Items most likely to be subject to an excise tax include...

Excise taxes are special taxes imposed on specific goods and services, often aimed at reducing consumption of certain types of products that can have negative effects on health or the environment. Gasoline and cigarettes are prime examples of items that are typically subject to excise taxes. These products are often taxed to discourage excessive use, fund public health initiatives, or support transportation infrastructure, in the case of gasoline.

For instance, higher taxes on cigarettes are designed not only to generate revenue but also to deter smoking due to its associated health risks. Similarly, gasoline taxes help fund road maintenance and public transportation, providing an incentive for consumers to consider more environmentally friendly alternatives.

In contrast, other items listed, such as housing or inherited items, do not fall under the category of goods that are generally subject to excise taxes, as they are not meant for regulatory or behavioral control purposes. Items like milk and cheese might be taxed differently, potentially with sales tax rather than excise tax, as they are staple goods with less emphasis on curbing consumption.