[crazyeyes]

Originally Posted by no_worries

The name of the game is keeping as much money in your pocket as possible. There's only one way to do that; pay the lowest net price you can find. Net price is the price you pay minus the state tax. Say you're going from Indy to Milwaukee. The pump price at the TA in Gary is 3.759, the Chicago North TA is 3.879, and the Petro at Racine is 3.979. Where do you fuel? Subtract each state's fuel tax from the price and you'll find that fueling in IL is .07/gallon cheaper than IN and .121/gallon cheaper than WI. Don't worry about what states you drive in and don't worry about whether you get a refund or write a check each quarter. Those things don't matter when it comes to keeping your money.

I use same formula, works out best for me.

[1-Up trucker]

ok just to be clear.

I am supposed to take the pump price and subtract that states fuel tax in order to get the cheapest rate? In that case states like MO, and OK are great to buy fuel from...

and what is so special about topping off in IL?

I have also been told to pay the highest fuel tax, so that I have a return each quarter.

My question now becomes which is the happiest medium between the 2?

[chris1]

Paying the highest fuel tax so you have a refund is like paying the IRS extra to have a bigger refund. Buy the cheapest fuel(before tax)

[golfhobo]

1-Up trucker said:

ok just to be clear.

Funny... when I "quoted" this post to post a reply... IB said that the poster said: "just to be DEAR." lol. WHAT am I even DOING in this forum? Don't know why I followed an OLD thread, except for the fact that the poster was still ONLINE (in the forum) just to get a serious response... which he did!

I am supposed to take the pump price and subtract that states fuel tax in order to get the cheapest rate? In that case states like MO, and OK are great to buy fuel from...

I don't think that is what "they" said.

They said that some "old school" truckers have been filing your head with stories of how thing "used to be."

They also said that, all things considered, it is best to fill up in states with low tax rates... but... be willing to pay out at EOY if you haven't traveled the WHOLE country.

and what is so special about topping off in IL?

Nothing I KNOW of, unless you really need to take a P. But, if someone knows this "secret" I am willing to "research" it. LOL.

I have also been told to pay the highest fuel tax, so that I have a return each quarter.

Isn't that just like the "exemptions" box on your 1040? I.e: Aren't you just letting SOME branch of the gov't "hold" your money, interest free, for near 'bout a YEAR? ... before they return it to you as some kind of "bonus."

THEY [the big Blue DEM-Commie machine that IS our government] is just "re-distributing the wealth" of Interstate Commerce to all the "poor states" who have nothing BUT cheap gas. What a "Socialistic" Ideal! lol.

My question now becomes which is the happiest medium between the 2?

I think you've answered your own question. The "medium between the two" is an AVERAGE that someone else has already figured out. ... for the "benefit" of THEIR state and their local constituents.

What makes it a "happy" compromise for YOU... is that it FITS your market, your bottom line, and your conscience.

Dang! I hope I haven't confused you. I wasn't even supposed to be "allowed" in this forum! Or so I was told! LOL!

[golfhobo]

Originally Posted by chris1

Paying the highest fuel tax so you have a refund is like paying the IRS extra to have a bigger refund. Buy the cheapest fuel(before tax)

Bingo. What I said. Don't listen to ME. Listen to these guys in THIS forum who've DONE it...and/or are DOING it.

[chris1]

Didn't see it was that old. Just bored and killing time.

[golfhobo]

Originally Posted by chris1

Didn't see it was that old. Just bored and killing time.

Thread is old. NEWBIE poster is still looking for help.

Must suk to be bored. Thanks (anyway) for the input.

[chris1]

If they wouldn't kick me out of the office the boredom would be gone. If you're still asking a year later?

[1-Up trucker]

it hasnt been quite a year yet, and yes i am asking b/c i still for the life of me just dont get it

whats the best way to go so i can get a return? pay the high or low state fuel tax?