Governments apply excise taxes to private market transactions. User fees, on the other hand, are costs associated with a publicly owned good. While some user fees are calculated in accordance with the perceived cost of a good or impact (bringing an RV into Yosemite costs more than driving in a scooter), these fees are unlike ad valorem taxes because they involve access to state-owned assets or services. When a citizen pays a user fee to obtain a drivers license, he is essentially re-paying for access to roads that have been built with his money.
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An Excise Tax is Not a User Fee
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Posted: February 28, 2008 by South Carolina Policy Council
Governments apply excise taxes to private market transactions. User fees, on the other hand, are costs associated with a publicly owned good. While some user fees are calculated in accordance with the perceived cost of a good or impact (bringing an RV into Yosemite costs more than driving in a scooter), these fees are unlike ad valorem taxes because they involve access to state-owned assets or services. When a citizen pays a user fee to obtain a drivers license, he is essentially re-paying for access to roads that have been built with his money.
[ Download Complete Article ]
Category: Commentary, Taxes & Regulation