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 Michigan, excise taxes are levied on various goods and activities. For instance, the state imposes a specific excise tax on cigarettes, which is a set amount per pack, and on other tobacco products. Fuel also carries a specific excise tax, which is charged per gallon. Alcohol is subject to both specific and ad valorem excise taxes, depending on the type and volume of the product. Regarding occupations, Michigan does not currently impose an occupation tax on attorneys or other professions. Gambling activities, including those at casinos and racetracks, are subject to state excise taxes as well. These taxes are typically earmarked for specific funds or purposes within the state budget, such as road maintenance for fuel taxes or health initiatives for tobacco taxes.