An excise tax is a tax imposed on the manufacture, sale, or use of goods—such as cigarettes, fuel, or alcohol—or on an occupation—such as a license tax or an attorney occupation tax—or on an activity such as gambling or betting.
Excise taxes may be ad valorem (calculated by percentage) or specific (calculated per unit).
In Connecticut (CT), excise taxes are levied on various goods and activities. For instance, the state imposes an excise tax on cigarettes, which is a specific tax based on the quantity sold, and on alcoholic beverages, which can be either specific or ad valorem depending on the type of alcohol and quantity. Fuel also carries a specific excise tax, often referred to as the gasoline tax, which is charged per gallon. When it comes to occupations, Connecticut does not currently impose an occupation tax on attorneys or other professions. However, the state does tax gambling activities, such as the revenue from casinos and lotteries, which is typically a specific tax based on the amount wagered or the revenue generated. The rates and methods of calculation for excise taxes in Connecticut are set by state statutes and can vary based on legislative changes.