Tag: ifta fuel tax

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.