40% of What You Pay for Beer Goes to Taxes

03-08-2014 • Reason Magazine

The next time you pour yourself a cold one, give yourself a pat on the back in the name of patriotism. On average, 40 percent of the price you paid for that beer is going straight to Uncle Sam and the state.

Lobbyists in Washington are pushing to reduce those taxes, at least by a few cents. The Beer Institute is supporting legislation cleverly titled the BEER Act, which would reduce the federal excise tax from $18 per 31-gallon barrel (an amount that doesn't actually exist; a keg is 15.5 gallons) to $9 for large brewers. ...

3 Comments in Response to 40% of What You Pay for Beer Goes to Taxes

Comment by William Poole

Entered on: 3/12/2014 1:07:45 AM

I should have been clearer in my comment. They are letting marijuana legalization fall through because it's another way to steal from us through taxes. "You don't miss something until it's gone". After legalization, many of us will miss the time when government wasn't stealing from us every time we bought or sold pot.

Comment by William Poole

Entered on: 3/12/2014 12:58:49 AM

Yes, and why do you think they are trying to legalize pot?...........

Comment by Darryl W. Perry

Entered on: 3/11/2014 7:36:27 PM

1) This story is NOT from Reason... 2) This story IS from a satire site, and the site that isn't even that good at satire!

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