What you need to know about IFTA

Carriers need an IFTA license if they operate a qualified motor vehicle across two or more member jurisdictions (all of US except Alaska, Hawaii, and DC and most Canadian provinces). A qualified motor vehicle is any vehicle with a GVWR/GCWR over 26,000 lbs or a vehicle of any weight with three or more axles.

1. Miles traveled in each state.  This can be done using routing sheets, log books, or ELDs depending on compliance requirements.
2. Gallons and type of fuel purchased in each state. Carrier must retain original fuel receipts or invoices to prove that tax was paid.

Carriers with an IFTA license are required to file a quarterly return with their base state.

• 1st qtr (Jan - March ) - April 30th
• 2nd qtr (April - June) - July 31st
• 3rd qtr (July - Sept) - October 31st
• 4th qtr (Oct - Dec) January 31st

Late payment fees will be assessed if you file/pay after the deadlines.

Most jurisdictions now allow you to file your returns using an internet based program either directly through your base state or via an authorized third party. For those states in which online filing is not available a paper return must be mailed.

•  Do I need to file IFTA taxes if I never went beyond our base state?
• How can I get new IFTA decals?
• What if an intrastate carrier needs to operate out of state temporarily?
• What are the penalties for failingto file or pay an IFTA quarterly return?