Missouri IFTA Fuel Tax

IFTA Reporting and Filing Requirements in Missouri

Who Needs IFTA Registration in Missouri?

Businesses based in Missouri must register for the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) if they operate qualified motor vehicles in two or more IFTA member jurisdictions.

Missouri serves as the base jurisdiction for eligible carriers when they operate from an established place of business in the state and have Missouri-issued license plates for the vehicles registered under their IFTA account.

A vehicle qualifies for IFTA in Missouri when it is used to transport people or property and meets any of the following conditions:

• Has two axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight of 26,001 lbs. or more
• Has three or more axles, regardless of weight
• Is used in combination when the combined gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight is 26,001 lbs. or more

By obtaining a Missouri IFTA license, carriers can file one quarterly fuel tax return with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), instead of filing separate fuel tax returns in each IFTA member jurisdiction where their vehicles travel.

If your qualified motor vehicles travel outside Missouri without an IFTA license, you must obtain the proper fuel trip permit for each jurisdiction you enter.

What Are the IFTA Reporting Requirements in Missouri?

Under the International Fuel Tax Agreement, Missouri serves as the base jurisdiction for reporting and paying fuel taxes for qualified motor vehicles operating in multiple IFTA member jurisdictions. 

If you hold a Missouri IFTA license, you must file quarterly IFTA fuel tax returns with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Missouri requires IFTA tax returns to be filed online through MoDOT Motor Carrier Express.

Instead of filing separate fuel tax returns in each IFTA member jurisdiction where you operate, you:

• File one quarterly IFTA fuel tax return with Missouri
• Report the total miles traveled in each jurisdiction
• Report the total fuel purchased in each jurisdiction
• Calculate fuel taxes owed or credits earned using the applicable IFTA fuel tax rates

Once your return is processed, Missouri distributes the appropriate fuel tax amounts to the other IFTA member jurisdictions where your vehicles operated.

To support accurate reporting, keep complete mileage records, fuel receipts, and other supporting documents for all qualified motor vehicles operating under your Missouri IFTA license.

How Do You File an IFTA Report in Missouri?

Missouri IFTA license holders must file fuel tax returns with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT).

1. Prepare Your IFTA Report

   Before filing your return, gather the information needed to accurately report your fleet’s operations, including:

   • Total miles traveled in each IFTA jurisdiction
   • Total fuel purchased in each IFTA jurisdiction
   • Fuel receipts and supporting documentation
   • Vehicle mileage records for the reporting period

   Maintaining complete and accurate records helps ensure your IFTA return is filed correctly and reduces the risk of reporting errors.

2. Submit Your IFTA Return

   Missouri requires IFTA tax returns to be filed online through MoDOT Motor Carrier Express.

   After submitting your return, review all reported mileage and fuel information carefully to make sure it is complete and accurate. If you owe fuel taxes, submit your payment by the applicable filing deadline to avoid penalties and interest.

What Are the IFTA License Costs and Fees in Missouri?

Missouri does not charge a fee for an IFTA license or IFTA decals.

When you apply for or renew your Missouri IFTA account, you can request one set of decals for each qualified motor vehicle at no cost. Missouri recommends requesting only the number of decals you need, because the number of decals issued must match the number of licensed trucks.

Missouri IFTA licenses and decals are valid for one calendar year, from January 1 through December 31. IFTA license holders are also subject to audit review to confirm compliance with recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

What Are the IFTA Penalties And Interest in Missouri?

Missouri may assess penalties and interest if you file your IFTA return late or fail to pay the fuel taxes due by the quarterly filing deadline.

If you file or pay after the due date, the penalty is the greater of:

• $50
• 10% of the net tax due

To avoid penalties and interest, file your IFTA return on time and pay any fuel taxes owed by the applicable quarterly due date. If you have no activity during the reporting period, you must still file a return to remain compliant.

How to Renew an IFTA License in Missouri?

Missouri IFTA licenses and decals must be renewed annually. In November, MoDOT renews the IFTA licenses of carriers whose accounts are in active status.

You will receive your new IFTA license, decals, and a Fleet Information Sheet. Review the Fleet Information Sheet carefully to make sure your business information is accurate. If changes are needed, such as a business address update, return the corrected sheet to MoDOT Motor Carrier Services so an updated IFTA license can be issued.

If you received renewal materials but no longer need your Missouri IFTA license, write “CANCEL” on the Fleet Information Sheet, include a brief reason for cancellation, and return the form, license, and decals to MoDOT Motor Carrier Services.

If you stop operating outside Missouri, you must file a final IFTA tax return for the quarter in which interstate operations ended. Your IFTA account will be closed once all taxes are paid in full.

Simplify Quarterly IFTA Reporting with eIFTA by Truckopedia

Managing quarterly IFTA reports doesn’t have to be complicated. eIFTA by Truckopedia helps owner-operators and fleets prepare accurate, file-ready IFTA reports by eliminating manual calculations, spreadsheets, and paperwork. Simply organize your mileage and fuel purchase records, and eIFTA takes care of the calculations so you can spend less time on reporting and more time on the road.

With eIFTA, you can:

• Automatically apply the latest IFTA tax rates for each reporting quarter
• Organize mileage and fuel purchase data across all IFTA jurisdictions
• Calculate fuel taxes owed or credits with accuracy
• Generate file-ready IFTA reports for review, filing, and recordkeeping

Whether you manage one truck or an entire fleet, eIFTA simplifies quarterly fuel tax reporting, reduces reporting errors, and helps you stay compliant with IFTA requirements.