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Monday, Sep 21, 2026

Has Wisconsin’s tax on gas and diesel stayed the same for 20 years?

Hope Karnopp / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin Watch

yes

Wisconsin’s state tax on gasoline and diesel is 30.9 cents per gallon, which has not increased or decreased since 2006.

In 2005, lawmakers repealed annual gas tax increases tied to inflation. That law took effect in April 2006, so the 30.9 rate has stayed the same for the last 20 years.

The gas tax, also called the motor vehicle fuel tax, is the largest source of revenue for the state’s transportation fund. In July 2026 alone, Wisconsin’s gas and diesel tax generated nearly $99 million.

While some states have waived their gas taxes amid high prices, Wisconsin has never done so. In Wisconsin, a gas tax holiday would have to pass in the Legislature and get the governor’s approval.

In addition to the state rate, federal tax is 18.4 cents per gallon of gasoline and 24.4 for diesel, which haven’t changed since 1993.

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