Your First Quarter IFTA Deadline Might Be Here

The COVID-19 crisis has sent terrible ripples across the entire trucking industry.

Trucking taxes are no exception to these problems.

Many deadlines in many IFTA jurisdictions have been moved or suspended for the duration of the crisis.

Most IRP deadlines have been changed and the majority of IFTA filing deadlines have also been moved.

Here is a breakdown of every IFTA filing deadline suspension or change in every IFTA jurisdiction.

IFTA filing deadline changes

Alabama:

IFTA registration requirements for vehicles traveling through the state as a part of emergency relief are waived until April 31, 2020.

Arkansas:

IFTA requirements for vehicles traveling in and through Arkansas for relief efforts are waived until April 30, 2020.

California:

90-day IFTA extension can be applied for by completing a waiver if you or a relative you are caring for is sick with COVID-19. Waiver available at: CDTFA.ca.gov

Colorado:

IFTA registration requirements suspended until June 30, 2020.
90-day IFTA extension can be applied for by completing a waiver if you or a relative you are caring for is sick with COVID-19. Waiver available at: Colorado.gov/tax.

Connecticut:

IFTA requirements are waived for commercial vehicles assisting in relief efforts until further notice.

Delaware:

IFTA requirements are waived for vehicles aiding in emergency relief until the end of the state of emergency.

Florida:

IFTA enforcement suspended for trucks traveling through the state as a part of emergency relief until April 13, 2020.

Georgia:

IFTA trip and fuel permits for vehicles providing direct assistance to the COVID-19 emergency are waived until May 16, 2020, at 5 pm.

Idaho:

The first quarter IFTA deadline is now June 1, 2020.

Indiana:

The first quarter IFTA deadline is now May 31, 2020.

Illinois:

No IFTA penalty or interest for late filers, until May 26, 2020.

Iowa:

The first quarter IFTA deadline is now May 31, 2020.

Kansas:

IFTA trip permit requirements for trucks traveling through Kansas have been suspended for trucks operating in association with disaster assistance until further notice.

Kentucky:

Renewal dates for licensing and registration extended by 90 days.

Maine:

IFTA registration enforcement is suspended until April 16, 2020.
Maine will not be charging late penalties for 1st Quarter IFTA filings.

Maryland:

The first quarter IFTA deadline is now June 1, 2020.

Michigan:

Enforcement of IFTA requirements is waived through the end of April.

Missouri:

IFTA requirements are waived until the end of the declared emergency.

Mississippi:

IFTA requirements for motor carriers traveling through Mississippi due to the COVID-19 emergency are waived.
Registration set to expire on March 31, 2020, will be extended to April 30, 2020.

Montana:

IFTA requirements are also waived until further notice.

Nebraska: 

Vehicle registrations expiring on or after March 1, 2020, are valid until 30 days after the end of the state of emergency.

New Jersey:

IFTA registrations expiring March through May 2020 are extended until May 31, 2020.
Temporary IRP and IFTA requirements are waived for vehicles traveling through New Jersey for relief efforts.

Nevada:

IFTA requirements are waived during the duration of the emergency.

North Carolina:

The first quarter IFTA deadline is now July 15, 2020.

Oklahoma:

Registration and licensing requirements are waived for commercial vehicles providing direct assistance to relief efforts until May 8, 2020.

Pennsylvania:

The first quarter IFTA deadline is now June 1, 2020.
Pennsylvania IFTA trip permit requirements are also waived for 30 days or until the end of the emergency.

Rhode Island:

License and registrations expiring between March, 1 and April 30, 2020, are now valid for another 90 days after their expiration.

South Carolina:

IFTA registrations that expire March 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020, will be valid until July 1, 2020.
IFTA requirements for out-of-state vehicles are waived until June 30, 2020.

Tennessee: 

IFTA requirements for vehicles traveling through the state of Tennesse in furtherance of disaster relief efforts is waived until May 18, 2020.
The new first quarter IFTA deadline is May 26, 2020.

Utah:

IFTA renewal for vehicles engaged in emergency relief efforts with registration expiring after March 17, 2020 waived until further notice.

Vermont:

IFTA enforcement discouraged for 90 days from the date of the emergency declaration (March 13, 2020).

Virginia: 

The first quarter IFTA deadline is now June 1, 2020.

Washington:

The first quarter IFTA deadline is now May 30, 2020.

Wyoming:

IFTA enforcement also suspended for trucks traveling through the state as a part of emergency relief.

Need to file your IFTA report?

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The End's Not Near It's Here: Last Minute IFTA Filing Tips

Well Trucking Nation, just like that, the IFTA quarter has come and gone, and your time to file is almost up! But don’t fret fellow procrastinator, we’re here to help truckers just like you.

So without further ado, let’s get onto some useful filing tips for those of you that like to file at the last minute!

IFTA Tip #1: Have Your Mileage Ready

The first (and also the most important) thing you’ll need is your mileage information on hand and organized. This should include the total taxable miles you traveled in each participating IFTA jurisdiction.

But what if you don’t know what taxable miles are??

That’s no problem, a lot of folks don’t! If you have any questions about your mileage, just check out this helpful blog on taxable and non-taxable IFTA miles.

IFTA Tip #2: Have Fuel Reports and Receipts

In addition to your mileage information, you’ll also need to be sure that you have all of your fuel information. You’ll need to have the:

• Address of each fuel purchase 
• Type of fuel purchased 
• Amount of fuel purchased 
• Total sale amount 

IFTA Tip #3: Don’t File IFTA (Yourself)

The third and most useful tip? Don’t file IFTA -- that is, by yourself anyway.

That’s right, if you need to file at the last minute, what’s easier than having someone do it for you? Exactly.

So if you’re in a crunch for time to get that IFTA report filed before the deadline on May 2nd, just give us a call at 803.386.0320 and see just how easy it is!

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Warning: Make Sure You Have These 3 Things Ready for IFTA

Once again, the first quarter of the year has come and gone in a hurry, and now (believe it or not) we’re less than 10 days away from deadline day.

With only days left to get your reports together, if you haven’t already filed, congrats, you’re a professional procrastinator. But those are our favorite kind! So don’t worry, keep reading and we’ll tell you exactly what you need to file your IFTA return.

What You Need to File IFTA

Mileage:

The first (and also the most important) thing you’ll need to have is your mileage information. This should include the total taxable miles you traveled in each participating IFTA jurisdiction.

If you have any questions about your mileage, you can check out this helpful blog on which miles are taxable and which are not.

Fuel Information:

In addition to your mileage information, you’ll also need to be sure that you have all of your fuel information. You’ll need to have the:

• Address of each fuel purchase 
• Type of fuel purchased
• Amount of fuel purchased 
• Total sale amount

Records of Mileage and Fuel Purchases:

The last thing you’ll need, and this can be especially helpful in the event of an audit, is to have copies of your fuel receipts and your mileage records.

You are required by law to hold onto your previous receipts for three years after filing, and if you do face an audit, let’s just say it isn't going to end well unless you have those records.

Need some help keeping up with yours? Well with TruckLogics, not only can you get unlimited ProMiles usage and routing, but you can even take pictures of your fuel receipts and upload them into your account for safekeeping!

So now that you all know what you need, what are you waiting for? Someone to file your IFTA return for you?

Well, if you are, you’re in luck because that’s exactly what we do! Just give us a call at 803.386.0320 and see how easy it is!

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The Shocking Truth About E-Logs: What They Don't Want You to Know

OK, so with all the recent (and not-so-recent) coverage on ELDs, you’re probably sick and tired of hearing about them by now.

And you’re also probably well aware that these ELDs are set to become mandatory by 2017.

But there’s something you probably haven’t heard much about, and it’s because they don’t want you to know. What is it and who are they? Keep reading and we’ll explain.

What’s wrong with the new ELD mandate?

Well, the main issue is that it violates your 4th amendment rights. Don’t believe me? Take a look.

“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

Yep, sounds like a violation to me, too. It’s pretty clear the e-logs don’t advance highway safety and also clearly violate your constitutional rights as an American.

What about driver harassment from e-logs?

Another worry from drivers is that they’ll be harassed by their carriers. Is that a valid complaint?

OOIDA sure thinks so, and that’s why they’ve been fighting the e-log mandate since it was announced, claiming that the law didn’t contain adequate safeguards to be sure that trucking companies are not going to be able to use these logs to harass their drivers.

So while we can’t say for certain if these logs are going to be used to harass you, there sure are a lot of folks out there that think they will be. 

And even if they aren't, they still violate your constitutional rights as both a trucker and an American. But hey, on a positive note, OOIDA was able to push back the last e-log mandate, so let's see if they can do it again!

And don’t forget Trucking Nation, IFTA is right around the corner and we can complete your IFTA return for you! That’s right, no adding up miles and worrying about all those annoying calculations. Just give us a call at 803.386.0320 and see how easy it is!

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What Are Non-Taxable and Exempt IFTA Miles?

Now that the IFTA first quarter has officially come and gone, it’s time to start getting those IFTA reports together. And when you’re doing those reports, figuring out which miles are taxable and which aren’t can be a daunting task.

So check out the guide below to non-taxable IFTA miles to see which of your miles are going to cost you and which miles you don’t need to report!

What Do I Need on my IFTA Report?

On your IFTA report, you will need to include the following information:

• Total Miles- The total miles traveled in each jurisdiction for each fuel type
• Total Taxable Miles- Total miles traveled in each jurisdiction minus the non-taxable miles
• Total Gallons Consumed- Divide your total taxable mileage by your estimated mpg 
• Total Gallons Purchased- Enter the total gallons purchased for all qualified motor vehicles
• Net Taxable Gallons- The difference between net gallons consumed and net gallons purchased 

What Are Non-Taxable IFTA Miles?

So what are non-taxable IFTA miles exactly? Well, non-taxable miles are miles that you drove that do not need to be included on your IFTA report. Why do these miles not need to be included on your report? Take a look.

Do you use fuel permits at all when driving? Well if you do, any mileage driven while using fuel permits is not taxable. Now, you’ll still want to include any mileage driven in your total miles section, it just won’t be included in the taxable miles section for the jurisdiction where you purchased the permit.

But what about toll miles? Are toll miles taxable? Another good question, and one would think (incorrectly, that is) that toll miles wouldn’t be taxable, since you’re basically already paying taxes on those miles, right? Wrong. Even though you have to pay to drive on toll roads, the amount you pay doesn't go towards fuel taxes. Those fees are just paid in exchange for using a particular road. So make sure you're including all toll mileage in your taxable miles.

Some other states have other rules for specific areas, vehicles, or roads that are non-taxable areas, and remember, if a state doesn’t participate in IFTA, those miles are non-taxable, too!

So hopefully now you know exactly which miles you need to include as taxable on your IFTA report, and which miles you don’t. But if you have any other questions or are still a bit confused, just give us a call at 803.386.0320 and we’ll help you out. And don’t forget, we can file your IFTA reports for you!

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IFTA Filing Services: Work Less, Worry Less

The filing period for 1st Quarter IFTA returns opens in just a few short weeks! Will you be ready?

Now is the perfect time to start organizing your trip sheets and fuel receipts, and to think about sending them to us to prepare your return for you.

If you’re extra busy this quarter, or if you’d rather have a root canal than file one more tax return, then it’s time to call in the experts!

As a premier processing agency, we can file BOC-3’s, obtain MC#’s, and register EIN’s with one hand tied behind our back (blindfolded)!

But our true expertise is IFTA filings. Check out our packages below, and see which one is right for your business.

IFTA Filing Services

• IFTA Basic- $75 per quarter + State Fees
  It may be basic, but it’ll get the job done! Send us your total miles and fuel purchases each quarter, and we’ll complete your return and file it directly with your state.
  
  

• IFTA Premium- $110 per quarter + State FeesLevel up with our premium package! Send us your trip sheets and original fuel receipts each month, and at the end of the quarter, we’ll calculate your mileage per jurisdiction, MPG, and fuel tax. Then we’ll complete your return and file it for you. (Does not include audit.)

• IFTA Complete- $150 per quarter + State Fees
  Achieve IFTA Nirvana. This luxury service includes everything you need to get your quarterly IFTA filed with minimal effort and minimal risk of being audited. Like the premium package, we do require that your send us your trip sheets and original fuel receipts each month, and we use these to calculate and prepare your return.
  
  But unlike the premium package, this service includes a thorough audit of your information to decrease the risk of errors, as well as your risk of being audited or fined. While preparing your return, we’ll check your trip sheets for state adjacency and gaps in odometer readings, then we’ll review all fuel purchases for consistency. When you think of the time (and possible audits) that this package can save you, it’s quite a steal!

Our expertise doesn’t stop there. It also extends to quarterly State Use Taxes and annual HVUT too. Like IFTA, we can use your trip sheets and fuel receipts to complete your quarterly NY HUT, KYU, New Mexico Weight-Distance, or Oregon Weight-Mile tax returns.

We also offer Form 2290 over-the-phone filing! One quick phone call to get your details, and we’ll prepare and file your HVUT that day.

No matter how much paperwork you have to do, or how little time you have, TSNAmerica has a service package that’s right for you. We can do as much or as little as you need us to, and we’ll always be there to lend a helping hand when you need it most.

Call us today at 803.386.0320 or email us at support@tsnamerica.com to start taking advantage of our IFTA expertise just in time for 1st quarter filings!

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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!

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Reefer Fuel And IFTA?

Reefer fuel is NOT included when filing IFTA when that fuel used to power the refrigeration unit of the trailer. The reefer fuel must always be purchased on a separate fuel receipt.

Never pump reefer fuel on the same fuel receipt when fueling your power unit. This will lower your mpg and cost you more IFTA fuel tax. Also, when the auditor discovers you combined reefer fuel into your power unit fuel, you will be assessed penalties and interest on your IFTA audit.

You are entitled to a federal tax paid refund on each gallon of reefer fuel. You will need the total number of gallons of reefer fuel purchased during the tax year to complete the refund form. The IRS will send you a check for the federal tax paid on each gallon of fuel. If you failed to file for this refund, you can file back for the past 3 years to claim your refund.

You will want to check with your base jurisdiction to see how they handle reefer fuel.  In Maryland, for example, if you only have one tank that propels your vehicle and runs the refrigeration unit, then all fuel is included in IFTA.  If you have 2 separate tanks, you need to fuel separately and make sure reefer is marked on the receipt.  Do not include the reefer fuel on IFTA and you will able to get a refund by filing a claim.

Have questions, contact Truck Services of North America and we will help you find the answers you need.  TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way! For more details contact us at TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320.

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International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA Fuel Tax Return)

The International Fuel Tax Agreement (or IFTA) is an agreement between the lower 48 states of the United States and the Canadian provinces (except Northwestern Territories, Nunavut and Yukon), to simplify the reporting of fuel use by motor carriers that operate in more than one jurisdiction. This simplifies the process of reporting quarterly fuel tax returns.

This tax is required for motor vehicles used, designed, or maintained for transportation of persons or property and:

• Having two axles and a gross vehicle weight rating or registered gross vehicle weight in excess of 26,000 pounds, and/or
• Having three or more axles regardless of weight, and/or
• Is used in combination, when the weight of such combination exceeds 26,000 pounds gross vehicle or registered gross vehicle weight.

Exceptions exist for Recreational Vehicles (such as motor homes, pickup trucks with attached campers, and buses when used exclusively for personal pleasure by an individual). Some states have their own exemptions that may apply to farm vehicles or government vehicles, so check your state for their specific exemptions.

The IFTA license offers several benefits to the interstate/inter-jurisdictional motor carrier. These benefits include one license, one set of decals per vehicle, one quarterly fuel tax report for all vehicles that reflects the net tax or refund due. Tax returns are required even if no operations were conducted or no taxable fuel was used during the reporting period. Returns that are not filed or not paid in full are considered late and will be assessed penalty and interest.

When filing a tax return, a licensee may apply the fuel overpayment generated in one jurisdiction to the taxes owed for another jurisdiction. These advantages result in cost and time savings for the carrier and the member jurisdictions.

Under IFTA, you are able to file one return in your base jurisdiction and that jurisdiction will allocate the money appropriately.  This agreement definitely simplified what used to be a very long and time-consuming process.

At Truck Services of North America, we make it even simpler by preparing and filing your quarterly returns for you. TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way.  Check out all our services at TSNAmerica.com and fill out the Service Request Form, email us at support@TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320.

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