IRP Renewal Season Starts Now

Fall isn’t the only new season to come knockin’ on your cab door.

October is nearly here, which can only mean two things for truckers: It’s not only getting close to 3rd quarter IFTA filings (due on Halloween!), but it’s also the beginning of IRP Renewal Season!

The International Registration Plan is an agreement among all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces for the fair distribution of registration fees to each jurisdiction based on a carrier’s distance traveled in each.

 

If you think that sounds confusing, that’s just the start! While IRP certainly makes registration fees less complicated, it’s still difficult to keep up with your base jurisdiction’s particular requirements, like the renewal due date, proper display of registration credentials, etc.

That’s where TSNAmerica comes in. As a premier processing service, we know the requirements for each jurisdiction and can ensure everything is filed correctly and on-time.

And today, we’re going to help you sort a few things out. For those completely new to IRP, we’ll give a brief overview of the plan. And for you seasoned IRP vets out there (or just first-time renewers), we’ll see which jurisdictions have renewal due dates coming up, and what you need to do about it.

Who is IRP for?

IRP is for commercial motor carriers operating in multiple jurisdictions across the US and Canada. In other words, it’s for those who travel interstate (not just intrastate) with a vehicle weighing over 26,000 lbs. and/or having three or more axles.

How does it benefit you?

IRP simplifies registration and distribution of fees. Rather than calculating the amount due to each jurisdiction you travel through, and sending the amount to each, with IRP, you only pay your base jurisdiction. Your base then calculates the amount due to each jurisdiction using your mileage reported, and it distributes the funds accordingly.

IRP also streamlines registration credentials. Rather than having several cab cards, license plates, and stickers for each jurisdiction, your base will issue one registration credential to display according to the rules in that state/province.

Finally, the fees from IRP registration contribute toward highway infrastructure and safety programs.

What are your responsibilities?

While the application and renewal processes vary by jurisdiction, there are a few basics expected of all IRP participants.

• Choose your base jurisdiction. 
  
  -Typically, this is the state in which your business headquarters is located.
  -You must provide documented proof to support your right to base in each state. Requirements will vary.

• Apply for IRP registration with your base.
  
  -This will not only require proof of your right to base there, but also a completed application with the appropriate fee.
  -Proof of current year’s HVUT paid with a stamped Schedule 1 for vehicles weighing 55,000 lbs. or more.
  -Additional documentation, such as IFTA registration, vehicle title, proof of insurance, proof of proper records keeping etc., may be required by your base. Check the requirements of your particular state.

• Properly display registration credentials upon receipt.
  
  -Again, this will vary by jurisdiction.

• Maintain thorough distance records by jurisdiction.
  
  -Records of mileage traveled in each jurisdiction are vital to ensure proper distribution of fees. These records must also be readily available in your base state for audit and must be kept for at least 3 years after the close of the registration period.

Now, for those already registered with IRP, which jurisdictions have a renewal deadline coming up? Montana and Utah have staggered renewal deadlines. Check your cab card for the expiry date.

Montana IRP Renewal Due: 09/30/14 for those with September expiry.

Utah IRP Renewal Due: 09/30/14 for those with September expiry.

Kansas IRP Renewal Due: 12/31/14

Nebraska IRP Renewal Due: 12/31/14

Oregon IRP Renewal Due: 12/31/14

Wyoming IRP Renewal Due: 12/31/14

While we covered quite a bit of ground here, there’s much more to learn about IRP regulations in your particular base.

TSNAmerica can assist you with acquiring your IRP registration or renewal. In fact, if you're one of our current clients, you should have received the renewal instructions via mail already! 

And if you're just starting out, we can arrange everything you need to obtain your interstate authority. We even have authority packages to get your new business up and running fast!

Don’t risk hefty fines. Ask the experts and get the job done right the first time. Call TSNAmerica 803.386.0320. or email at support@tsnamerica.com.

Have a happy & healthy Fall season!

Read More »

3rd Quarter IFTA & Use Tax Returns Past Due

If you have not yet filed your 3rd Quarter IFTA return, you missed the deadline! You want file as soon as possible to avoid further penalties and interest.  

Failure to file an IFTA return, filing a late return, or failure to remit any or all tax due will result in a penalty of $50.00 or 10% of the net tax due to all member jurisdictions, whichever is greater.  Interest is computed on all delinquent taxes dues each jurisdiction at a rate of .4167% per month.  Even if you have a net refund, interest still applies to each jurisdiction for any underpayment of fuels use tax to that jurisdiction and is calculated beginning the day after the due date of the return for each month, or fraction of a month, until paid. So the longer you are late, the more you will owe.

At Truck Services of North America, we make it simple by preparing and filing your quarterly returns for you, so you can avoid further penalties. 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.

Read More »

IFTA Zero Operations

As the 3rd Quarter IFTA filing period October 31st deadline approaches, note that a Quarterly IFTA Tax Return must be filed even if the licensee does not operate or purchase any taxable fuel in an IFTA member jurisdiction during the specific quarter.  If you hold an IFTA license a return must be filed each and every quarter, regardless if you operated or not.  

Failure to to file your return could result in applicable penalties and interest.  When a licensee fails to file a return, files a late return, or fails to remit any or all tax due, the licensee is subject to penalty and interest. The penalty is the greater of $50.00 or 10% of the net tax due to all member jurisdictions. Interest is computed on all delinquent taxes due each jurisdiction at a rate of .4167% per month. The Department will assess interest for a full month.

If a licensee does not operate or purchase taxable fuel, simply enter “0” when filing the return.  Many states offer electronic IFTA filing, to find out if your state offers IFTA E-Filing, click here.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can set up your IFTA accounts and file your Quarterly IFTA Taxes 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.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can assist with obtaining and filing your IFTA Fuel Taxes.  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.

Read More »

Today is Deadline to File 3rd Quarter IFTA Return

The deadline to file 3rd Quarter IFTA Return is today!! You must file a return even if you did not run during the quarter.  You would just file a “zero” report.

Failure to file a return, filing a late return, or failure to remit any or all tax due will result in a penalty of $50.00 or 10% of the net tax due to all member jurisdictions, whichever is greater.  Interest is computed on all delinquent taxes dues each jurisdiction at a rate of 1% per month.  Even if you have a net refund, interest still applies to each jurisdiction for any underpayment of fuels use tax to that jurisdiction and is calculated beginning the day after the due date of the return for each month, or fraction of a month, until paid. So the longer you are late, the more you will owe.

The deadline for 3rd quarter IFTA returns is today, October 31st, so if you have not yet filed your return, you will want to file it now to avoid penalties and interest.  At Truck Services of North America, we make it simple by preparing and filing your quarterly returns for you. TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way.  Contact us at TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320.

Read More »