Is there a comma before including?

The phrase "including" can be used in two ways: as a present participle and as a preposition. Here are examples of how commas are used with "including" in each case:

Present participle:

- Including running, swimming, and biking, there are many great ways to get exercise. (No comma is needed.)

- The following activities, including running, swimming, and biking, are great ways to get exercise. (A comma is needed.)

Preposition:

- The price of the car, including tax and license, is $20,000. (A comma is needed.)

- The price of the car including tax and license is $20,000. (No comma is needed.)

In general, a comma is needed before "including" when it is used as a preposition to introduce additional information or to separate a phrase from the rest of the sentence. No comma is needed when "including" is used as a present participle to describe an action or state of being.