New Year's Checklist: Everything Your Business Needs To Start 2015 Strong!

You know that gnawing feeling, when you just know that you’ve forgotten something, but you don’t know what?

It’s not a pleasant feeling to have, particularly when it involves your business. Maintaining your own operating authority, or that of multiple trucks in a fleet, is no small task.

With numerous taxes, registrations, and renewals to file continually throughout the year, it’s pretty easy to overlook something!

That’s why your friends at Truck Services of North America have made a list! (Yes, we checked it twice…) It’s everything your business needs to start 2015 out strong!

Many items on this Checklist are due by tomorrow 12/31. While it may be too late to get it submitted on time, it’s not too late for damage control! Minimize penalties by getting on top of it today.

TSNAmerica can help get you back on track, whether you’re behind on quarterly IFTA filings, or you need temporary fuel permits to cover a gap. Let’s dive in to our ultimate 2015 New Year’s Checklist!

1. IFTA License Renewals- Due 12/31

• IFTA license renewals are due in all states tomorrow. If you’re an interstate carrier with a vehicle weighing over 26,000 pounds or with 3 or more axles, then you are required to carry a valid IFTA license and display credentials in the cab of each vehicle. 
• If you submitted your renewal application on time, then your vehicles will be covered under the grace period for the display of new credentials throughout Jan. & Feb. of 2015–but only as long as your 2014 credentials are still displayed. 
• If you did not submit your renewal application on time, or if you have outstanding returns to be filed or taxes owed, then you must obtain temporary permits for each state your intend to travel through until your valid 2015 credentials arrive.

2. UCR Renewals- Due 12/31

• Also required for all interstate carriers with commercial vehicles weighing at least 10,001 pounds, the Unified Carrier Registration renewal is due by tomorrow. 
• The renewal fees will be based on the number of vehicles in your fleet. Unlike IFTA, you will not be required to display credentials on your vehicle. 
• If your business headquarters has moved, now is the time to change your UCR base state. Advanced notice must be given to your current state. Call TSNAmerica for help with the transition!

3. IRP Renewals- Due 12/31

• Following the same requirements as IFTA, the International Registration Plan is mandatory for all interstate carriers with vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds or with 3 or more axles.
• While IRP renewal deadlines are different in every state, the following states have all IRP renewals due tomorrow 12/31: Kansas, Nebraska, Oregon & Wyoming. 
• For states with staggered renewal deadlines (based on when you first registered), many have a deadline of 12/31 as well. These staggered deadline states are Arizona, Missouri, Montana & Utah. Check your IRP credentials if you’re unsure when your renewal application is due.

4. Intrastate Authority Renewals- Due 12/31

• The following states require intrastate authority renewals by 12/31: Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi & Rhode Island.
• Each state has a different renewal procedure (E-filing, mail, etc.) and each has unique requirements. Check out this blog, for more information about renewing your intrastate authority. 
• In addition to a renewal application and fee payment, most states also require proof of current insurance and that your business be in good standing before you will be allowed to renew. 
• Ready to cross state lines? If your business is ready to transition to interstate, TSNAmerica can help make the transition smooth. Check out our deluxe authority packages!

5. 4th Quarter IFTA Filings- Due 01/31/15

• Tomorrow is the close of the fourth IFTA quarter! Have you been keeping precise fuel and mileage records for the past 3 months?
• Whether the answer is yes, no, or somewhere in between, the good news is, you still have a few weeks to get your act together–and we can help!
• Late Penalties: The January deadline will be here before you know it! Avoid late fees by getting on top of IFTA now by using a program like ExpressIFTA to prepare your returns. 
• Or just have TSNAmerica prepare your return for you! That means zero calculations for you! We’ll prepare the form based on your trip sheets, and then submit it directly to your state. 
• IFTA Audits: Check out these tips for avoiding the dreaded IFTA audit! 

In addition to these five titans, don’t forget about other requirements specific to your state, such as the New Mexico Weight Distance and Oregon Weight Receipt Renewals. Whether you need to file a state use tax like these or one of the big interstate renewals above, Truck Services of North America knows the requirements for your state and can file everything you need fast.

View our service packages at tsnamerica.com. Then send us a Service Request Form, call us at 803.386.0320, or email us 24/7 at support@tsnamerica.com. We’re ready and eager to help you make 2015 the best year yet! Cheers!