Tag: expressifta

What New Truckers Need To Know About IFTA Reporting

Posted on April 27, 2021 by - ifta fuel tax

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!

Trucker Lifestyle: How To Travel With a Pet

Posted on January 12, 2021 by - Trucker Lifestyle

Not all companies allow pets, but luckily, some allow truckers bring their furry friends.

Much like an apartment complex, these trucking companies often require a pet deposit, which can range anywhere from $100-$500. Their policies may also restrict the weight of your pet.

No matter how tempted you are to take your pet on the road, don’t ever just assume that your trucking company or customers are okay with it.

Make sure you know a site’s policy before you arrive.

Military bases, electric plants, and anywhere with hazardous materials and high security will NOT allow you to bring a pet on-site.

Truck drivers who bring pets along say they enjoy having company on the road. Sometimes it’s nice to have someone to keep up with trucking news and listen to trucker radio shows with.

Considering adding a pet to your trucker lifestyle? Here are some things to consider, and a list of the best dogs for truckers.

 

Introducing a Pet to the Trucker Lifestyle

Benefits of Traveling with a Pet

Most truck drivers who bring their pets will tell you that the benefits of trucking with a pet greatly outweigh the disadvantages.

Pets can help truck drivers combat loneliness and overcome negative aspects of the trucking lifestyle.

For instance, bringing a dog forces truck drivers to get out and go for walks, helping maintain wellness on the road and increasing energy and attention while driving.

Dogs may also motivate you to take more breaks, which is especially important for summer trucking.

Plus, animals are more alert to certain situations, and offer a level of protection on the road.
 

How to Travel with a Pet

If you choose to bring a pet, keep current shot/medical records with you in case of an inspection.

Also, consider bringing baby wipes to clean your pet and eliminate smell when you aren’t able to give your pet a bath.

Pack puppy pads for emergencies, pet food, and treats.

Most truckers who bring pets trucking have dogs. The best dogs for truckers are older dogs because they are calmer and able to stay still for longer periods of time. Puppies have too much energy and need to be let out much more often.

If you’re looking for an older dog companion, check out your local Humane Society or animal shelter.

In terms of breed, some of the best dogs for truckers include:

1. Toy Breeds

Toy breeds, like chihuahuas, require little grooming. Plus, they’re so small that truck stops and motels probably won’t care if they’re around.
 

2. Bulldogs

Bulldogs don’t shed much and are also low maintenance. They don’t require much exercise and like to lounge around all day.
 

3. Pitbulls

Pitbulls are great companions. They’re considered one of the best dogs for truckers because they can offer safety and protection. They’re pretty active though, so you’ll have to get outside with them a couple times a day.

Keeping up with Policy

Again, it’s important to know the rules, stay updated with the latest trucking news regarding pets, and understand that each company is different.

While we’re on the topic of staying compliant with trucking policies, let’s talk about staying compliant with the IRS.

Your 4th Quarter IFTA Deadline is Coming Up!

You need to generate and file your 4th quarter IFTA return by January 31! All your fuel and mileage data from October 1 – December 31 need to on that report.

Thankfully, there’s an easy way to enter your information and calculate what you owe with ExpressIFTA!

Their solution is the quickest and most efficient solution. Generate your IFTA report today!

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.