If you hold an IFTA license, you file a fuel tax return every quarter, even in a quarter you didn't drive. The due dates never change, so they're easy to put on the calendar once.
The four due dates
Each return is due on the last day of the month after the quarter ends:
- Q1 (January–March): due April 30
- Q2 (April–June): due July 31
- Q3 (July–September): due October 31
- Q4 (October–December): due January 31
Who needs IFTA
IFTA covers qualified motor vehicles that travel in more than one IFTA jurisdiction. That generally means a vehicle with two axles and a gross vehicle weight over 26,000 pounds, three or more axles at any weight, or a combination over 26,000 pounds. In Florida, IFTA is handled by the Florida Department of Revenue.
No miles? Still file
You must file a return every quarter you hold an IFTA license, even if you drove zero miles. Not filing is treated the same as filing late.
Late returns cost money
A late or missing return can bring a penalty of $50 or 10% of the net tax due, whichever is greater, plus interest on any tax owed.
Keep your records
Keep your mileage and fuel receipts for each truck. IFTA records should be kept for four years, and they're what an audit looks at. Keep your IFTA license copy in the cab and decals on the truck.
Hand it off
We prepare and file IFTA quarterly returns for $69, or $59 for Desk members. Send us your miles and fuel totals and we handle the rest. Any tax due is paid by you directly.
Quick answers
Rather hand it off? We publish our prices, and we'll always tell you when a filing is free to do yourself.
See carrier pricingGeneral information, not legal or tax advice. Agencies set all requirements, fees and deadlines and can change them; check the agency before you file. Paperwork LLC is not affiliated with any government agency.