Taxes on rental cars continue to rise
In 1990, there were 14 excise taxes levied for car rentals or leases. Since then, another 100 have been added, covering 43 states as well as the District of Columbia. The taxes make it difficult for travelers to avoid them, and in some cases the taxes are upward of 20% of the car rental bill. The taxes are costly to travelers and a nuisance to rental car companies that would rather not become tax collectors. Despite a partnership between the National Business Travel Association and eight rental car brands to raise awareness of the taxes and rein in the taxes, the taxes are proliferating as municipalities look for revenue to cover their shortfalls. USA TODAY (11/03)