Interstate trucking businesses that operate qualifying motor vehicles across participating jurisdictions may have IFTA reporting responsibilities. Royal Trucker Taxes provides IFTA tax filing services for truck drivers, owner operators and trucking companies, helping organize the fuel, mileage and jurisdiction information needed for quarterly reporting.

 

IFTA reporting is generally handled through a carrier's base jurisdiction. The International Fuel Tax Association explains that the base jurisdiction processes IFTA licenses and quarterly returns for qualifying IFTA licensees.

 

If you're unsure whether your trucking operation qualifies for IFTA or what records are needed, we can help you understand the applicable requirements and organize the information needed for your return.

What Is IFTA?

The International Fuel Tax Agreement, commonly known as IFTA, is a system used by participating jurisdictions to simplify fuel tax reporting for qualifying interstate motor carriers. Instead of filing separate fuel tax reports with each jurisdiction traveled through, qualifying carriers generally report their fuel use and mileage through their base jurisdiction.

 

IFTA reporting requires accurate records of miles traveled and fuel purchased. Keeping these records organized throughout the quarter can make the reporting process easier and help reduce errors.

Who Needs to File IFTA?

IFTA generally applies to qualifying motor vehicles used in interstate operations. Whether your trucking business needs an IFTA license depends on your vehicle and how and where it is operated.

 

A qualified motor vehicle generally includes a vehicle that:

 

• Has two axles and exceeds 26,000 pounds gross or registered gross weight;
• Has three or more axles, regardless of weight; or
• Is used in combination when the combined gross or registered gross weight exceeds 26,000 pounds.

 

Other requirements and exemptions can apply depending on the jurisdiction and operation. The applicable base jurisdiction can provide the requirements for your specific IFTA situation.

 

If you're not sure whether your truck qualifies for IFTA, Royal Trucker Taxes can help you identify the information needed to determine what applies to your operation.

Quarterly IFTA Tax Filing

IFTA returns are generally based on the miles traveled and fuel purchased in each reporting jurisdiction during the reporting period. Royal Trucker Taxes can help organize your mileage and fuel information and prepare the quarterly IFTA return based on the records you provide.

 

Accurate records are important when preparing an IFTA return. Fuel receipts, mileage records and other supporting information should be maintained so the return can be prepared using the appropriate business records.

 

• Quarterly IFTA return preparation
• Fuel purchase information
• Mileage records
• Jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction reporting
• IFTA record organization
• Assistance with IFTA-related questions

IFTA Quarterly Filing Periods

IFTA returns generally cover the previous calendar quarter. The reporting periods are:

 

1st quarter: January 1 – March 31

2nd quarter: April 1 – June 30

3rd quarter: July 1 – September 30

4th quarter: October 1 – December 31

 

The applicable filing deadline is determined under the IFTA rules used by the carrier's base jurisdiction. Your base jurisdiction provides the IFTA return and filing information for your account.

 

Keeping fuel receipts, mileage records and jurisdiction information organized throughout each quarter can make the filing process much easier.

IFTA Fuel & Mileage Records

Preparing an IFTA return requires accurate information about where your trucks traveled and where fuel was purchased. Keeping fuel receipts and mileage records organized throughout the reporting period can make quarterly filing much easier.

 

Royal Trucker Taxes can help you organize the information needed for IFTA reporting and identify missing or inconsistent information before the return is prepared. The records required can vary depending on your operation and the applicable requirements.

 

• Fuel purchase records
• Truck mileage records
• Jurisdiction information
• Fuel receipts
• Supporting documentation
• Quarterly reporting information

IFTA Services for Owner Operators & Trucking Companies

Whether you operate one truck or manage a small fleet, keeping up with fuel tax reporting can take time away from running your business. Royal Trucker Taxes provides IFTA filing assistance for owner operators, independent trucking businesses and small trucking companies.

 

• Owner operators
• Independent truck drivers
• Small trucking companies
• Trucking LLCs
• S-Corporation trucking businesses
• Small trucking fleets

 

If you already maintain your fuel and mileage records, we can use the information you provide to help prepare your IFTA reporting. If your records need to be organized, we can also discuss what information is needed for your filing.

 

IFTA is one part of managing a trucking business. For help with your broader trucking tax needs, learn more about our Trucking Tax Preparation services.

New to IFTA?

If you're starting an interstate trucking operation and aren't sure how IFTA reporting applies to your business, we can help you understand the information needed for your filing. Your specific responsibilities depend on your vehicles, operations and the jurisdictions in which you travel.

Royal Trucker Taxes can help you organize the fuel and mileage information used for IFTA reporting and prepare the applicable return based on the records you provide.

IFTA Tax Filing FAQs

What is an IFTA tax return?

An IFTA tax return reports qualifying fuel use and miles traveled in participating jurisdictions. The information is generally reported through the carrier's base jurisdiction.

 

Who needs to file IFTA returns?

IFTA requirements can apply to qualifying interstate motor carriers. Whether your operation qualifies depends on factors such as the vehicles you operate and where they travel.

 

How often are IFTA returns filed?

IFTA returns are generally filed quarterly. Your applicable filing requirements and deadlines depend on your jurisdiction and circumstances.

 

What records are needed for IFTA filing?

Fuel purchase records, mileage information and other supporting records may be needed to prepare an IFTA return. Keeping these records organized throughout the reporting period can make filing easier.

 

Can you help me prepare my IFTA return?

Yes. Royal Trucker Taxes provides IFTA filing assistance for owner operators, truck drivers and trucking companies. We can help organize the information needed and prepare the applicable return based on the records you provide.

 

How much does IFTA filing cost?

The cost of IFTA filing assistance can depend on the trucking operation, number of vehicles, records involved and the services needed. IFTA tax liability itself also depends on fuel use, miles traveled, fuel purchased and the applicable jurisdiction tax rates. Contact Royal Trucker Taxes for a review of your situation and a quote for the filing assistance you need.

Ready to Get Your IFTA Filing Organized?

Whether you're an owner operator, independent truck driver or trucking company, Royal Trucker Taxes can help you organize your fuel and mileage information and prepare the applicable IFTA return based on your records. Based in Manassas, VA, we serve truckers across Virginia, Maryland, DC, and virtually throughout the United States.