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Carriers with an active IFTA license must file a fuel tax return every quarter. Filing late can result in penalties and interest, and inaccurate mileage or fuel records can cause problems during an audit.
This guide explains who must file, when returns are due, and how to submit your quarterly IFTA return online or by mail.
Who Has to File IFTA Reports?
Carriers operating qualified motor vehicles in two or more IFTA member jurisdictions generally need an IFTA license and valid IFTA decals.
A qualified motor vehicle meets at least one of these criteria:
- Has two axles and a gross or registered gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds
- Has three or more axles, regardless of weight.
- Is used in a vehicle combination with a gross or registered gross weight exceeding 26,000 pounds.
Once licensed, you must file an IFTA return every quarter, even if your vehicles had no operations or taxable miles.
How to File IFTA Taxes: Step by Step
You must file your quarterly IFTA report with your base jurisdiction. The process is similar across states, although filing methods may differ.
Here is the proper way to fill out and file your quarterly IFTA report with your base jurisdiction, from getting your records ready to submitting the return:
- Check your IFTA account details: Have your IFTA license or account number and base jurisdiction login information ready.
- Gather your mileage and fuel records: Collect mileage by jurisdiction, trip records, and fuel receipts. Review the IFTA reporting requirements for details.
- Calculate your fuel taxes: Determine your fleet’s MPG, taxable gallons, and the tax owed or credited in each jurisdiction. See our guide on how to calculate IFTA fuel tax.
- Complete your IFTA return: Enter your mileage and fuel information in your base jurisdiction’s online portal, or use its paper form if permitted.
- Submit and pay: Review your calculations, file by the IFTA deadline, and pay any tax due. Save your confirmation and supporting records for at least four years.
How to File IFTA Fuel Taxes Online
Most IFTA base jurisdictions offer online filing, but the process varies by state. Some also accept paper returns, while others require electronic filing.
Filing Your Quarterly IFTA Return Online:
- Visit your base jurisdiction’s official IFTA filing portal.
- Log in to your IFTA account.
- Select the reporting quarter and open the appropriate return.
- Enter your total and taxable miles, tax-paid gallons, and other required fuel information for each jurisdiction.
- Review your calculations, including any tax owed or credit due.
- Submit your return, pay any outstanding tax, and save your filing confirmation.
Can You File IFTA by Mail?
If your base jurisdiction accepts paper returns, download its current IFTA return form and follow the instructions for submitting your return and payment.
What Should You Check With Your Base Jurisdiction Before Filing?
Visit your base jurisdiction’s official website to confirm:
- Accepted filing methods (online or mail).
- Quarterly filing deadlines.
- Available payment options.
- Any additional state-specific requirements.
For more information, check your state’s IFTA reporting requirements, tax rates, and penalties.
Common IFTA Filing Mistakes to Avoid
Errors in your mileage and fuel records can affect your IFTA tax calculations. Watch for these common mistakes before submitting your return:
- Missing fuel receipts: Keep fuel purchase receipts to support your tax-paid gallons. See the IFTA recordkeeping requirements.
- Estimating fuel consumption: Calculate your fleet’s MPG using actual mileage and fuel records instead of guessing. Learn how to calculate IFTA fuel tax.
- Skipping zero-activity returns: If your IFTA license is active, you generally must file every quarter, even if your vehicles did not operate.
- Leaving out miles: Report all applicable miles, including tax-exempt miles, and distinguish between total and taxable mileage.
- Using outdated tax rates: Check the correct fuel tax rates for each jurisdiction and reporting period. Review IFTA tax information by state.
- Mixing up fuel calculations: Taxable gallons and tax-paid gallons are different. Double-check both figures and your final tax calculations before filing.
What Happens if You Miss the IFTA Filing Deadline?
Missing an IFTA filing or payment deadline can result in penalties and interest.
The standard penalty is $50 or 10% of the tax due, whichever is greater. Some states also assess the $50 penalty when no tax is owed. Interest may apply to unpaid taxes.
Repeated missed filings or unpaid taxes can lead to suspension or revocation of your IFTA license.
To avoid these penalties, check the quarterly IFTA filing deadlines and submit your return and payment on time.
Check IFTA penalties and filing requirements for your state.
How eIFTA by Truckopedia Helps You Prepare Your IFTA Report
eIFTA by Truckopedia helps you prepare your quarterly IFTA report by automatically calculating fuel taxes across jurisdictions and checking for common reporting errors.
Here’s how it works:
- Create your report: Sign in or create an account, then select your reporting quarter and enter your fleet details.
- Add your mileage and fuel records: Enter your information manually or upload it using an Excel template.
- Calculate your fuel taxes: Let eIFTA calculate your fleet’s MPG, taxable gallons, and taxes owed or credited in each jurisdiction.
- Check for potential errors: Review alerts for unusual MPG, missing jurisdictions, and inconsistent mileage or fuel data.
- Download and file: Download your IFTA workbook in PDF or Excel format, then use it to file your return with your base jurisdiction.
Ready to Prepare Your eIFTA Report?
Built for fleet owners, owner-operators, and trucking businesses, eIFTA takes the work out of IFTA reporting. Let eIFTA handle the calculations and simplify your entire quarterly reporting process.
