Things you need to know about IFTA
The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) is an accord among 48 states of the United States and 10
provinces of Canada in a bid to simplify the reporting of fuel usage by motor carriers who operate
in more than one jurisdiction. Before this, each state had its system, which made reporting system
much more complicated.
How does it work?
Every motor carrier is assigned an IFTA licence number and carriers are required to file fuel tax
four times a year (each quarter) to the state where their business is based. In case, any carrier
has paid more, they will receive a refund.
IFTA works on certain principles. We have listed them
below:
- The fuel tax is calculated based on the location of where the fuel was consumed
- The tax credit is determined based on where the fuel was purchased
- IFTA helps in determining the difference between fuel consumed and fuel purchased for every
jurisdiction
Things to Remember: While purchasing
fuel, carriers should keep their receipts – hard copy or electronic version.
Does your carrier need to obtain IFTA license?
- Two-axle Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross
Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more - Three-axle CMV irrespective of their weight
Exemptions:
Vehicles solely used for personal use are exempted.
Documents you need to file IFTA?
- Reports of every trip with mileage in each state
- Receipts of fuel purchase
- IFTA license number and permit numbers
When do you need to file IFTA?
- Quarter Due Date
- January – March April 30
- April – June July 31
- July – September October
31 - October – December January
31
What are the consequences if you fail to file IFTA?
Carriers can incur a penalty of $50 or 10% of the amount of tax or revocation of IFTA licence.
TXT Electronic Logging Device (ELD) has a feature that simplifies and
automates the Cross-Border Fuel Tax Reporting and eliminates the risk of penalty by removing the
burden of manual collection of mileage state-wise or unit-wise. TXT ELD brings you a smart solution
for your fleet with 100% FMCSA complied device.
The automated report on Fuel Tax Reporting is generated based on Data obtained from Vehicle Engine
Control Module unit and it is 100% reliable. TXT ELD eases the process by increasing the
productivity and eliminating the time-consuming burden of paperwork through automated collection of
mileage, fuel receipts etc.