Excise is a type of tax imposed by governments on specific goods and services, often to generate revenue or discourage certain behaviors. Common items subject to excise taxes include alcohol, tobacco, and fuel. These taxes are typically included in the price of the product, making them less visible to consumers. The purpose of excise taxes can vary. They may aim to reduce consumption of harmful products, such as cigarettes, or to fund public services, like road maintenance through fuel taxes. By targeting specific goods, excise taxes can influence consumer behavior and promote public health or environmental goals.