IFTA FAQ’s


The filing deadline is finally here folks, and you’ve got until the end of the day to get your report generated and sent to your base jurisdiction. If you’re in a frenzied panic right now, don’t worry, we’re going to answer all of the most frequently asked IFTA questions to help you get your return done correctly and in a timely manner.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need to file an IFTA return?

IFTA stands for International Fuel Tax Agreement, and it is necessary to file if you operate in a participating jurisdiction and your vehicle weighs over 26,000 pounds, or has over three axles.

All 48 contiguous states participate in IFTA (with the exception of Oregon), as well as some Canadian provinces. The 2nd quarter ended on June 30, and you have until the July 31 deadline to get that return filed.

What is the fuel tax rate for my jurisdiction?

The tax rates often change from quarter to quarter, but if you are ever unsure about the current tax rate for your base jurisdiction, you can find the tax rates for all states at http://www.iftach.org/taxmatrix3/choose_tableq2.php.

When is my IFTA report due?

IFTA returns must be filed every quarter, and the due dates for each quarter are as follows:

1st Quarter: April 30
2nd Quarter: July 31
3rd Quarter: October 31
4th Quarter: January 31

What do I need in order to file?

In order to file an IFTA return, you will need to have all of your mileage, as well as your fuel records and receipts. Your information should include your total miles in each state, as well as the amount and type of fuel purchased in each state.

What happens if I file late or do not file at all?

If for some reason you don’t file on time or don’t file at all, you will subject yourself to fees and late penalties. The fees and penalties are as follows:

  • Late-filing penalty: The fee for filing late is an automatic $50.00, no matter when you file, if it isn’t done before the deadline you can expect to pay this $50.00.
  • Interest penalty: In addition to the late filing penalty, if you don’t file on time you will also be subject to paying interest on your delinquent taxes. The interest rate is .4167%, and that rate is applied to the tax amount you have due every month until it is paid. 
Do I have to file a report if I didn’t operate during the quarter?

Well that depends on if you still have your IFTA license. If you don’t have your license, then you don’t need to worry about filing. However, if you do still have your license, then you’ll need to still need to file a return, even if you didn’t operate at all during the quarter. If this is the case, you will simply file a zero return.

Does your system work with the state of Colorado and their new barcode system?

Yes, our system has been recently updated to include the new barcode necessary for filing an IFTA return with the state of Colorado.

Can I upload my data from my GPS into your system?

Yes, you can absolutely upload your data into our system from your GPS. Just send the file over to us, and we’ll upload it into the system for you. Although please note that sometimes upload requests can take up to 48 hours to complete, depending on the size of your file.

If these frequently asked questions didn’t answer all of yours, feel free to give us a call at 704.243.6005 or email us at support@expressifta.com, and we’ll be happy to answer anything else you want to know about getting your IFTA return filed. Happy filing!

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