How to File IFTA (Step-by-Step)

What IFTA actually is

The International Fuel Tax Agreement lets you file one fuel tax report covering all the member states/provinces you drove in, instead of a separate one for each state. You report how many miles you drove and how much fuel you bought per state - the state where you bought fuel gets credit, and states where you drove but bought less fuel get a bill. It nets out at the end.

Who needs to file

Generally required if your truck: has 3+ axles, or 2 axles and a gross weight over 26,000 lbs, and you travel between two or more IFTA member jurisdictions (most of the US and Canadian provinces). Get your IFTA license and decals from your base-plate state before you need to file.

What to track all quarter (don't wait until filing day)

• 1
  Every fuel purchase receipt - keep the ones showing gallons, price, state, and date. A phone photo of each receipt is enough.
• 2
  Miles driven per state - your ELD/trip data should already log this; if not, note your odometer at every state line.
• 3
  Total miles and total fuel for the quarter - you'll need both grand totals too.

Filing steps

• 1
  Log in to your base state's IFTA portal (each state has its own online system, or your state's tax office site).
• 2
  Enter total miles and total fuel purchased for the quarter (all jurisdictions combined).
• 3
  Break it down state by state: miles driven in each state, and gallons purchased in each state.
• 4
  The system calculates your average fleet MPG, then works out how much tax you owe or are refunded per state.
• 5
  Pay any balance due by the deadline (see below) - most portals accept ACH/card payment directly.

Quarterly deadlines

If the due date falls on a weekend/holiday, it moves to the next business day.