oil wells, runs fifth with 360,770,400. The next five (in order) are: Indiana with 293,267,250; Iowa with 277,257,600; Missouri with 236,349, 225,000; Wisconsin with 236,349, 450; Minnesota with 226,546,650. No figures are reported for the four states lacking the tax.