Georgia Extends Gas Tax Relief Through Thanksgiving Holiday

Georgia extends motor fuel tax break through Thanksgiving

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has extended the suspension of the state’s motor fuel excise tax through Nov. 30, keeping a tax break in place for gasoline and diesel buyers during the Thanksgiving travel period.

The governor cited global market volatility and continued high fuel prices in extending the state of emergency. Kemp announced the decision after consulting with Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and House Speaker Jon Burns, according to the governor’s office.

For professional drivers, the order continues to suspend Georgia’s per-gallon motor fuel taxes on diesel and gasoline. The state tax normally adds 37.3 cents per gallon to diesel and 33.3 cents per gallon to gasoline.

The suspension initially took effect Sept. 28, with tax collection stopping at 12:01 a.m. Sept. 29 under the governor’s emergency order. Subsequent orders extended the state of emergency and continued the suspension, most recently through the end of November.

“With a major holiday coming up and fuel prices still at high levels, I am proud to take this step to keep more money in Georgians’ pockets,” Kemp said.

AAA data cited by the governor’s office shows Georgia fuel prices have remained below national averages since the suspension began. The average price for regular gasoline in Georgia was reported at approximately $3.66 per gallon, about 63 cents below the national average.

Georgia’s average diesel price was reported at approximately $5.72 per gallon, roughly 61 cents below the national average. The figures reflect statewide averages and can vary by location, fuel supplier and truck stop.

The tax suspension does not eliminate the effect of wholesale fuel costs, federal fuel taxes or other charges included in the price paid at the pump. It does, however, temporarily remove Georgia’s state excise tax from eligible motor fuel purchases during the suspension period.

The order applies to fuels subject to Georgia’s motor fuel excise tax, including gasoline and clear diesel. The state’s emergency orders have also addressed other fuel-related provisions. In a subsequent order, the governor authorized the Georgia Department of Revenue to waive penalties associated with the use of off-road “dyed” diesel on public roads during the applicable emergency period.

Dyed diesel is generally intended for off-road use and is not normally subject to the same tax treatment as fuel used on public highways. Its use on public roads is typically restricted, and the emergency order’s penalty provision is separate from the broader suspension of the state motor fuel tax.

The governor’s earlier emergency orders also suspended certain state weight limits for commercial vehicles, according to information released about the program. Those provisions were tied to the state of emergency and are distinct from the fuel-tax suspension.

For carriers and independent truck drivers operating in Georgia, the extension means the state’s diesel excise tax will remain suspended through Nov. 30 unless the policy is changed or extended again. The break covers the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, when passenger and commercial traffic typically increases on major routes.

The suspension also applies to other fuels covered by Georgia’s motor fuel tax law, including aviation gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas, gasohol, ethanol, liquefied natural gas and compressed natural gas. A related provision suspends collection of the state tax on locomotive fuel during the effective period of the order.

Georgia’s action comes as fuel prices remain a significant operating expense for trucking companies and owner-operators. Diesel costs affect every mile traveled, and even a temporary per-gallon tax reduction can have a measurable effect on the cost of filling a tractor, depending on fuel volume and where the purchase is made.

The tax suspension is scheduled to remain in effect through 11:59 p.m. Nov. 30. After that date, Georgia’s regular motor fuel excise tax rates are expected to apply unless another executive order changes the timetable.