IFTA Late Filing Penalties


It’s happened to the best of us… you’re on the road, hauling loads, avoiding reckless four-wheelers, and dealing with dispatchers when it hits you. You missed a deadline! Great, now you’re gonna owe the government even more money.

Okay, let’s just accept it. You missed the IFTA Quarterly deadline, what do you do now? First, we’re gonna walk you through that. Afterward, consider a reminder service so you finish this year penalty free!

What are the IFTA Quarterly Penalties?

In most states you pay either a flat rate fee of $50 or 10% of the taxes due, whichever is greater. Now, the only state that is different is Nevada. In Nevada, you pay the $50 flat fee PLUS 10% of your taxes due. No thanks, Nevada!

What about underpayment of taxes due? Well, starting the month after you receive your original penalty for late filing, you will be be charged .4167% of the tax due every month until you pay it off. Once again, Nevada does things a bit different. If that’s your base jurisdiction, you are charged .4167% every month in addition to late fees. After your first underpayment, it’s a $100 fee, the second time is $500, the third is $1000, $1500 for the fourth time, $2000 for the fifth time, and every time after that is $2500.

Wait, What are the IFTA Return Dates Again?

Keep forgetting the IFTA quarterly deadlines? Well, the good thing about the return dates is they’re usually the same date every year. Unless the date falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, your return is due the last day of the month following the end of the quarter you’re filing for.

  • Q1 January – March: Due date of April 30 
  • Q2 April – June: Due date of July 31 
  • Q3 July – September: Due date of October 31 
  • Q4 October – December: Due date of January 31

What if I am Due a Refund?

Any refunds due are automatically calculated by ExpressIFTA, and listed on your return. We’ll show you the amount (either in parentheses or as a negative balance). Depending on your base jurisdiction, you’ll either receive the refund as a credit on your next return or you’ll receive a check in the mail.

Now sometimes, there are surcharges involved with IFTA returns. There are a lot of differences between surcharges depending on the state, so if you want more information on a state’s surcharge rate, contact the state in question directly.

We can’t blame you if you’re mad about these extra fees, but have no fear. There are ways to avoid future penalties! , you can keep up with important deadlines by checking out RigMinders. If you want a more robust trucking professional management system, take a look at TruckLogics. And if you want someone else to handle your paperwork, we suggest TSNAmerica.

And if you run into trouble late filing your IFTA return, contact us by email or give us a call at 704.234.6005.

5,217 total views, 9 views today


Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *