How Does IFTA Work?

Written by Nick Webster

Published on Feb. 27, 2023, 3:17 a.m.

How Does IFTA Work?

“How does IFTA work?” Is a great question. IFTA stands for “International Fuel Tax Agreement,” and it's a great way to keep track of fuel tax records when traveling across state lines. Visit IFTA Sticker Registration steps.

Basically, here's how it works: when you cross into another state, all you have to do is report the total amount of miles travelled in that state to your local base jurisdiction. Then, they'll calculate the taxes due based on those miles and the type of vehicle being used. It's an easy system that makes keeping track of fuel taxes a breeze! Plus, IFTA already has agreements with all continental U.S. states and Canadian provinces—so no matter where you're headed, you shouldn't have any problems. Read here about Starting a Trucking Company Correctly.

What Is IFTA?

The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) is a cooperative agreement between the lower 48 states in the United States and the ten Canadian provinces. The purpose of IFTA is to ensure interstate motor carriers report fuel taxes accurately across jurisdictions. The agreement does not apply to Hawaii, Alaska, or the three northern Canadian territories. All about the NY HUT; New York Highway Use Tax Registration.

Through IFTA, these jurisdictions have established uniform licensing and reporting requirements for motor carriers that operate within their jurisdiction boundaries as well as across them. This helps streamline compliance with fuel tax regulations, making it easier for interstate trucking companies to do business without worrying about varying laws and calculations from state-to-state or province-to-province. IFTA also makes it easier for jurisdictional authorities to audit records. How To Request the DOT PIN Number?

More Information About What IFTA Is

IFTA simplifies fuel tax reporting for trucking companies and owner-operators who operate in IFTA jurisdictions. Instead of having a separate decal for each state, as was required with the old system, IFTA offers an easy way to track fuel taxes across multiple states. This helps reduce paperwork and streamlines compliance requirements, making it easier to stay on top of fuel tax obligations. With IFTA, you can get back on the road faster without worrying about tracking down complicated paperwork or filing numerous returns. It's the most efficient way to manage your fuel taxes! What is DOT SAP Program?

IFTA is not an additional tax, but exists to ensure fuel taxes are fairly distributed. It ensures that no matter where the fuel is purchased, the tax money goes to the states in which it is being used. That way, you only pay for the fuel consumed in each state you drive through. This keeps taxation fair and equitable across multiple jurisdictions. What is MC Number?

Which Motor Vehicles Need To Follow IFTA?

Full-scale IFTA registration is required for any motor vehicle that has two or more axles with a gross vehicle weight rating or registered gross vehicle weight over 26,000 pounds. Additionally, any combination of vehicles that has a total gross vehicle weight rating or registered weight above 26,000 pounds must also carry an IFTA license. Must visit the link.

It is important to note that even if the individual components of the combination weigh less than 26,000 pounds collectively, they must still be licensed if their combined weight exceeds this limit. All drivers operating in interstate commerce are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the laws and regulations regarding IFTA compliance. Failure to comply may result in fines and other penalties. Visit DOT Authority Package, Tips to prepare for 2022 DOT Week filings in minutes.

Can You Tell Me More About How IFTA Works?

If you own one or more qualified motor vehicles, an IFTA application is necessary in order to operate. You can either submit the application yourself or have your bookkeeper or accountant do it for you. After submission, you will receive an IFTA license as well as a decal for each vehicle registered. To keep track of fuel expenditure accurately and efficiently, the amount should always be logged into your IFTA account. How to get Oregon Trip And Fuel Permit?

Complying with these steps ensures that your business runs smoothly and meets all necessary regulations. All those engaging in interstate travel must follow the proper procedure when applying for their International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA). Upon receipt of your application, an appropriate license along with a decal will be provided. Must visit FMCSA Hours of Service Suspended topics.

At the end of each quarter, an IFTA report must be submitted for every trucking company detailing the miles driven and gallons purchased throughout that period. Depending on these figures, it will then be determined how much tax is still owed or what refund is due. The IFTA office in the trucking company's home state will issue the amount owed or refunded. Therefore, it's essential to keep accurate track of your mileage and fuel purchases to ensure you get all that you are due! Also visit the link.

Carriers must file quarterly reports on any vehicles they use, even if it is not used for commercial purposes. IFTA decals also expire annually on the 31st of December and carriers need to re-register before the end of February the following year. Ensure you stay up to date with these requirements to avoid potential penalties. It's important to take action early to ensure your compliance. And remember, timely filing can help prevent costly fines and keep you on track in meeting your obligations! mportance of The FMCSA 30-Minute Break Rule.

How Do IFTA Tax Rates Work?

If you're in the transportation industry and need to buy fuel, keep in mind that the IFTA tax rates vary depending on the state or province where you're making your purchase. These rates are updated every quarter, so if you need access to an accurate fuel tax rate chart, our experts can provide it for you. Also, take a look at Drug and Alcohol Program policy.

When Does IFTA Reporting Take Place?

If you're filing IFTA reports for the first three months of the year, make sure to do so by April 30th. For the second quarter, get your tax returns in by July 31st. For the third quarter, submit your forms before October 31st. And finally, if you're filing for the last few months of the year, don't forget to hit that January 31st deadline! Keep these dates in mind and stay on top of your taxes. It'll save you a lot of stress in the long run! What is DOT Clearinghouse Enforcement?

How Should I File My IFTA Report?

For filing IFTA reports, there are three available options: electronic, mail, and walk-in. Submitting electronically guarantees that your return is received on the date of submission. If you opt to mail it in instead, you can rest assured that your return is considered to be received on the postmark date on the envelope. Finally, if you choose to deliver it in person, your return will be accepted as soon as it reaches the office. Whichever method you select, you can trust that your information is safe and secure. What is Unified Carrier Registration?

What Is the Difference Between IFTA Miles and Taxable Miles?

Here are the key differences between IFTA miles and taxable miles:

  • IFTA miles are miles driven interstate and within another jurisdiction. They are tracked, reported, and taxed by the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA).

  • Taxable miles are ordinary business trips that are subject to taxation based on the state’s laws. These taxable miles include both interstate as well as intrastate travel.

  • Both IFTA and taxable miles need to be accurately calculated in order to comply with state or country regulations.

  • IFTA requires vehicle owners to keep records of all fuel purchases for each quarter of the year, along with associated mileage records for their fleet vehicles. This information is then used to calculate an amount of tax due for the period. Read about Texas DOT Number and USDOT Number.

What Will Happen If I Fail To Pay or File My Quarterly Return?

If you don't file your IFTA quarterly return within 30 days of the due date, your license will be suspended and a Jeopardy assessment will be applied. The IRS issues a Jeopardy assessment when they think they may lose money on unpaid taxes. If you file the quarterly return but fail to make payment - including late fees, interest and penalties - within 90 days of the due date, your license will be revoked and a Jeopardy assessment is issued. Avoiding this could save you time and money in the long run! Also visit the link.

Once you have settled the outstanding tax, penalties, and interest due, your license will be valid again. If a Jeopardy has been assessed, you must file and pay the late return within 60 days. After that deadline has passed, the full amount of the Jeopardy will become payable. To get your license reinstated after settling all overdue fees, you need to submit an application for reinstatement. Learn here How to Prepare for a Compliance DOT Audit

How Can Learning IFTA Policies Help Me Save on Fuel?

When deciding where to buy fuel, you need to look beyond the retail price. The IFTA policy requires you to pay taxes based on which states the fuel is being used in, not where it's purchased. This means that the state taxes are accounted for and should not be taken into consideration. To get a better idea of how much money you'll end up spending on fuel, subtract the state fuel tax from the retail price and compare that net price between different states. By doing this, you can ensure that you're getting the most bang for your buck! Check out The Basics of Farm Exemptions. You will then have the ability to maintain complete motor carrier authority or broker.

When comparing fuel prices across states, the net price is the key indicator. Even if a given state has lower retail prices for fuel, the total cost of buying it can be more expensive overall if its net price is higher. Taking this into account will ensure you get the best value for your money when filling up. What are the Top 3 DOT paper appointed Violations?

Here is an example. If you're driving across the border of Texas and Oklahoma, you could be tempted to fuel up in Texas based on the retail cost of $3.00 for a gallon of gas. But when you take into account the net price after fuel tax, you can see that it is actually cheaper to fill up in Oklahoma at $2.74 per gallon compared to Texas' $2.79 per gallon. The difference comes from the higher fuel tax rate in Oklahoma at .277 versus .205 in Texas—so even if you pay more upfront, you'll save money overall by filling up your tank in Oklahoma! You will need driver qualification files filed out by all employees that drive for you working.

Where Do I Put My IFTA Stickers?

IFTA decals should be placed on both sides of the cab, just below the windshield. This will help ensure that law enforcement can easily see them and know that you have an IFTA license. It's important to remember to replace your IFTA stickers each year when renewing your license. Visit BOC-3.

Make sure to follow all rules and regulations for displaying your IFTA sticker in order to remain compliant with regulations. If you need any additional information about where or how to display your IFTA stickers, please don't hesitate to contact us! We're here to help make sure your business is running smoothly and compliantly. Also, take a look at What Is IRP or Apportioned Registration.

Key Points: How IFTA Works

Listed below are some key points about how IFTA works. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our third-party organization. In fact, you can purchase IFTA registration right here on our website or by give us a call.

  • The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) is an agreement among 48 US states and 10 Canadian provinces to simplify the reporting of fuel use taxes.

  • It allows carriers that travel in multiple jurisdictions to report fuel consumption information required to administer motor vehicle fuel use tax laws through a single, quarterly short form filing.

  • The IFTA agreement simplifies compliance by establishing that all base jurisdiction fuels taxes are the responsibility of one jurisdiction.

  • Each state or province reports amounts due from other jurisdictions based on information reported by motor carriers on their quarterly returns.

  • To comply with IFTA, motor carriers must register with their base jurisdiction and obtain special license plates for each qualified vehicle operated in interstate commerce. Visit BOC-3.