Category: IFTA reporting

Today is the 3rd Quarter IFTA Deadline

Posted on November 2, 2020 by - IFTA reporting

That’s right! Todays is the third 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! 

Check out our awesome sister product, ExpressIFTA to 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 3rd 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

Our sister product, ExpressIFTA, makes it easy to import all of your IFTA information online in one convenient location. Use your IFTA reports to automatically calculate all fo 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.

September FUM 2290 Deadline

If you put a truck on the road in September 2020, your Form 2290 for that vehicle is also today, November 2, 2020!

File your 2290 in minutes with ExpressTruckTax!

IFTA Fuel Tax Penalties That Will Make You Want to File Now

Posted on October 21, 2020 by - IFTA reporting

 
The IFTA fuel tax deadline is right around the corner!

Don’t wait any longer – Failing to file IFTA by the end of the month will lead to a serious headache.

The fuel tax isn’t something you can just avoid. Ignoring it will simply make IFTA filing even more expensive than it originally was.

This is a quarterly tax, so stay on top of deadlines. The 3rd quarter deadline is November 2.

Here’s what happens if you miss the deadline.

IFTA Fuel Tax Penalties That Will Make You Want to File Now

Late Fuel Tax Filing

You are responsible for filing your IFTA tax return on time.

If you don’t, you’ll face a fee of $50 or 10% of your tax, whichever is higher.

On top of that, you’ll be charged interest for each month that your IFTA fuel tax goes un-filed, and you’ll have to pay this interest for every jurisdiction you owe money to.

Why Should You File?

If heavy penalties aren’t enough motivation to file, consider this.

Ultimately, if your IFTA tax return is never filed and your fuel tax remains unpaid, your license will be revoked.

You need to file an IFTA tax return if your vehicle:

–  Has 2 axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered gross weight > 26,000 pounds
–  Has 3 or more axles regardless of weight
–  Has a combined weight > 26,000 pounds

 

How To Avoid IFTA Fuel Tax Penalties

IFTA filing is simple. There should be no reason for you to miss the fuel tax deadline.

ExpressTruckTax offers a service for IFTA form generation online in one convenient location.

We will generate your IFTA fuel tax rates for you in an easy-to-read quarterly IFTA report with everything you need to complete your return.

You can print, download, or email this information at any time.

Plus, with features like bulk & GPS data upload, pre-auditing, a free IFTA Tax Calculator, and US-based customer support, you’ll be done with your fuel tax in no time.

What You Need to File Your IFTA Tax Return

Posted on October 16, 2020 by - IFTA reporting

Don’t forget about the 3rd quarter IFTA fuel tax deadline on November 2! To help you get this tax filed quickly, here is what you need to file your IFTA tax return online in a matter of minutes.

What You Need to File Your IFTA Tax Return

  • Total miles traveled per jurisdiction
  • The total amount of fuel purchased per jurisdiction
  • The total amount of fuel consumed per jurisdiction
  • The current tax rate per jurisdiction
  • The amount of tax paid per gallon of fuel per jurisdiction

Steps to E-File Your IFTA Quarterly Return

  1. Create ExpressTruckTax Account
  2. Enter Business Details
  3. Indicated Base Jurisdiction
  4. Enter Vehicle Details
  5. Miles & Fuel Records
  6. Generate Your IFTA Report
  7. File With Your Base Jurisdiction

When is the IFTA Due Date?

Your July through September records for the 3rd quarter IFTA deadline are due to the IRS by November 2, 2020 (because October 31 is a Saturday).

Quarter PeriodsReporting PeriodDue Dates
1st QuarterJanuary -MarchApril 30
2nd QuarterApril – JuneJuly 31
3rd QuarterJuly – SeptemberOctober 31
4th QuarterOctober – DecemberJanuary 31

Looking For an IFTA Software?

ExpressTruckTax‘s 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 the days 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 your estimated miles per gallon. It will recognize when miles traveled aren’t between adjacent states, and if you purchased fuel in a state you have not traveled in.

Should I Report Reefer Fuel On My IFTA Return?

Posted on October 6, 2020 by - IFTA reporting

IFTA tax is a quarterly tax, meaning there are 4 IFTA deadlines.

The 3rd quarter IFTA deadline is November 2 – Are you prepared?

IFTA reporting covers a multitude of states, each with different rules.

So, what are the specific guidelines on reefer fuel and how do they affect IFTA filing?

IFTA Filing & Reefer Fuel

Reefer Fuel

A reefer is a refrigerated trailer or shipping container used for transport of temperature-sensitive cargo.

Refrigeration units that use reefer fuel are not taxed like other fuel.

The main takeaway is that reefer fuel is NOT included in IFTA filing when it is used to power the refrigeration unit of the trailer.

You should always purchase reefer fuel on a separate fuel receipt when fueling your power unit.

Pumping reefer fuel on the same fuel receipt will lower your MPG and cost you more IFTA fuel tax. Plus, in the event of an IFTA audit, you will be penalized and incur added interest.

IFTA Reporting Guidelines

You’re entitled to a tax refund on every gallon of reefer fuel purchased. To complete the federal tax refund form, you’ll need the total number of gallons purchased during the tax year.

In return, the IRS will send you a check for the amount of federal tax paid on each gallon.

If you forget to file for this refund, you can file up to 3 years back to claim it after the fact.

Before you start IFTA reporting, you’ll want to check with your base jurisdiction to see how they handle reefer fuel.

For instance, in some states if you have only one tank that both propels your vehicle and runs refrigeration, all fuel is included in IFTA fuel tax. If you have two separate containers, you’ll need to fuel separately and keep receipts.

Check with your base jurisdiction to make sure you understand their specific process for reefer fuel.

File IFTA Online

IFTA reporting can be tricky, but save yourself the time and headache when you file IFTA online.

ExpressIFTA will generate your IFTA fuel tax form for you, as well as accurate IFTA fuel tax calculations.

To file IFTA online, simply create a free account, enter your information, and generate your IFTA fuel tax form.

Then, all that’s left is to file your IFTA fuel tax with your base jurisdiction.

Hurry! July 31 is the IFTA Filing Deadline!

Posted on July 23, 2020 by - IFTA reporting

In case it still hasn’t hit you, we’ll say it again: July 31st is the 2nd quarter IFTA filing deadline!

It’s important to file your IFTA tax return before the deadline to avoid major penalties. But don’t stress! There’s still a way to file your IFTA tax return in time.

ExpressIFTA handles all of your IFTA reporting needs online. 

With amazing features like our free IFTA tax calculator, you can generate your IFTA tax report quickly and use it to file your IFTA tax return.

Here’s everything you need to know in order to file by the IFTA filing deadline.

Hurry! July 31st is the IFTA Filing Deadline!

Do You Need To File IFTA Fuel Tax?

If you operate in two or more jurisdictions, you must have an IFTA sticker and license.

You are also required to file a quarterly IFTA fuel tax report calculating how much fuel tax you owe (or are credited).

IFTA reporting is necessary because, while state fuel tax would typically cover mileage traveled in a certain state, truckers frequently cross state borders. Therefore, where they purchase fuel isn’t always an accurate depiction of where they’re using it.

You’re required to participate in IFTA reporting if your vehicle has 2 axles and a gross vehicle weight or combined weight over 26,000 pounds, has 2 axles and a registered gross weight over 26,000 pounds or has 3 or more axles regardless of weight.

What Information Do You Need?

To complete your IFTA tax return, you’ll need the following information:

–  Total miles traveled per jurisdiction

–  Total gallons of fuel consumed per jurisdiction

–  Total tax paid/gallons of fuel purchased per jurisdiction

–  Current tax rate per jurisdiction

Calculating this information is easy with our free IFTA tax calculator.

All you have to do is select your base jurisdiction, choose the IFTA fuel tax quarter & fuel type, and enter miles traveled/fuel purchased for each state.

We’ll do the rest!

How to Complete Your IFTA Tax Return

ExpressIFTA makes generating your IFTA tax report before the IFTA deadline simple. Plus, with our free IFTA tax calculator, you’ll get all of your IFTA filing totals with 100% accuracy.

We’ll generate an easy-to-read quarterly IFTA tax report containing everything you need to complete your return before the IFTA deadline. Print, download, or email your information at any time!

Use our IFTA tax tools to help make your IFTA filing process simpler and quicker with ExpressIFTA, so that you can meet the IFTA deadline. 

Get A Move On! The IFTA Deadline Is Here!

Posted on January 30, 2020 by - 4th Quarter IFTA Deadline, ifta deadline, ifta fuel tax, ifta report, IFTA reporting

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!

Trucking 101: Everything You Need to Know About ExpressTruckTax

Posted on October 24, 2019 by - express truck tax, expresstrucktax, Form 2290, IFTA deadlines, IFTA filing, ifta fuel tax, IFTA reporting, irs 2290, IRS form 2290, truck driver, truck taxes, trucking

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

Posted on August 15, 2019 by - 2290 highway use tax, express truck tax, expresstrucktax, Form 2290, Heavy highway use tax, highway tax 2290, HVUT, Hvut 2290, IFTA, ifta fuel tax, IFTA reporting, IFTA tax, irs 2290, IRS form 2290

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?

Posted on August 1, 2019 by - express truck tax, expresstrucktax, free IFTA calculator, Fuel Tax, IFTA, IFTA due date, IFTA filing, IFTA filing deadline, ifta fuel tax, IFTA reporting, IFTA tax, IFTA Tax Calculator

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.

All You Need To know About Diesel

Posted on April 18, 2019 by - Diesel Additives, Diesel Engine, Diesel Fuel, Diesel versus Gasoline, Environmental Protection Agency, expresstrucktax, Fuel Economy, Fuel Efficiency, IFTA reporting, Semi-Truck Fuel Use

First quarter reporting is due April 30th and we want you to be prepared. Here are some tips to help with that.

  • Research non-taxable and exempt jurisdictions
  • Use IFTA calculator
  • Have important documents put away
  • File on time

If you should be filing your IFTA Report in the next week or so then 10 out of 10 you probably use diesel fuel. Diesel produces more energy than gas, making it more efficient. This is the reason semi-trucks run on diesel. Semi-trucks carry heavy loads and ultimately need more energy to drive further on long hauls. A diesel engine can operate for about 12,000 to 30,000 hours before a maintenance check is needed. Here are some diesel facts that every trucker may be a wonder. A few of which will save you a great bit of time and money. We’ve created a list of things all truckers should know about the fuel that keeps your rig’s engine going.

Why Is Diesel So Expensive?

The first of the probing questions you may have about diesel fuel is ‘why is it so expensive?’. Since 2004 diesel has been higher in price, on a dollar per gallon basis. Part of this reason is that the demand for diesel fuel and other distillate fuel oils is high. The biggest cause of differentiation in prices comes from federal excise tax for on-highway diesel fuel of 24.3 cents per gallon, 6 cents per gallon higher than the federal excise tax on gasoline.

Is There A Dirty Truth?

Diesel isn’t as dirty as you think. As a matter of fact, it has become more environmentally friendly.

The environmental protection agency (EPA) has found a few ways to reduce sulfur levels in diesel fuel, making it better for the environment. Diesel engines use to be known for producing harsh emissions, like soot, air toxins, and other harmful pollutants. Prior to 2006 diesel fuel contained more than 5,000 parts per million (PPM), now it is a regulation that diesel fuel can now produce more than 15 PPM.

What!? I Can’t Be Overweight!

The weight of diesel fuel is roughly 7 Ibs. Per gallon, and varies somewhat from the truck to truck. This is important to make a mental note of since the weight of fuel is calculated when scaling a truck.

Often times truckers will be surprised when they are ticketed for being overweight at the scale, knowing the weight of their rig and cargo combined doesn’t exceed the limit. Doing a bit of mental math will save

you time and money when you approach a scale. It is also a good idea to know where the scales are on your route to avoid fueling, right before you are required to be weighed.

Should I Add An Additive?

Additives are a must. The main use of additives for truckers is to help diesel not crystallize during winter. It is hard to make deliveries when a vehicle’s fuel has stopped flowing.

Being on the go is your job, so it is normal that you experience changes in climate, however being prepared and thinking ahead is required. Traveling from Nevada to Illinois can be a culture shock on anyone, and your engine is no different, so make sure you have an additive with you on the road if you plan on going too much colder states.

Other benefits of additives:

  • Cleans the injection system
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Saves money
  • Increases power