The 4th Quarter IFTA Deadline is Almost Here

Hey, trucking nation! We hope you’re staying safe and warm out there. This winter has been one for the books so far. However, while navigating your trips around harsh winter storms don’t forget that tax season is here!

You know what's even harder than staying warm? Explaining to the IRS why you missed important tax deadlines! That’s why you shouldn’t let the 4th quarter IFTA deadline on January 31st sneak up on you.

The 4th Quarter IFTA Deadline is Almost Here

Because the 4th quarter IFTA due date is less than a month away, we’re here to help you prepare to file. In case you need a little refreshing, IFTA is the International Fuel Tax Agreement that was put in place by the 48 contiguous United States and 10 Canadian provinces.

The purpose of IFTA was to simplify the reporting of fuel use by qualified motor vehicles traveling between two or more jurisdictions. The taxes collected are equally redistributed among each participating jurisdiction.

Your vehicle qualifies for IFTA if it:

• Has two axles and a gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds
• Has two axles and a registered gross weight of 26,000 pounds 
• Has three or more axles regardless of weight 
• Or has a combination weight exceeding 26,000 pounds. 

To comply with IFTA you will need to apply for your IFTA license with your jurisdiction or state where your vehicle is registered. Then keep it in your cab at all times. You will also receive two IFTA decals that you will need to keep on your driver’s side door. Plus, you have to file your IFTA return four times a year.

The following information is required to complete your IFTA return:

• Total miles traveled per jurisdiction 
• Total gallons of fuel consumed per jurisdiction 
• Total tax paid gallons of fuel purchased per jurisdiction 
• And the current tax rate per jurisdiction. 

If you fail to file your IFTA return you will have some expensive IFTA penalties to deal with. For example, if you don’t file by the deadline you will face a penalty of $50 or 10% of the total fuel tax you owe, depending on which amount is more.

On top of that, you will face a monthly penalty of .4167% of the total amount of IFTA tax you owe until you pay the amount in full. Your base jurisdiction also reserves the right to impose their own penalties and revoke your IFTA license and we know you don’t want that!

ExpressIFTA Is Your IFTA Reporting Solution

At TSNAmerica we have your back to help you easily prepare your IFTA report to file by the deadline. Simply check out our sister, ExpressIFTA to easily import and track all the information you need to complete your IFTA return online in one convenient location.

The process is quick and easy! You can import all of your data at once with the bulk upload feature or even directly upload all of your mileage information right from your GPS. However, you can also keep detailed trip sheet entries. ExpressIFTA lets you handle your reporting at your own pace.

Then at the end of each quarter, all of your totals will be automatically calculated in an easy to read IFTA report. Your IFTA report can be downloaded, printed, emailed, and used to instantly complete your return!

Visit ExpressIFTA for more information.

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Breaking News: 2016 IFTA Grace Period Announcement!

So you did everything you were supposed to, got your IFTA license application in before the December 31 deadline, paid your fees, and you’re just waiting on your new license and decals. But what now? Is it OK to drive before you receive your new decals and license?

While applications were due by December 31, as you know, it typically takes a few weeks to actually receive your new license and decals. This “grace period” was put into place in order to serve as the gap of time between new applications being submitted and new credentials being received.

2016 IFTA Grace Period

Without further ado, here is the official wording from the IFTA headquarters in Arizona on how the R655 Grace period works:

Carriers renewing their IFTA license and decals have a two-month grace period (January and February) to display the renewal IFTA license and decals. To operate in IFTA jurisdictions during this grace period, carriers must display either valid current or prior year IFTA license and decals from the jurisdiction in which they were operating or a valid single-trip permit from the IFTA jurisdiction in which they are operating.

So just to be clear, it is required for carriers to display at least one of the following items in order to legally travel in IFTA jurisdictions for the first couple months in 2016:

• 1) A valid IFTA license for 2016 and two IFTA decals from a member jurisdiction
• 2) A valid IFTA license for 2015 and two IFTA decals from a member jurisdiction (only if a renewal application has been filed) 
• 3) A valid trip permit from a member jurisdiction (it must be from the member jurisdiction you are operating in.

So now you know everything there is about the IFTA Grace Period for 2016! If you have any questions, or need some help getting yourself and your rig road legal just give us a call! We’re available by phone at 803.386.0320 or you can fill out a service request!

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Interstate vs Intrastate Operating Authority: What's the Difference?

It never fails; every year around this time (and all the time, really) we get question after question asking, "What's the difference between intrastate and interstate authority?" Well friend, that’s a great question, and also probably the reason you’re reading this. So what exactly is the difference between the two?

Well, interstate, just like the term used to describe our cross-country roadways, means “existing or carried on between state lines.” So as you can piece together based on the definition, it means being able to drive your truck and haul loads across state lines. While intrastate, with the root word “intra,” means within; so it refers only to mileage driven within a particular state. Simple enough, right?

But if you are going to be driving across the country, or at least in multiple states (as most truckers do) then you’ll need to make sure the following items are taken care of prior to crossing state lines in your rig.

Apply for a USDOT#

Your USDOT# is issued by the FMCSA, and is used for vehicles that travel interstate, either to haul cargo or to transport passengers. You must have one if:

• Your commercial vehicle weighs 10,001 pounds or more,
• Transports 8 passengers or more for compensation, or 15 or more without comp.,
• Transports Hazardous Materials, or 
• If you travel in a state that requires a DOT#. 

Please note: This process will be done using the URS system for new applicants, and previous applicants will register using the new system as well starting on September 30, 2016. If you have any questions about the new URS system, take a look at our blog covering the most common questions about URS registration.

Apply for an MC#

Your MC# is what actually serves as your interstate authority, which gives you the ability to legally travel and haul loads between states. So yeah, it’s pretty important. But not so fast—don’t think that once you’ve got this you’re in the clear! You’ll still need to obtain another type of authority from the FMCSA depending on what type of business you have. If you’re unsure what type is right for you, just give us a call!

Register for UCR

UCR is another necessity for truckers traveling interstate, as the agreement requires all commercial vehicles travelling interstate and weighing at least 10,001 pounds to register for UCR annually. You’ll also have to pay the required fees based on the total number of vehicles you need to register.

Register for IRP

This is for vehicles that travel across multiple jurisdictions in the United States or in Canada and that weigh at least 26,000 pounds and/or have three or more axles. The fees for this particular registration depend on the mileage driven in each jurisdiction, and those fees are paid to the base jurisdiction where you are registered. It is then your base jurisdiction’s responsibility to apportion the funds to the correct jurisdictions based on your mileage.

Apply for an IFTA License and Decals

If you operate in multiple jurisdictions, you will have to apply for your IFTA license and decals with your base jurisdiction. Your fuel use and mileage traveled in each participating jurisdiction must be recorded, and then that information must be filed with your base jurisdiction.

Sound a little confusing? Well, we’re not going to lie, it most certainly is. But luckily for you, we can help you take care of every item on this list, and IFTA services are our specialty! So if you need someone to take the IFTA-filing burden off your plate this quarter, just give us a call and we’ll show you just how easy it really is!

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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.

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Temporary Fuel and Temporary Trip Permits

Temporary Trip Permits are required when traveling into a state in which a vehicle is not authorized to operate due to IRP registration limitations or intrastate authority. The trip permit is a temporary permit issued in lieu of IRP credentials for properly registered vehicles.

Temporary Fuel Permits are required when traveling into or through a state in which a carrier is not permitted to operate due to lack of IFTA decals and licenses. Carriers must secure a temporary fuel permit prior to entering a jurisdiction for which they are not properly permitted.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can assist with your obtaining the necessary temporary permits.  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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Temporary Trip Permits

Temporary Trip Permits are required when traveling into a state in which a vehicle is not authorized to operate due to IRP registration limitations or intrastate authority. The trip permit is a temporary permit issued in lieu of IRP credentials for properly registered vehicles.

Temporary Fuel Permits are required when traveling into or through a state in which a carrier is not permitted to operate due to lack of IFTA decals and licenses. Carriers must secure a temporary fuel permit prior to entering a jurisdiction for which they are not properly permitted.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can assist with your obtaining the necessary temporary permits.  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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Get Your Temporary Fuel or Trip Permit With TSNA

Temporary Trip Permits are required when traveling into a state in which a vehicle is not authorized to operate due to IRP registration limitations or intrastate authority. The trip permit is a temporary permit issued in lieu of IRP credentials for properly registered vehicles.

Temporary Fuel Permits are required when traveling into or through a state in which a carrier is not permitted to operate due to lack of IFTA decals and licenses. Carriers must secure a temporary fuel permit prior to entering a jurisdiction for which they are not properly permitted.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can assist with your obtaining the necessary temporary permits.  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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Get Your Temporary Trip or Fuel Permit

Temporary Trip Permits are required when traveling into a state in which a vehicle is not authorized to operate due to IRP registration limitations or intrastate authority. The trip permit is a temporary permit issued in lieu of IRP credentials for properly registered vehicles.

Temporary Fuel Permits are required when traveling into or through a state in which a carrier is not permitted to operate due to lack of IFTA decals and licenses. Carriers must secure a temporary fuel permit prior to entering a jurisdiction for which they are not properly permitted.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can assist with your obtaining the necessary temporary permits.  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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Get Your Temporary Fuel or Trip Permit With TSNA

Temporary Trip Permits are required when traveling into a state in which a vehicle is not authorized to operate due to IRP registration limitations or intrastate authority. The trip permit is a temporary permit issued in lieu of IRP credentials for properly registered vehicles.

Temporary Fuel Permits are required when traveling into or through a state in which a carrier is not permitted to operate due to lack of IFTA decals and licenses. Carriers must secure a temporary fuel permit prior to entering a jurisdiction for which they are not properly permitted.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can assist with your obtaining the necessary temporary permits.  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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Get Your Temporary Trip or Fuel Permit With TSNA

Temporary Trip Permits are required when traveling into a state in which a vehicle is not authorized to operate due to IRP registration limitations or intrastate authority. The trip permit is a temporary permit issued in lieu of IRP credentials for properly registered vehicles.

Temporary Fuel Permits are required when traveling into or through a state in which a carrier is not permitted to operate due to lack of IFTA decals and licenses. Carriers must secure a temporary fuel permit prior to entering a jurisdiction for which they are not properly permitted.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can assist with your obtaining the necessary temporary permits.  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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Oregon’s Grace Period for Display of 2013 Stickers Ends March 15, 2013

For Oregon based carriers who have renewed their Commercial, Apportioned or Weight Receipt but have not yet received or displayed them, the grace period to do so ends March 15, 2013. The grace period to display your 2013 IFTA decals ended on March 1, 2013.

Carriers who operate but fail to renew their licenses, could fined for operating illegally.  If you hold an IFTA license or Oregon Weight Receipt and Tax Identifier but do not want to renew for 2013, you must have cancelled the license in writing prior to January 1, 2013.  If you did not cancel by that date you must file a 1st Quarter Return to show there were no operations.

For more information on this subject and other Oregon Trucking News check out the March 2013 Motor Carrier News.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can assist with renewing and filing your Oregon Weight Receipt and IFTA.  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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Georgia IFTA Decal Extension Request

On February 28, 2013, the Georgia Department of Revenue issued an IFTA Decal Extension request to all IFTA member jurisdictions due to a systems error.  The error caused a delay in sending out decals in a timely manner and requested a grace period through March 31, 2013 to ensure all carrier have time to receive their decals.

See the request for more information.

Truck Services of North America works to help you stay informed of changes in laws that affect you. For more information about IFTA or any of our other services, contact us at TSNAmerica.com, email support@TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320.

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Reminder to Renew Your IFTA Decals

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 may have already mailed renewal papers out, others will be doing so soon.  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, while others require electronic renewals. There are some states that still only offer paper renewals.

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.  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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