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Alcohol Taxes

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Maryland ready-to-drink cocktail tax proposal

Maryland Proposes a Lower Tax Category for Ready-to-Drink Cocktails

A tax based on alcohol content would be the most neutral, straightforward means of raising revenue from alcohol. But since such a tax would constitute a redesign of the entire alcohol tax system at both the state and federal levels, the next best approach is to create more categories for new products.

4 min read
Alcohol Tax Modernization: ABV Tax and other Drink Tax Reforms

Modernization of the Alcohol Tax

An alcohol by volume (ABV) tax could replace the existing alcohol tax system. An ABV tax would make alcohol taxes simpler, more transparent, and substantially more neutral than the current system.

18 min read
Beer taxes in europe, including 2023 excise duty on beer in Europe for Oktoberfest

Beer Taxes in Europe

As Oktoberfest celebrations kick off around the world, let’s look at how much tax European Union (EU) countries add to the world’s favorite alcoholic beverage.

2 min read
2023 state distilled spirits taxes on alcoholic beverages and compare liquor taxes and alcohol taxes across the country using DISCUS sdata

How Hard Do Distilled Spirits Taxes Bite in Your State?

Of all alcoholic beverages subject to taxation, stiff drinks—and all distilled spirits—face the stiffest tax rates. Like many excise taxes, the treatment of distilled spirits varies widely across the states.

4 min read
Global excise tax trends and global excise tax applications data and research on excise taxes

Exploring Excise Tax Trends

The tax base around the world is shrinking for traditional excise taxes, including taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and motor fuel. But newer excise taxes on things like carbon, cannabis, and ride-sharing are on the rise. What makes a good design for these taxes and where may excise taxes go in the future as the traditional “sin tax” base continues to shrink?

Global excise tax trends and global excise tax applications data and research on excise taxes

Global Excise Tax Application and Trends

When designed well, excise taxes discourage the consumption of products that create external harm and generate revenue for funding services that ameliorate social costs. The effectiveness of excise tax policy depends on the appropriate selection of the tax base and tax rate, as well as the efficient use of revenues.

83 min read

Shrinking Revenue from Sin Taxes: A Small Price to Pay for Healthier Behaviour

Younger and healthier Brits have created a $17.1 billion budget hole by smoking and drinking less. Yet, despite this resounding piece of positive news, some see any decline in tax revenues as a public finance crisis. Excise taxes target a tax base that is intended to shrink. Less consumption is a stated goal of the policy.

3 min read
2022 beer taxes by state beer tax rates including state beer excise tax rates

Comparing Beer Taxes by State, 2022

Tennessee, Alaska, Hawaii, and Kentucky levy the highest beer excise tax rates in the nation. How does your state compare?

2 min read
Highest beer taxes in Europe on International Beer Day 2022 tax on beer in Ireland and tax on beer in germany. Compare lowest and highest beer tax in Europe

Beer Taxes in Europe

’Tis the season to crack open a cold one. Ahead of International Beer Day on August 5th, let’s take a minute to discover how much of your cash is actually going toward the cost of a brew with this week’s tax map, which explores excise duties on beer.

3 min read
EU excise duty on alcohol 2021 distilled spirits taxes in Europe. 2021 liquor taxes in Europe

Distilled Spirits Taxes in Europe

The highest excise duties are applied in Finland, Sweden, and Ireland, where the rates for a standard-size bottle of liquor are €14.10 ($16.08), €13.80 ($15.73), and €11.92 ($13.59), respectively.

1 min read
2021 wine taxes in Europe. Compare excise duty on wine, including germany wine tax, spain wine tax, and france wine tax

Wine Taxes in Europe

As one might expect, southern European countries that are well-known for their wines—such as France, Greece, Portugal, and Spain—either don’t tax it or do so at a very low rate. But travel north and you’ll see countries that tend to levy taxes on wine—and often hefty taxes.

2 min read
2021 beer taxes in europe. Beer excise tax rates in Europe. Compare tax on beer in Germany with tax on beer in Ireland on International Beer Day 2021

Beer Taxes in Europe

Finland has the highest excise tax on beer in Europe, followed by Ireland and the United Kingdom. Compare beer taxes in Europe this International Beer Day

2 min read
2021 state beer excise tax rates. Compare 2021 state beer taxes (2021 state beer tax rates)

How High Are Beer Taxes in Your State?

2021 state beer excise tax rates vary widely: as low as $0.02 per gallon in Wyoming and as high as $1.29 per gallon in Tennessee. Missouri and Wisconsin tie for second lowest at $0.06 per gallon, and Alaska is second highest with its $1.07 per gallon tax.

2 min read