Category: ifta fuel tax

What New Truckers Need To Know About IFTA Reporting

If you are new to the trucking industry let us say congratulations!

There’s a lot to learn about how to manage all of the required trucking taxes and registration. Just for starters, you will need everything from Heavy Vehicle Use Tax, your IRP, and of course your IFTA quarterly fuel tax report. To help you get started here is what new truckers need to know about IFTA reporting.

What New Truckers Need To Know About IFTA Reporting

IFTA, or the International Fuel Tax Agreement, is an arrangement between 48 of the United States and 10 Canadian provinces to report fuel use by motor carriers that operate in more than one jurisdiction (state). The IFTA fuel tax redistributes fuel taxes equally among the jurisdictions.

To show you filed your IFTA return and pay the taxes owed by the deadline you will be issued an IFTA license and IFTA stickers. The license should be kept in your truck at all times and the IFTA stickers are displayed under your driver’s side window.

Vehicle Qualifications For IFTA Reporting

Your vehicle qualifies for IFTA reporting if it travels between more than one jurisdiction and:

  • Has two axles and a gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds
  • Has two axles and a registered weight exceeding 26,000 pounds
  • Has a combination weight exceeding 26,000 pounds
  • Has three or more axles regardless of weight

IFTA Quarterly Fuel Tax Report Requirements

You are required to complete an IFTA report four times a year and file with your base jurisdiction (home state). Your base jurisdiction is where your qualifying vehicles are required to be registered and where your information is available in the event of an IFTA audit.

To complete your IFTA fuel tax return you will need to report:

    • The total miles traveled per jurisdiction including taxable and nontaxable, IFTA and non-IFTA, and trip permit miles
    • The total gallons of fuel consumed in each jurisdiction including taxable and nontaxable, IFTA, and trip permit miles
    • The number of gallons of fuel purchased per jurisdiction
    • The tax paid on each gallon of fuel purchased per jurisdiction
    • And the current tax rate per jurisdiction

File With The Best IFTA Software Available

Our sister product, ExpressIFTA makes IFTA reporting simple. Their IFTA software for reporting includes innovative features that let you upload your IFTA fuel tax information at your own pace. Upload your trip information as you go or all at once with each quick entry screen. You can even upload your miles from your fuel card.
 
Don’t worry about handling any complicated calculation yourself, because ExpressIFTA will automatically calculate IFTA fuel tax rates for you. And all of your information will be kept in an easy-to-read report that can be easily printed and used to complete your return.
 
Generate your IFTA report today!

Get A Move On! The IFTA Deadline Is Here!

It really is that time again.

The 4th quarter IFTA deadline has arrived, and you need to report all your miles and fuel purchases from October 1 through December 31. 

The actual filing and payment for your taxes must be completed with your base jurisdiction.

However, when it comes to IFTA calculating and reporting, there’s no easier way to generate your IFTA report than with ExpressIFTA. 

IFTA reporting with ExpressIFTA

Generating a report with ExpressIFTA is as simple as entering information about each of your trucks and then entering the mileage and fuel for each. You can even bulk upload IFTA tax report information from your ELD, GPS, or spreadsheet.

ExpressIFTA will take your information and use its extensive, constantly-updated knowledge of IFTA tax changes to generate your IFTA tax report. The system will also check for common errors in your IFTA reporting.

Trucker using ExpressIFTA for IFTA fuel tax reporting

Then, you can use your new IFTA report to quickly and easily file and pay your IFTA tax with your base jurisdiction.

And the best part is you can use your existing ExpressTruckTax account information. Just go to expressifta.com and enter the email address and password you already use.

Use ExpressIFTA

ExpressIFTA is affordable, accurate, and easy to use. Generate your IFTA report today!

Need more help with ExpressIFTA?

Check out this handy step-by-step guide to generating your IFTA report with ExpressIFTA! It makes the process even simpler!

Are You Caught Up With Your Truck Taxes?

Being a trucker isn’t easy. It seems like everyone on the road thinks you’re in their way, and yet the demand for delivered goods just keeps increasing.

On top of that, you have some serious bookkeeping to maintain.

Luckily for you, there are online software solutions like ExpressTruckTax to help take the paperwork off your plate.

Here are some yearly and quarterly truck taxes you need to be aware of in order to avoid penalties and interest.
Watch out for these truck taxes:

IFTA Fuel Tax

The IFTA fuel tax is a quarterly tax used to collect and distribute fuel tax revenue between jurisdictions.

IFTA simplifies truck taxes by allowing you to travel in all participating member jurisdictions with a single fuel tax license.

You’ll need to file report your IFTA tax to your base jurisdiction 4 times a year.

Here are the IFTA fuel tax deadlines you need to be aware of:

Quarter
Period
Due Date
1st
January – March
April 30
2nd
April – June
July 31
3rd
July – September
October 31
4th
October – December
January 31
Notice that the 3rd quarter IFTA deadline is approaching soon on Halloween!
Use ExpressIFTA, an online IFTA reporting software, to track all of your fuel records and generate your quarterly IFTA fuel tax reports online.

IRS Form 2290

Form 2290 is due annually, so you only need to worry about it once a year.

It’s coupled with the Heavy Use Vehicle Tax, which is the 2290 tax amount you must pay in addition to filing Form 2290.

Hopefully, this one doesn’t need to even be on your radar for months. It was due September 3, 2019. (Normally, Form 2290 is due August 31, but that date fell on a weekend).

If, however, your Form 2290 was rejected, or if you still have not filed IRS Form 2290 for 2019-20, you’ll need to do so right away. IRS penalties and interest for this tax are not forgiving, and they only increase with time.

Online filing takes less than 10 minutes, so there’s really no reason to endure hefty penalties.

Trucking down the highway, up to date on truck taxs like IFTA fuel tax and Form 941.

If you put off filing your 2290 tax form due to your inability to afford the 2290 tax, it’s important to note that the penalty for filing your Form 2290 but failing to pay your 2290 tax is substantially lower than failing to file and pay.

In addition to avoiding penalties, it is necessary to file your 2290 tax form each year in order to receive your stamped Schedule 1, which is required for operation.

Use ExpressTruckTax, the industry’s leading IRS-authorized e-file provider, to file IRS Form 2290 in minutes from anywhere on your phone, tablet, or computer. Never even set foot in an IRS office during one of the busiest truck tax seasons.

941 Taxes

Form 941 is relevant if you own and operate a trucking business with employees, as it is used to report employment taxes and calculate the employer’s portion of Social Security and Medicare tax.941 taxes are quarterly, meaning they’re due 4 times a year:

Quarter
Period
Due Date
1st
January – March
April 30
2nd
April – June
July 31
3rd
July – September
October 31
4th
October – December
January 31

As you can see, the 3rd quarter 941 Form 2019 deadline is coming up. Make sure you know whether or not you need to file 941 taxes. Unsure if you need to file? Read more here.

If you do need to file IRS Form 941, you’ll want to check out TaxBandits. Forget the paperwork, simply file 941 taxes online in a few minutes. Plus their interview style e-filing process and automatic error checks ensure success.

Keep up with your truck taxes! You don’t need to be spending unnecessary money on penalties and fees. Check out ExpressTruckTax, ExpressIFTA, and TaxBandits today. You’ll be glad you did.

Trucking 101: Everything You Need to Know About ExpressTruckTax

You might already know that ExpressTruckTax is here for your Form 2290 filing needs.

In fact, we’re the industry-leading e-file provider for IRS 2290.

But what else do you know? Find out other ways we can help you with truck taxes to take the paperwork out of trucking.

Truck Taxes

IRS Form 2290

Did you use ExpressTruckTax to file Form 2290 this year? If so, thanks for choosing us!

Our number 1 referral method is word of mouth, so be sure to tell your friends about your experience.

If you didn’t file with ExpressTruckTax, or haven’t heard of us before, here’s the rundown:

1.  ExpressTruckTax is an IRS-authorized e-file provider.

That means our system is authorized by the IRS to participate in the IRS e-file program. Not only are we backed by the IRS, but we run on cloud-based software, keeping your sensitive information safe and secure.

2.  ExpressTruckTax takes the paperwork out of filing.

No, seriously. You never need to touch a piece of paper to file IRS 2290, and you definitely don’t have to stand in those ridiculous lines at the IRS. Honestly, I hope no one is still doing that.

3.  ExpressTruckTax is here for you.

The ExpressTruckTax support team is a US-based, live support team, meaning you’ll always get a real human on the phone who knows what they’re talking about.

Best of all, you’ll get your IRS 2290 stamped Schedule 1 just minutes after filing Form 2290.

IFTA Fuel Tax

So, maybe you knew all that, but did you know we can help with IFTA filing too?

Simply log in to your ExpressTruckTax account, or create one for free. Then, select the “IFTA” tab at the top of the home page.

IFTA filing has never been easier. It’s all the ease of Form 2290, but with IFTA reporting!

Don’t forget, your 3rd quarter IFTA deadline is October 31, 2019. File your IFTA fuel tax by Halloween to avoid penalties and interest.

Truck Drivers Are Our Priority

Now you know a little bit about how ExpressTruckTax can help you, especially with IRS Form 2290 and IFTA fuel tax.

We’re here for you. Our top-notch customer support team is available to help, whether you need to make a correction on your Form 2290, have questions about IFTA filing, or need clarity on truck taxes and deadlines.

We’re here to take some of the hassle and paperwork out of being a truck driver, but most importantly, we’re here for you.

Check out our other blogs to find more resources to help you succeed in the trucking industry.
Happy trucking!

Things You Need To Know: HVUT, Highway Tax 2290, and IFTA Tax

With every deadline comes more confusion.

You might think, “What are all these forms and payments, and why am I constantly dealing with them?”

Understanding HVUT, highway tax 2290, and IFTA tax will prepare you to file quickly each year and keep you from making filing mistakes.

Knowing the differences will also give you an idea of if you need to file, and when to file.

HVUT

HVUT, or Heavy Vehicle Use Tax, is a tax on heavy vehicles used to fund highway maintenance.

You must pay Heavy Highway Use Tax if your truck has a gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more and is driven on public highways over 5,000 miles per year. Gross weight is weight when fully equipped for service.
Heavy Highway Use Tax is an annual tax. The HVUT deadline is the same as the 2290 highway use tax form deadline. HVUT is also known as HVUT 2290 because of its connection with Form 2290, which we’ll talk about next.

Highway Tax 2290

Highway Tax 2290, or simply Form 2290, is the form used to pay your HVUT amount.

Form 2290 is also used to calculate the Heavy Highway Use Tax amount you owe, determine your truck’s category, claim an exemption or credit, and more.

Highway Tax 2290 proves why the HVUT 2290 amount you’re paying is what you’re paying.
You need an EIN to file 2290 Highway Use Tax Form. The deadline is the same as the HVUT 2290 deadline. File Highway Tax 2290 Form and pay HVUT 2290 by the end of the month after your first use month.

IFTA Tax

The IFTA tax is not related to HVUT 2290 and Highway Tax 2290 Form. IFTA, or International Fuel Tax Agreement, ensures that each state/province is paid the correct IFTA fuel tax.

IFTA fuel tax becomes important when vehicles travel frequently across state borders. If trucks fill up in one state and immediately cross to the next, the state they’re driving in is losing out.

With IFTA reporting, truckers track miles in each state.

You need to pay IFTA fuel tax quarterly if your vehicle has 2 axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered gross weight > 26,000 pounds, has a combined weight of 26,000 pounds or has 3 or more axles regardless of weight.

Here are the deadlines:
 
Quarter Periods
IFTA Quarterly Tax Return Period
Due Dates
1st Quarter
January – March
April 30 
2nd Quarter
April – June
July 31
3rd Quarter
July – September
October 31
4th Quarter
October – December
January 31

How To Keep Up With Truck Taxes

The best way to pay these taxes is online. Cutting out paperwork saves time, and filing online allows you to keep a record of your previous filings.

Using a service that offers all of these forms in the same place is ideal.

With ExpressTruckTax, you can do it all. IFTA reporting, highway tax 2290, and HVUT are all in one place for your convenience.

Save time with bulk upload, free VIN corrections, multi-user access, and more features.
Plus, our mobile app allows you to file whenever and wherever. Filing taxes has never been easier.
Don’t forget! Your HVUT 2290 deadline is approaching!
Your IRS Form 2290 and HVUT payment are due September 3rd, 2019.File Form 2290 today to avoid IRS penalties.

Yikes, I Missed The IFTA Filing Deadline. Now What?

By now you’ve probably realized that the 2nd quarter IFTA filing deadline was yesterday, July 31st.

Crap.

Let’s be honest, who even knew there were 31 days in July anyway?

Don’t sweat it – missing the IFTA due date happens every IFTA filing quarter to tons of people.

Here’s what to do if you missed the 2nd quarter IFTA filing deadline.

Yikes, I Missed The IFTA Filing Deadline. Now What?

Understand The Penalties

The penalty for missing the IFTA filing deadline is $50 or 10% of your total tax, whichever is higher.

On top of that, you’ll be charged .4167% interest on your total tax monthly until the fuel tax is paid.

In addition, and here’s the real kicker, your base jurisdiction reserves the right to revoke your IFTA license.

Sounds terrible right? Well here’s the good news.

Avoid Those Penalties

You don’t need to go through all of that.

The penalties worsen the longer you wait to file your IFTA tax. Since the IFTA due date was yesterday, if you file your IFTA fuel tax today, the only fee you’ll pay is $50 or 10% of your tax.

Plus, in some cases, if you file immediately after the deadline, you can get your IFTA filing in before anyone even realizes it’s late and potentially avoid the basic fee.

Also, first-time IFTA due date offenders will probably not have their license revoked, especially if they can rectify the situation quickly.

Here’s a summary of what I’m saying – You need to file now!

You’ve realized your mistake and you have taxes on your mind, so what are you waiting for?

Knock out your IFTA fuel tax now before this gets out of hand.

File Your IFTA Fuel Tax Fast

You need a quick IFTA reporting solution, but don’t worry, we have a suggestion!

ExpressTruckTax has everything you could possibly need to file your IFTA fuel tax.

We’ll generate your IFTA report and take care of all the calculations for you, including total miles, gallons, miles per gallon, and IFTA tax amount.

We have all the tools you need to simplify the process, including bulk upload and a free IFTA tax calculator!

IFTA reporting doesn’t get any simpler.

Missing the IFTA due date happens, but excessive penalties don’t have to.

Everything You Need to Know About Reefer Fuel Regarding IFTA?

Everything You Need to Know About Reefer Fuel Regarding IFTA?

Personally, I’m a big believer in being prepared for anything and coincidence truckers are the same way. You never know what can happen, so it’s always best to be ready. When it comes to the International Fuel Tax Agreement, you can never be too prepared, and the learning never ends. The rules governing IFTA are a bit lengthy, and every single state is different, but don’t let that stress you out. IFTA is a lot easier when it is broken down, so let’s go over everything you need to know about reefer fuel regarding IFTA.

What is Reefer Fuel?

First of all, reefer fuel is NOT included when filing IFTA when it is used to power the refrigeration unit of the trailer. You should always purchase reefer fuel on a separate fuel receipt.

Never pump reefer fuel on the same fuel receipt when fueling your power unit. This will lower your MPG and cost you more IFTA fuel tax. Also, if you are selected for an IFTA audit, and it is discovered that you combined reefer fuel into your power unit file, you will be penalized and incur added interest on your IFTA audit.

IFTA & Reefer Fuel

You are entitled to a federal tax refund on each gallon of reefer fuel. You will need the total number of gallons of reefer fuel purchased during the tax year to complete the refund form. The IRS will send you a check for the federal tax paid on each gallon of fuel. If you failed to file for this refund, you could file back for the past three years to claim your refund.


Everything You Need to Know About Reefer Fuel Regarding IFTA?You will want to check with your base jurisdiction to see how they handle reefer fuel. In Maryland, for example, if you only have one tank that propels your vehicle and runs the refrigeration unit, then all fuel is included in IFTA. If you have two separate containers, you need to fuel separately and make sure reefer is marked on the receipt. Do not add the reefer fuel on IFTA and you will able to get a refund by filing a claim.

So if you are operating an IFTA “Qualified Motor Vehicle” with a reefer unit, make sure to have the reefer fuel on a separate receipt and don’t include reefer duel on your IFTA return.

Generate Your IFTA Tax Report Today!

Our sister product, ExpressIFTA is full of innovative features to help you complete your IFTA quarterly fuel tax report. All you have to do to get started is create your free account, enter your business information, specify your base jurisdiction, enter your vehicle details, list your miles and fuel records, and generate your IFTA quarterly fuel tax report.

Say goodbye to that day of complicated calculations, ExpressIFTA’s software will accurately calculate your IFTA fuel tax rates and IFTA tax based on the information provided. Never worry about over or underpaying again.

Plus, their built-in diagnostic error audit can be run on your reports to catch any fundamental filing errors based on our estimated miles per gallon. It will recognize when miles traveled aren’t between adjacent states, and if you purchase fuel in a state you have not traveled in.

File Your IFTA Taxes Online

Today is the 2nd Quarter IFTA Deadline

Truck back on the road after filing their IFTA Fuel Tax Report
Yup, that’s right. Today, July 31st, is the 2nd quarter IFTA deadline. You will need to complete your IFTA return by midnight or you will have some major penalties to face. If this deadline snuck up on you and you’re wondering how you’ll ever make the deadline, don’t worry! We have your IFTA fuel tax solution.

ExpressTruckTax can easily handle all of your IFTA reporting needs online. You can quickly generate your IFTA report and use it to complete your return. Plus, we’re here to go over all the IFTA basics so you’ll be up to speed.

Today is the 2nd Quarter IFTA Deadline

Before we drive headlong into today’s IFTA reporting deadline, let’s review the basics of what you need to know.

What is IFTA?

If you are asking yourself “What is IFTA?” then you are in worse shape than I expected. But don’t worry, I got you. The International Fuel Tax Agreement, or IFTA, quarterly fuel tax report allows you to travel in all participating member jurisdictions with a single fuel tax license. To operate in two or more jurisdictions, you are required to have an IFTA sticker and license.

You receive your IFTA stickers and license through you base jurisdiction which is your home state or where your vehicle is registered. Your IFTA license needs to be renewed annually in December. When you hold an IFTA license, you are required to file an IFTA quarterly fuel tax report that shows and calculated how much fuel tax you owe (or are credited) to remain compliant.

In short, IFTA is used to report and determine the net tax refund that’s due and to redistribute taxes from collecting states to due states. This agreement is between the lower 48 United States and 10 Canadian provinces, this regulation was put into place to simplify fuel reporting by those who use qualified motor vehicles.

Your vehicle qualifies for IFTA reporting if:
  • Has two axles and a gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,00 pounds
  • Has two axles and a registered gross weight exceeding 26,000 pounds
  • Has three or more axles regardless of weight
  • Or has a combined weight exceeding 26,000 pounds

To complete your IFTA report you need to provide the following information:

  • The total miles traveled per jurisdiction
  • The total gallons of fuel consumed per jurisdiction
  • The total tax paid gallons of fuel purchased per jurisdiction, and 
  • The current tax rate per jurisdiction 

File Your IFTA Fuel Tax Report

ExpressTruckTax makes it easy to import all of your IFTA information online in one convenient location. Use your IFTA reports to automatically calculate all of your IFTA totals with 100% accuracy.

Your IFTA fuel tax rates will be generated in an easy-to-read quarterly IFTA report that contains everything you need to complete your return. Instantly print, download, or email your information at any time.

Today is the deadline for filing IFTA!! If you fail to file before midnight today you could be looking at major penalties.

Today is the 2nd Quarter IFTA Deadline

This Free IFTA Tax Calculator Will Blow Your Mind

Owner operator back on the road after filing his IFTA fuel taxI don’t know about you, but it feels like we just filed and paid the IFTA fuel tax. Oh, how the time flies! Because unfortunately, the next IFTA deadline is right around the corner. Your 3rd quarter IFTA report is due Thursday, October 31st! If you need to file your federal fuel tax report you have come to the right place–– here’s how we can help. 
 

This Free IFTA Tax Calculator Will Blow Your Mind

So you’re looking for a free IFTA Tax calculator? You might find some labeled as “free” but are they?

Well, one of our goals at ExpressTruckTax is to take the hassle out of filing your taxes. One of the many ways we achieve this is by providing you with a completely free IFTA mileage calculator app. Download the app to your smartphone or tablet and calculate your IFTA fuel tax in a matter of seconds, no matter where you are.

IFTA Mileage Calculator Instructions:

1. Select your Base Jurisdiction
2. Select your IFTA Quarter & Fuel Type
3. Enter the Miles Traveled & Fuel Purchased per state

    Now you can sit back and relax as the IFTA tax calculator app handles all of the complicated federal fuel tax calculators for you. Your total miles, gallons, and miles per gallon will be displayed along with the amount of IFTA fuel tax you owe.

    You can then email this IFTA tax report to yourself or any recipients by entering any email address and clicking send.

    How to File Your IFTA Fuel Tax?

    professional truck driver can get back on the road and calculate his IFTA fuel tax using ExpressTruckTax free IFTA tax calculator

    ExpressTruckTax not only helps you file your HVUT Form 2290 but also your IFTA return. Our IFTA online filing solution is full of innovative features that help you complete your return. All you have to do to get started is to create your free account, and you only pay when you transmit your IFTA return.

    If you need any assistance along the way, our dedicated ExpressTruckTax US-based support team is available via phone, live chat, and email.

    Your 4th Quarter IFTA Report Is Due Today

    Don’t hit the breaks, but tax season is here! Most likely IFTA is on your mind since you have to file an IFTA report four times a year. However, these deadlines can definitely sneak up on you, so here is your official reminder that your 4th quarter IFTA tax return is due by January 31st! Also, we don’t want IFTA to be in the back of your mind, so we’re gonna tell you all about it to make you an IFTA pro!

    All About IFTA

    IFTA stands for the International Fuel Tax Agreement and it is the agreement between the 48 connected states of the USA, states of Mexico, and the Canadian provinces to report on the fuel used by motor carriers or large vehicles operating in more than one jurisdiction (state).

    Under IFTA carriers file quarterly fuel tax reports to figure out precisely the net tax or refund due to redistribute taxes from collecting jurisdictions that are due.

    If you were to find yourself operating in Hawaii, Alaska, or the Canadian territories then you wouldn’t have to worry about IFTA.

    Qualifying vehicles for IFTA include vehicles that are designed to transport people or property that has three or more axles, has a gross weight of 26,000 pounds or is used in a combination registered gross vehicles of 26,00 pounds or more. Basically, it refers to big heavy vehicles that frequent the interstate systems.

    Fun fact, recreational vehicles are actually not subject to IFTA.

    Every year you’ll need to renew your IFTA decals and licenses by December 31st. You’ll receive two decals that should be clearly displayed under your window on your driver’s side door. If you file your IFTA reports quarterly then the permits will stay up to date. They also help prove that you have complied with IFTA.

    Well heck, what if you don’t usually travel outside of your state? Do you still have to deal with all this IFTA stuff? A little bit. You can get temporary IFTA permits from that state’s DMV office. Each state has their own temporary IFTA regulations. 

    Before IFTA was put into place each state had their own fuel tax system and their own tax permits. This made carriers that frequently traveled through different jurisdictions suffer a lot of headaches. Trust us, IFTA is a much easier way to handle fuel taxes!

    Now when it comes to filing your IFTA report you need a record of a few different things:

    – Your total miles include the taxable and nontaxable ones for all of your jurisdictions traveled.
    – Your total gallons of fuel consumed per jurisdiction.
    – Your total amount of fuel taxes paid per jurisdiction.
    – And the current tax rate per jurisdiction.

    Now don’t let all this information and record keeping intimidate you. ExpressTruckTax is here to help. 

    Calculating IFTA With ExpressTruckTax

    ExpressTruckTax as an accurate fuel tax calculator to help you quickly calculate your fuel tax per jurisdiction, as well as a quick entry screen for all of your odometer readings. You can quickly update this sheet as you go, or all at once depending on your preferred method.

    Also, ExpressTruckTax makes it easy to maintain your trip sheets and fuel records, and will automatically calculate your IFTA return from your trips sheets. This way you won’t have the hassle of calculating these numbers yourself.

    With ExpressTruckTax’s error diagnostic report your return will be scanned for errors, so you can be aware of any corrections that need to be made before your file your IFTA return. This will help you and your company avoid being audited.

    Plus, we are here to help every step of the way. Please don’t hesitate to contact the ExpressTruckTax support team via phone, email, or live chat with any questions that you may have!