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IFTA Compliance: What Every Trucker Needs to Know

It is very important for any interstate trucking business to be IFTA compliant. Of course, we are mainly concerned with helping truckers electronically file Form 2290 and get their IRS-stamped Schedule 1 in an instant, but we also want well-informed truckers about the major compliance requirements-the most important being IFTA.

Start e-Filing Form 2290 Now!

What Is IFTA?

The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) is an agreement among the 48 U.S. states and 10 Canadian provinces that simplifies fuel tax reporting for carriers operating across multiple jurisdictions. Compared to filling a separate fuel taxes report to each state, qualified motor carriers file IFTA as a single quarterly report through their base jurisdiction.

Who Needs IFTA?

IFTA applies to any motor carrier that operates qualified motor vehicles; usually :

  • Vehicles which are weighing 26,000 lbs or more; Or
  • Does have three or more axles; Or
  • Any combination of vehicles which exceeds 26,000 lbs GVW
  • Commercially used for interstate purposes.

Most likely, if your truck crosses state lines, you will need an IFTA License and IFTA Decals.

Important Reason for IFTA Compliance

Good compliance results in good operation with no hiccups, like:

  • Heavy penalties on late or inaccurate filings
  • Suspension or revocation of your IFTA license
  • Delays in IRP plate and vehicle registration renewals
  • Potentially costly audits in terms of your time and finances

The supreme test of an interstate trucker is the compulsory tax by the IRS, Form 2290, under Heavy Vehicle Use Tax.

What You Will Track for IFTA

Proper and accurate keeping of records is an important aspect of compliance. Carriers need to track:

  • The total miles traveled in each jurisdiction
  • The total gallons of fuel purchased
  • Fuel receipts (must include date, seller, type of fuel, and amount)
  • Odometer readings or electronic mileage logs
  • Routes and trip sheets
  • Vehicle unit numbers

Without the accurate mileage and fuel data, quarterly reports would either be rejected or will probably call for audits.

Deadlines for IFTA Quarterly Reporting

IFTA returns must be filed four times a year.

Q1 - 30 April


Q1 - 30 April

Q3 - 31 October


Q4 - 31 January

Filing these returns late carries penalties even though you did not operate that quarter.

IFTA and 2290: Why Do You Need Both?

IFTA and Form 2290 do not serve the same purpose as regards compliance:

  • 2290 (HVUT): A federal tax due on heavy vehicles (55,000 pounds plus 2290)
  • IFTA: Fuel taxes derived at the state level based in mileage traveled and fuel utilized.

Your 2290 Schedule 1 is needed to renew an IRP plate; IFTA, however, must be complied with for continuing interstate operations. Together they help keep the trucking authority active and the fleet running legally.

Register Now or File Form 2290 Online

Be compliant, and you will be on the road. We know the confusion that comes along with trucking compliance, 2290 filings, IFTA reports, IRP renewals, UCR, and everything else. That is why we have, at least, a simple and reliable e-file 2290 service-that way, you can keep your compliance part stress-free.

While you take care of your quarterly IFTA reporting, we will ensure that your Form 2290 is filed correctly and your Schedule 1 is delivered instantly, so you're always ready for registration, plates, and audits.

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I've been with them for just under a year. They are good people who conduct business in a professional manner. they stay on top of trending news in the trucking industry and use that knowledge to better serve their customers. I like the family atmosphere and the first-name basis. pricing for services is lower than the industry standard , I think I'll stay right here.

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I have been using Simple Truck Tax for six years now to file our yearly 2290. It is simple to use, and they file it quickly. I have a login, and it is easy to add and remove trucks. They remember my information, so I don't have to upload it again the following year. I definitely recommend their 2290 service.

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