How to File IFTA (Step-by-Step)

IFTA sounds more complicated than it is. Here's the plain-English version - what it is, what you need, and how to actually file it each quarter.

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.

Bayloas carriers: your numbers are ready

Open your Bayloas portal > Money > IFTA > Download IFTA report. In one tap you get miles and fuel by state for the quarter - exactly what the state form asks for. Add your fuel receipts (gallons + state) in Money > Expenses during the quarter.

Open my IFTA report →

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

Quarter	Covers	Due By
Q1	Jan - Mar	April 30
Q2	Apr - Jun	July 31
Q3	Jul - Sep	October 31
Q4	Oct - Dec	January 31

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

Late filing adds up fast: most states charge a flat penalty (often $50 or 10% of tax due, whichever is higher) plus interest on unpaid balances. File on time even if you can't pay the full amount yet.

Need help? We're here

Most carriers can do this on their own with the steps above. Rather have us do it? Bayloas carriers tap Have Bayloas do it for me, send the few details we need from the portal, and pay a small filing fee by card. Government fees you pay yourself on the official site - we send you the link. Questions? Email us or message your dispatcher.

Have Bayloas do it for me Email us a question Message my dispatcher

Email: info@bayloas.com

This is a general guide, not tax advice - exact rules vary slightly by state/province. Confirm details with your base jurisdiction's IFTA office if you're ever unsure.