IFTA Filing Basics for Trucking Fleets
Master the fundamentals of IFTA so quarterly fuel tax reporting stops being stressful.
Who Must Register
Commercial vehicles with two axles weighing over 26,000 pounds or any vehicle with three or more axles that operate in multiple member jurisdictions.
Register in your base jurisdiction and display current IFTA decals on each power unit.
Quarterly Filing Deadlines
Returns are due the last day of the month following each quarter (April 30, July 31, October 31, January 31).
Late filings can trigger interest at 1% per month and potential revocation of your license.
Recordkeeping Essentials
Keep trip sheets or ELD data showing miles driven per jurisdiction and fuel receipts with date, location, and gallons purchased.
Retain records for at least four years and be prepared to present them during audits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do owner-operators leased to carriers need IFTA?
Typically the carrier handles IFTA, but confirm your lease agreement to avoid duplicate filings.
Can I e-file IFTA returns?
Most states offer e-filing portals—check with your base jurisdiction for login instructions.