Use Tax Deadline Reminder: New Mexico, Kentucky, and New York

We know, we know—you’ve had about enough of tax deadlines. But despite the fact that you’ve been diligently working on (hopefully, anyway) getting your IFTA returns filed, if you operate in the states of New Mexico, Kentucky, or New York, you’ve got yet another filing deadline lurking at the end of the month.

Tax Deadlines

If you’re not quite sure what we’re talking about, we’re referring to each state’s special highway use tax deadline! If you operate in any of the three states listed above, you must pay these taxes in addition to filing your IFTA return. Here’s a list of the states that have a highway use tax deadline coming up on November 2.

New Mexico: As those of you that operate in New Mexico already know, the New Mexico Weight-Mile Tax is a special use tax paid on vehicles that weigh over 26,000 pounds. But luckily for you, the tax is graduated, so the less your vehicle weighs, the lower the tax rate.

If you only operate in New Mexico on a rare occasion, you can always obtain a temporary trip permit from your friends at TSNAmerica to avoid dealing with the hassles of getting a weight-mile permit!

 
Kentucky: All drivers that operate a vehicle with a gross weight over 60,000 pounds (with the exception of agricultural vehicles) must file a return to pay Kentucky Highway Use Tax. The tax, just like the other states with a special use tax, is determined based on the mileage driven on Kentucky public highways and interstates.

Note: In order to file your Kentucky Highway Use Tax, you must first obtain a tax license from the state, and then you’ll be given a KYU tax number to file under.

New York: All drivers that operate heavy vehicles in New York must file and pay New York Highway Use Tax. Only drivers operating vehicles that weigh 18,000 pounds or more loaded or 8,000 pounds or more unloaded are required to pay this tax, and mileage driven on toll-roads is not taxable.

For those drivers that only drive through New York on occasion, you aren’t required to pay this tax as long as you obtain the proper temporary trip permits required by the state of New York. If you don’t know what these are and you’re going to be headed into New York soon, temporary trip permits are the best and least expensive route for travel. How can you get one? Great question. Just give us a call and we’ll get you taken care of!

How Can I File?

How do you think? With us of course! Just give us a call at 803.386.0320 and your use taxes will disappear! Well, not literally, but you sure won’t have to deal with them yourself. Sounds nice right? Well, it is—so what are you waiting for?

And remember, if you’re having trouble with your IFTA return that’s due at the end of the month, we can help with that, too! Just give us a call. Now you’re probably thinking to yourself, “wow these people really do it all.” And if you are then you’d be right because yes, yes we do. We look forward to hearing from you, Trucking Nation!

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1st Quarter IFTA Filing Period Now Open: Get Ready for April 30th

It’s the circle of life.

One thing ends, and another begins. As the first IFTA quarter has closed, now the filing period opens and the second quarter begins!

Luckily, your friends at TSNAmerica can help you with both! We have IFTA Filing services at a range of price points to suite everyone’s needs. Plus we can help ensure that you start off the 2nd quarter on the right foot!

Were your recordkeeping practices in Quarter 1 lax at best? Give us a call, and we’ll be happy to walk you through best practices for IFTA recordkeeping. 

Here are a few highlights to keep in mind as we move into Quarter 2:

1. Record your mileage per jurisdiction and fuel purchases–every single day. It’s much easier to spend just 3 minutes a day on Trip Sheets instead of hours or days at the end of the quarter.

2. Use a program like TruckLogics to record your trip details. You can then print and mail these to us, and we’ll use them to calculate your tax and prepare your return.

3. Keeping up with records also reduces errors, and therefore, reduces your risk of an IFTA audit.

4. IFTA records must be retained for at least 4 years after the filing date. Store them in your base jurisdiction so that they’re readily available in the event of an IFTA audit.

Now for the tricky part– upcoming deadlines!

• 1st Quarter IFTA returns are due by Thursday, April 30th! TSNAmerica can prepare your return for you based on your trip sheets AND file it directly with your base jurisdiction. While we do our best to accommodate last-minute filing emergencies, we file on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait until the 29th to get in contact with us!

• The first quarter for State Use Taxes has also ended, and the returns are all due April 30th. This includes KYU (Kentucky Use Tax), NM Weight Distance Tax, and NY HUT (Highway Use Tax). We can also file these for you too! Check out our services.

Don’t be shy! Explore TSNAmerica.com, and then give us a call and find out how we can help save you time and money by preparing all of your paperwork for you! You can reach us at our Rock Hill, SC headquarters via phone at 803.386.0320, by live online chat, or email us at support@tsnamerica.com.

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January 31st Deadline is Here: HVUT, IFTA, KYU & More State Taxes Due

The first major deadline of the year is upon us! Saturday, January 31st marks a whole host of tax-filing deadlines for transportation businesses. If you’re strapped for time, TSNAmerica has services that can help you file efficiently and keep your focus where it belongs, on the road.

• Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: If you have a heavy vehicle that was first purchased or put in use anytime during December 2014, then 01/31 is the deadline for you to file your HVUT Form 2290. After filing your 2290, you will receive the stamped Schedule 1, which is required for renewing your tags, IRP registration, and more. To file on-time, you can use an online E-filing service like ExpressTruckTax, or you can have TSNAmerica file over the phone! We can complete your 2290 same day with just a short phone call to gather your info. 

• 4th Quarter IFTA Returns: Saturday is the filing deadline to report your operations from October through December of 2014. This means you’ll need all completed trip sheets with your mileage per jurisdiction, fuel purchases & fuel use per jurisdiction, as well as original fuel receipts. Personal and unloaded miles must be reported. And even if you didn’t operate this quarter, you must still file a Zero Return if you hold an IFTA license. Don’t forget that after you file, you must still retain all original documents and receipts in your base jurisdiction for at least 12 more quarters. TSNAmerica can prepare your return based on your trip sheets, but we file on a first come, first served basis, so don’t wait another second to give us a call!

• Additional State Use Taxes: 4th Quarter Tax reportings for several state use taxes are also due this week. If you operate in Kentucky, New Mexico, or New York, then more than likely, you will need to file these state use taxes by the 31st. You will also need to obtain a tax license before filing this tax, such as the KYU Number for Kentucky or the NM Tax Permit for New Mexico. But that’s not all! Oregon Weight-Mile filings are due for those on a quarterly mileage fee basis. Your fee basis is determined by your vehicle’s weight and load contents. If you’re unsure of yours, check with the ODOT. And remember, a weight receipt must be obtained before you can operate and file the Oregon Weight-Mile tax, and this receipt must be renewed annually. 

If you need to file one or more of these taxes before the deadline, contact TSNAmerica to find out how we can help. Or visit tsnamerica.com.

We have a wide array of services to meet all of your business’s filing needs. Our mission is to take the paperwork out of your way and make running your business as stress-free as possible. To start saving time and saving your sanity, simply call us at 803.386.0320, and one our happy helpers will get you started today.

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4th Quarter Deadlines Rapidly Approaching: IFTA & State Use Taxes Due Jan. 31st

There’s just 1 week left to prepare and submit your 4th Quarter IFTA and State Use Tax Returns.

Before you frantically start trying to complete your returns, check out these last minute filing tips. It’s everything you need to know to get it done fast and right–the first time.

IFTA

• Zero Returns: IFTA license holders must file a quarterly return even if they didn’t operate or make any taxable fuel purchases this quarter. If this is the case, then you must file what’s called a “Zero Return.” This means you’ll enter “0” when filing. For questions or advice on completing your Zero Return, just call TSNAmerica.
• Documents you’ll need to file: Completed Trip Sheets from October-December of 2014. These trip sheets should include fuel use and purchase information, along with your mileage per jurisdiction. Be sure to keep all original documentation, like fuel receipts, for at least 3 years after the return is submitted.
• Red Flags: There are several common filing mistakes that trigger IFTA audits. One such mistake occurs when your end of day location doesn’t match your location at the beginning of the next day. This is known as a Gap in Mileage, and this errors most often occurs when drivers forget to record their personal mileage at the end of the day. For more tips on avoiding IFTA audits, check out this blog or ask your friends at TSNAmerica for help.
• Filing Options: 1.) DIY: Calculate the tax owed and complete the form yourself. 2.) Use a program like ExpressIFTA to complete your return. It performs the calculations for you, reducing the risk of errors and making the process quicker. 3.) Have Truck Services of North America prepare your return. We not only check for errors and red flags for auditors, we submit the return directly to your state department. Simply send us your completed trip sheets, and we’ll take it from there!
• Penalties: The penalty for late filing or late payment of fuel taxes is $50 or .4167% of the net tax owed, whichever is greater. Interest also accrues on the tax owed at a rate of 1% per month. If you file late, it’s best to submit your return as soon after the deadline as possible!
• Grace Period Ending: Don’t forget that the grace period for displaying your 2015 IFTA credentials expires at the end of February. If you still haven’t filed your IFTA registration renewal, TSNAmerica can help get your account back in good standing faster. 

State Use Taxes

For these state use taxes, the reporting quarters and deadlines are the same as IFTA.

• KYU: The Kentucky Use Tax applies to all vehicles traveling through Kentucky that have a combined gross weight or licensed weight over 59,999 pounds. Before a vehicle of this weight can enter the state (farm vehicles and buses excluded), it must register with the state and obtain a KYU Number. Once you have your KYU Number, you must file quarterly reports and pay tax based on your mileage in the state. Whether you need a KYU License Number or to file a return, rest assured that we can get it done.
• New Mexico Weight-Distance: Vehicles traversing NM roads with a gross weight exceeding 26,000 lbs must file this quarterly tax, which is based on the weight of the vehicle and the number of miles driven. Similar to KYU, a NM Tax Permit must first be acquired before you can file this tax, and this permit must be renewed annually.
• NY HUT: The New York Highway Use Tax is applicable to commercial carriers that travel on NY Highways (toll roads excluded) with a combined gross weight over 18,000 lbs. This tax also applies to unloaded trucks weighing over 8,000 lbs or unloaded tractors weighing over 4,000 lbs. Before you can operate in this state, you must register and obtain decals to display in your cab. The registration fee is $15, and the decal fee is $4. 

If you have questions about filing your return, or would like for us to handle it for you, give us a call at 803.386.0320 or send us an email at support@tsnamerica.com. We’re multi-talented, so we can file all of the above for you, and then some.

To see our array of services, check out tsnamerica.com, then send us a Service Request Form and let us know which services you’re interested in. Don’t see a service you’re interested in? Let us know, and we’ll see if we can accommodate you. It’s our goal to make your life easier.

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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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Prepare Now For 1st Quarter Filings

If you have an IFTA license, you must file the Quarterly IFTA tax return to your base jurisdiction, even if you did not operate or purchase any taxable fuel in an IFTA member jurisdiction during the specific quarter. You will need to separate your mileage and fuel records for each fuel type.  

Kentucky, New Mexico, New York & Oregon also require a use tax license if you operate in that state. Each license requires a quarterly return must be filed. March 31, 2014 is the end of the 1st Quarter and the deadline to file your returns is April 30, 2014.

What you need:

1. Mileage log-whether you use manual trip sheets, GPS, or electronic trip sheets; it is not only necessary to have in order to file your quarterly IFTA, but you will need these if you are ever audited.
2. Fuel Receipts-you will need to know how many gallons of fuel were purchased in each state.

As mentioned above, in addition to IFTA, if you travel in Kentucky, New York, New Mexico or Oregon you will also need to file a Weight Distance Tax Return, in each state.

New York Highway Use Tax (NYHUT)

• Carriers operating certain commercial motor vehicles that weigh 18,000 lbs or greater in New York are required to register and obtain NYHUT tax credentials. Once a NYHUT account has been established, carriers must file and pay mileage tax on a quarterly basis.

Kentucky Use Tax (KYU Number)

• All commercial motor vehicles (except buses) with a gross weight of 60,000 lbs and over traveling into or through Kentucky must be registered with the state. Carriers with an active KYU Number are then required to file a quarterly return and pay mileage taxes to Kentucky. New qualifying vehicles must be listed with Kentucky prior to the vehicle entering the state. Temporary permits are also available.

New Mexico Weight Distance Tax

• All commercial motor vehicles with a gross weight in excess of 26,000 lbs. must be registered with the state before traveling into or through New Mexico. Entrance can be paid at the port if not registered; however, it is not cost effective to pay at the port unless you travel through New Mexico only once or twice per year. Once a Weight Distance Tax account in New Mexico is established quarterly reports must be filed and mileage tax paid.

Oregon Weight-Mile Tax

• All commercial carriers with a gross vehicle weight in excess of 26,001 lbs. must obtain a temporary or annual permit to travel into or through Oregon. Oregon does not belong to the International Fuel Tax Agreement; however, a proper tax permit must be obtained before entering this state. Heavy fines are imposed on carriers entering into Oregon without the proper credentials.
• Oregon requires all new entrants to become bonded before permanent credentials are issued. Bonds may be placed by a Surety Company or posted with cash. The size of your fleet will determine the amount of the bond required.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can assist with your IFTA,  NY HUT, KYU, New Mexico and Oregon Weight Distance Taxes.  TSNAmerica takes the paperwork out of you.  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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Today is the Deadline For 4th Quarter Returns & Form 2290

Today, January 31, 2014 is the deadline for 4th Quarter IFTA, KYU, NY HUT, and New Mexico Weight Distance returns as well as Form 2290 for Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes on vehicles first placed on public highways during the month of December.  

On the road and unable to file on your own?  No problem, just give us 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 today’s deadline.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can assist with your IFTA,  NY HUT, KYU, and New Mexico Weight Distance Taxes  and Form 2290. TSNA takes the paperwork out of you.  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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Tomorrow is the Deadline For 4th Quarter Fuel Tax Returns & Form 2290

Tomorrow, Friday, January 31, 2014 is the deadline for 4th Quarter IFTA, KYU, NY HUT and New Mexico Weight Distance returns as well as 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 4th Quarter Returns returned 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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Last Minute IFTA Filing Tips

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. You will need to separate your mileage and fuel records for each fuel type. If you operate in New York, Kentucky, New Mexico, or Oregon you will also need to file a Weight Distance Tax Return, in each state.

What you need:

1. Mileage log-whether you use manual trip sheets, GPS, or electronic trip sheets; it is not only necessary to have in order to file your quarterly IFTA, but you will need these if you are ever audited.
2. Fuel Receipts-you will need to know how many gallons of fuel were purchased in each state.

Options to prepare and file your return:

1. Doing it yourself, you can calculate your own return by hand and mail or e-file the return. To find out the current tax rate for each state go to www.iftach.org.
2. Using a software program that will calculate your return for you, like ExpressIFTA.com, which will reduce the chances of miscalculations.
3. Using Truck Services of North America and let them take care of preparing and filing the return for you.

Regardless of the method you choose to file your quarterly IFTA tax return, it is crucial to maintain accurate records and file your returns on time to avoid fines and penalties.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can 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.

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4th Quarter KYU Tax Return Deadline Approaching

KYU is the Kentucky Highway Use License and all commercial motor vehicles (except buses) with a gross weight of 60,000 lbs and over traveling into or through Kentucky must have one. New qualifying vehicles must be listed with Kentucky prior to the vehicle entering the state. Temporary permits are also available.

Carriers with an active KYU Number are then required to file a quarterly return and pay mileage taxes to Kentucky. The reporting quarters and deadlines are the same as IFTA:

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

The 2013 4th KYU Quarter Tax Return is due January 31, 2014.

You can E-File your quarterly returns or you can contact Truck Services of North America to handle it for you.  As a premier processing agency, TSNA can assist with obtaining your KYU License and Filing your Quarterly Taxes.  TSNA takes the paperwork out of you.  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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4th Quarter IFTA & Highway Use Tax Returns Due In One Week

The 4th Quarter IFTA, KYU, NY HUT & New Mexico Weight Distance filing period January 31st deadline is only one week away. Note that a Quarterly 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 a license or permit 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.  With IFTA, 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 .4167% of the net tax due to all member jurisdictions. Interest is computed on all delinquent taxes due each jurisdiction at a rate of 1% 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, Kentucky Use Tax, New York Highway Use Tax & New Mexico Weight Distance accounts and file your Quarterly Taxes for you by the deadline.  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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