How To Report IFTA In No Time

The 4th quarter IFTA deadline is on January 31!

We know IFTA reporting can be a serious hassle -- especially when you’re short on time.

The calculated and reporting process can be maddening when done alone. 

IFTA exemptions and rates change every year, constantly complicating the process.

But you don’t have to be a mathematician to accurately report and calculate your IFTA taxes. 

You just need ExpressIFTA.

Reporting ExpressIFTA

With ExpressIFTA, reporting IFTA taxes is super simple.

Just enter your miles and fuel purchases for each date or bulk upload from a spreadsheet or ELD. Then, ExpressIFTA will take that information and automatically calculate your tax due and give you a detailed report that you can use to file with your base jurisdiction.

ExpressIFTA will even check for common errors in your IFTA reporting.

Use ExpressIFTA Today

ExpressIFTA is convenient, accurate, and affordable. Generate your report today!

Want more help?

Check out this helpful step-by-step guide to generating your report with ExpressIFTA!

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Merry Christmas Trucking Nation!

Merry Christmas from everyone here at Truck Services of North America! We hope you’re having a great holiday season so far, whether you’re on the road working hard, or just relaxing at the house with some friends and family.

Without you truckers, this holiday wouldn’t be possible. No Christmas trees, no turkey dinners, and no presents. That’s right, we have you all to thank for all the wonderful presents nestled under our trees this Christmas. 

Don’t forget that with the end of the year, in addition to all the New Year’s festivities, comes several trucking renewal deadlines.

End of the Year Trucking Deadlines

UCR:

The deadline for renewing your UCR registration is December 31, so you’ll need to have that done before the end of the year. We understand just how difficult and time-consuming this process actually is. So if you need help or want someone to take care of this pesky registration for you, then you know who to call. 

HVUT:

The IRS will shut down from December 25 until mid-January. That means if you still need a 2020-21 Form 2290, you need to file before the shutdown. The IRS will not process any forms during the shutdown.

So while it may not be something that can be wrapped, bagged, or even placed under the tree, give yourself the gift of TSNAmerica this holiday season. With all the bustle going on around this time of year, who has time to deal with registrations and renewals? Only us—that’s who. So give us a call at 877.520.8640 and let us make your holiday season by taking the paperwork out of your way!

Please note that we will be out of the office on Christmas eve, Christmas day, New Year’s eve, and New Year’s day, so if you need anything during that time, we’ll be offering emergency email support during those times at support@tsnamerica.com.

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4 Ways to Prevent Back Pain on the Road

Ever been on the road and felt some discomfort in your back? Well, of course, you have, because when you’re driving for hours on end, back pain is pretty much inevitable. But wouldn’t it be nice if there was a way to avoid back pain? And no, we don’t mean by taking four packs of Goody's powder or ibuprofen - we're talking about solving the problem at its roots! Take a look at our tips below on how you can eliminate back pain straight from the source.

Maximize Your Movement

Yeah duh, we know this seems kind of like a no brainer. But do you know why it’s so important to move around? Because your vertebrae is made up of lots of tiny bones, 33 to be exact. In between these bones is a special liquid, essentially acting as a lubricant to keep these bones functioning as they should. And do you know what happens when you don’t move around enough on a daily basis? Well, this liquid doesn’t work like it’s supposed to, which can lead to intense back pain, and who wants to deal with back pain on the road?

So be sure that whenever you get the chance, whether it’s during a fuel up or while you’re dropping off a load, you get out of the truck and move around. It doesn’t have to be strenuous, just a 15-minute walk or some quick stretches can make all the difference.

Activate Your Core

Since you’re behind the wheel of a truck for hours on end, it can be hard to find a way to properly strengthen your core so that you have the proper muscular balance between your glutes, abs, and lower/upper back muscles. And no, we’re not saying you need to go lay down in the parking lot and do 600 crunches every morning. Instead, you can simply try doing more stretching, deep breathing, or some other quick and simple exercises that can help increase core strength.

Strengthen Your Glutes

Nope, even though you’re laughing at glutes, we’re not joking. Having weak glutes is actually one of the biggest causes of back pain since they're tasked with stabilizing your hips, which in turn has a direct effect on the position of your spine and neck. And unfortunately for truckers, sitting down for 10 hours a day doesn’t work the glutes much. But by focusing on improving glute strength, you will, in turn, stabilize your hips and pelvis, leading to better posture for your neck and back. It may sound simple, but trust us, it can make a world of difference when you spend long hours driving a rig.

Call Truck Services of North America

Wondering how giving us a call is going to solve your back pain? Well giving us a call and letting us do your 4th quarter IFTA return for you seems like it would probably do the trick, too. Don’t believe us? Give us a call at 803.386.0320, and see how easy IFTA can be when someone else handles it for you!

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4th Quarter Filing Period Opens: Time for IFTA, KYU, NY HUT & More

It’s hard to believe it’s already 2015! Around the TSNAmerica office, 2014 went by in a flash. And things don’t seem to be slowing down either.

As quickly as January arrived, it will disappear–especially when there are several quarterly tax filings due on January 31st!

As they say, time flies when you have taxes to file! Which means time will be speeding up for truckers everywhere. After all, New Year is a time for endings and beginnings. And in this case, the Renewal Season is ending, and the 4th Quarter Tax Filings are just around the bend!

As many of you know, 4th Quarter IFTA filings are due January 31st for all interstate truckers–but what about the states with additional highway use taxes, namely Kentucky, New Mexico, and New York. Do you need to file these state taxes along with IFTA? Let’s find out!

KYU: Kentucky Use Tax

This state use tax is required for all vehicles traveling through Kentucky that have a combined gross weight or licensed weight over 59,999 pounds. Farm-licensed vehicles are an exception.

A KYU license number must be obtained before you can file the quarterly tax. And don’t forget to keep accurate fuel and distance records as this tax is determined by your mileage.

New Mexico Weight-Distance Tax

The New Mexico Weight-Distance Tax is levied on heavy vehicles with a gross weight exceeding 26,000 lbs. Filed quarterly, this tax is graduated based on both the weight of the vehicle and the number of miles traveled on New Mexico roads.

In order to file, a new Tax Permit must be acquired from the NM MVD each year. If you still haven’t applied for your new permit, let us know and we can get it for you fast.

NY HUT: New York Highway Use Tax

This tax applies to all vehicles traveling on New York highways with a combined gross weight over 18,000 lbs. Use tax is also applied to unloaded trucks weighing over 8,000 lbs and unloaded tractors weighing over 4,000 lbs.

While the tax is based on the weight of the vehicle and the miles traveled on NY highways, miles accrued on toll-paid portions of the New York State Thruway are not taxable. If you only plan to travel in New York a few times this year, you may obtain trip permits instead of registering with NY HUT. Call TSNAmerica and find out what the best option for you business is.

IFTA

License holders with the International Fuel Tax Agreement must submit mileage and fuel use reports to their base jurisdiction every quarter. Any unpaid fuel taxes are due at the time of filing. Also, remember that the IFTA renewal grace period extends through January and February of 2015. This grace period applies to the display of current credentials only. Once the grace period runs out, you must have your new 2015 credentials displayed in your truck or face penalties.

If you are preparing your own IFTA return, be sure to follow these Tips for Avoiding an IFTA Audit. Or you can have TSNAmerica file for you, and we’ll ensure that you don’t make those mistakes! We’ll even submit it directly to your state department.

HVUT: Bonus Item!

For vehicles with a first-used month of December 2014, the due date to file your heavy vehicle use tax is January 31st. This means that if the vehicle was purchased or first put on the road anytime during December, you must file by the end of January. Truck Services of North America can not only file your HVUT for you, we can do it same day & over the phone!

To ensure you stay on top of quarterly filings throughout the year, mark these important dates on your calendar or set reminders on your smartphone. Remember, it’s never wise to wait until the last minute, even when you have professionals filing for you!

• 1st Quarter: January-March
  Due: April 30
• 2nd Quarter: April-June
  Due: July 31
• 3rd Quarter: July-September
  Due: October 31
• 4th Quarter:October-December
  Due: January 31

It’s not too early to start preparing your quarterly taxes! We file on a first come, first served basis, so call Truck Services of North America today to reserve your place in line. We’re available at 803.386.0320, on live chat, or by email at support@tsnamerica.com.

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Tomorrow is the Deadline For 2014 IFTA, New Mexico Weight Distance, Oregon Weight Receipt & UCR Renewals

Tomorrow, Tuesday, December 31, 2013 is the deadline for 2014 IFTA Renewal, 2014 New Mexico Weight Distance & Oregon Weight Distance Renewals, 2014 UCR Renewals, and Form 2290 for Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes on vehicles first placed on public highways during the month of December and Oregon Weight-Mile returns for December for those required to file monthly returns.

On the road and unable to file your Form 2290 on your own?  No problem, just give Truck Services of North America a call and we’ll take care of it for you.  We take all your information over the phone and submit it to the IRS on your behalf!  All we need is your information and a signed Form 8453, giving us the authorization to file for you.  We can fax you the form, you sign it a fax it back and we take care of the rest. We can even send your employer proof that you filed your Form 2290 for you.  So don’t risk IRS penalties by missing tomorrow’s deadline.

Truck Services of North America can handle it for you.  TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way!  Contact TSNA to get your Form 2290 and 2014 Renewals filed today! 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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Is Reefer Fuel Claimed on 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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What is IFTA?

The International Fuel Tax Agreement (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. 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.

Who is required to file?

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.

When do you have to file?

Under IFTA, you are required to file quarterly fuel tax reports.

• The reporting quarters and due dates are:  

January – March	April 30
April – June	July 31
July – September	October 31
October – December	January 31

How do you file?

The filing process varies from state to state.  Some states offer e-filing, with more states moving towards that option.  Check with your state to find out what is required.

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. For more details contact us at TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320.

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Reminder: Renew Your IFTA License by December 31st

IFTA is the International Fuel Tax Agreement between the 48 contiguous States and 10 Canadian Provinces, where the member jurisdictions act cooperatively to administer and collect motor fuel use taxes.

The purpose of IFTA is to establish and maintain the concept of one fuel use license and one administering base jurisdiction for each license holder (licensee). Under IFTA, you only have to report to one state and the state allocate the fuel tax payments.  For more details see http://www.iftach.org.

The IFTA license is renewed annually and due December 31, 2012.  Some states mail renewal papers out, but be aware that some states no longer mail out renewal papers.  The renewal process varies from state to state with some states offering online renewal and others require electronic renewals, while others renew IFTA licenses automatically as long as the carrier is current with quarterly filings and any monies due.

If you do not receive renewal papers in the mail, it does not mean you do not have to renew.  You are still responsible to renew your IFTA license by the December 31st deadline.  Carriers renewing their IFTA license and decals have a two-month grace period (January and February) to display the renewal IFTA license and decals

The two month grace period is for display of renewal credentials, not to file your renewal application for those credentials. Renew your IFTA license on time to avoid possible penalties.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can assist with renewing your IFTA.  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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All About IFTA

What is IFTA?

The International Fuel Tax Agreement (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. 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.

Who is required to file?

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.

When do you have to file?

Under IFTA, you are required to file quarterly fuel tax reports.

• The reporting quarters and due dates are:  

January – March	April 30
April – June	July 31
July – September	October 31
October – December	January 31

How do you file?

The filing process varies from state to state.  Some states offer e-filing, with more states moving towards that option.  Check with your state to find out what is required.

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. For more details contact us at TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320.

Read More »