Can I deduct an excise tax?

Generally, excise taxes can't be deducted on your personal return. This includes things like fuel taxes and excise taxes paid to your city or state when you sell your home.

However, some states and localities erroneously label excise taxes as personal property taxes, which may be deductible. For example, some states refer to certain vehicle registration fees as an excise tax.

Excise taxes imposed on personal property (vehicles, campers, boats, RVs, etc.) are an allowable deduction if two conditions are met:

1. The excise tax is determined by the property's value, usually a set percentage.
2. The excise tax is imposed annually.

Excise taxes that are necessary to conduct business can usually be deducted as a business expense.