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Your Helpful Team for All Things IFTA!
Your Helpful Team for All Things IFTA!
THE INTERNATIONAL FUEL TAX AGREEMENT
Learn More About the IFTA
What is the IFTA?
The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) is an agreement between the 48 contiguous U.S. states and the 10 Canadian provinces to share fuel tax revenues. Per this agreement, states collect revenue from fuel taxes based on how many miles you drive in each jurisdiction.
How Does It Work?
With IFTA decals, you won't have to buy fuel tax permits constantly. Instead, you keep track of your fuel receipts and your mileage in each jurisdiction. Then, each quarter, you file your IFTA return, which spreads your fuel tax revenue across each jurisdiction!
Qualified Motor Vehicle
To qualify for the IFTA, you need to be an interstate driver who operates a commercial vehicle that weighs more than 26,000 lbs. or has three or more axles. If you use your vehicle in a combination that weighs more than 26,000 lbs., your vehicle also qualifies.
Cab Cards and Decals
When you register with the IFTA, you get two credentials. Your cab card, also called your IFTA license, should be copied and kept in your vehicle (or each vehicle) at all times. You will also get two sets of decals, one that goes on each side of the outside of your cab.
The Benefits of IFTA
The IFTA massively simplifies the complicated fuel tax system. Without IFTA, you'd have to either file a separate fuel tax return for each jurisdiction you visited, or buy fuel tax permits every time you left your home state. The IFTA makes your life much easier.
Filing Your IFTA Return
Each quarter, you'll need to file a return with the IFTA. This is why you need to keep track of your mileage in each jurisdiction; you need to report your mileage so they can all share your taxes. We can help you file your quarterly returns with ease. Just give us a call and we'll help you out!
Frequently Asked Questions
Get the Answers You Need
Who Qualifies for the IFTA?
The IFTA only applies to vehicles that are a certain size or weight. If your vehicle has three or more axles, then it qualifies for the IFTA, regardless of its weight. If your vehicle has two axles and weighs more than 26,000 pounds (or it's part of a combination that exceeds the same weight threshold), then it qualifies for the IFTA.
Notably, the IFTA only applies to commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Therefore, if you have a large vehicle, like an RV, that meets the weight requirement, you don't have to sign up for the IFTA.
Should I Get an IFTA License?
IFTA licenses are a great idea for any trucker who regularly operates on an interstate basis. This way, you can file just one return for your vehicle, as opposed to having to file your fuel tax returns individually across each state or province you haul in. Furthermore, if you have multiple trucks, you can simplify all of their returns into just one!
Is There a Good Alternative to the IFTA?
Some people decide that they would prefer not to get an IFTA license. Usually, this is because they only leave their base jurisdiction a few times per year, making the IFTA an expensive investment with little return. If you're one of these people, then you should consider getting a fuel tax permit for each of the states that you'll travel through. These permits allow you to be exempt from the usual fuel tax requirements for a small flat rate.
What Is a Base Jurisdiction?
Your base jurisdiction is the state or province where your vehicle is registered. So, if your business and truck are registered in Arkansas, then Arkansas is your base state.
Which Jurisdictions Are Members of IFTA?
The 48 contiguous states of the United States and the 10 Canadian provinces are members of IFTA. Alaska, Hawaii, and the Canadian territories (the Northwestern Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut) are not members.
Does My Truck's Registration Work Across Multiple Jurisdictions?
No, your registration is only valid unless you get the IRP. This is why IRP and IFTA are usually mentioned together; they are both key for interstate truckers.
Do I Need to Register My Trailer with the IFTA?
No, trailers are exempt from the IFTA. Only commercial motor vehicles need to get IFTA decals. However, a trailer can, when used as part of a combination, push a tractor into needing the IFTA. They just don't need them on their own.
What Credentials Will I Get Once I Sign Up for the IFTA?
You'll get two pieces of identification that will prove your IFTA registration to the authorities. The first is your actual IFTA license, which you'll need to make copies of to keep in each of your vehicles. You should keep the original at your business's address. You'll also get two decals to place on the outside of your vehicle. One will go on each side of your cab. This allows the authorities to quickly confirm that you have IFTA registration.
When Do I Need to File My IFTA Returns?
IFTA returns are due once per quarter. The first quarter of the year lasts from January through March. For this period, your returns are due on April 30th. The subsequent deadlines are July 31st, October 31st, and January 31st of the following year.
What Happens if I Miss My IFTA Due Date?
Missing your due date will incur a penalty. These penalties will vary based on your base jurisdiction, but they will be either a flat rate or a percentage of your tax liability. They will also increase over time, so make sure you pay them quickly!
I Didn't Haul At All This Quarter. Do I Still Have to File an IFTA Return?
Yes, even if you don't have to pay fuel taxes this quarter, you still need to file your return. Luckily, it'll be an easy one to file!
What Kinds of IFTA Records Do I Need to Keep?
You'll need to keep records of your mileage driven through each jurisdiction. These should include:
—The date of your trip
—Your route
—Total mileage and mileage in each jurisdiction
—Receipts for any fuel you buy
—Any intermediate stops you make along the way
You have to keep these records in storage for multiple years afterwards. Each jurisdiction has different requirements for how long you have to keep your records, but it's honestly best to hold onto them for around 5 years. That way, you should be compliant with the IFTA's record-keeping rules.
Does My IFTA License Renew Automatically?
No, you'll have to renew your IFTA license each year. You must submit your renewal by December 31st of each year. If you need to make changes, you'll need to note those changes with your renewal.