IFTAMiles

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about IFTA reporting and our calculator. Can't find what you're looking for? Check out our guides for more detailed information.

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General IFTA Questions

What is IFTA?

IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) is an agreement among US states (except Alaska and Hawaii) and Canadian provinces to simplify fuel tax reporting for motor carriers operating in multiple jurisdictions. Instead of filing separate fuel tax returns in each state or province you travel through, you file one quarterly return with your base jurisdiction.

Who needs to file IFTA returns?

You need an IFTA license if you operate a qualified motor vehicle (over 26,000 lbs or having 3+ axles) in two or more IFTA jurisdictions. This includes most commercial trucking operations that cross state or provincial lines.

What are the IFTA filing deadlines?

IFTA returns are due quarterly: Q1 (Jan-Mar) due April 30, Q2 (Apr-Jun) due July 31, Q3 (Jul-Sep) due October 31, Q4 (Oct-Dec) due January 31. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is the next business day.

What happens if I file late?

Late filing can result in penalties of $50 or more per month, plus interest on any taxes owed. Repeated late filing may result in license revocation. It's always better to file on time, even if you need to amend later.

Using the Calculator

Is IFTA Miles really free?

Yes! Our basic calculator is completely free and always will be. You can calculate your quarterly IFTA taxes, generate reports, and download PDFs without paying anything. We may offer premium features in the future, but the core calculator will remain free.

Do I need to create an account?

No. You can use the calculator immediately without creating an account. Your data is stored in your browser. However, creating a free account allows you to save your data across devices and sessions, and access your history from anywhere.

Where do the tax rates come from?

Our tax rates are sourced from IFTACH.org (International Fuel Tax Association) and are updated quarterly when new rates are published. We display the effective date on our Tax Rates page so you always know which rates you're using.

Can I use this for my official IFTA filing?

Our calculator is designed for estimation and planning purposes. While we strive for accuracy, you should always verify your calculations with your accountant or base jurisdiction before filing your official IFTA return. We are not responsible for any errors in official filings.

How do I calculate miles by state?

You need to track the miles driven in each state or province. Many truckers use ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data, GPS tracking, or manual trip logs. Enter the total miles for each jurisdiction in our calculator, and we'll handle the tax calculations.

What's the difference between taxable gallons and tax-paid gallons?

Taxable gallons are calculated based on your miles divided by your MPG - this is how much fuel you theoretically used in each state. Tax-paid gallons are the actual gallons you purchased (and paid tax on) in each state. The difference determines if you owe tax or get a credit.

Technical Questions

Is my data secure?

Yes. If you use the calculator without an account, your data stays in your browser's local storage and never leaves your device. If you create an account, your data is encrypted and stored securely. We never sell or share your personal information.

Does this work on mobile devices?

Yes! IFTA Miles is fully responsive and works on smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. You can enter your trips and fuel purchases from anywhere.

Can I export my data?

Yes. You can download your quarterly report as a PDF, which includes all your trips, fuel purchases, and calculated taxes. Account holders can also export their complete data history.

What browsers are supported?

IFTA Miles works on all modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. We recommend keeping your browser updated for the best experience.

Still Have Questions?

Check out our detailed guides for step-by-step instructions on IFTA calculations, or start using the calculator to see how it works.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general guidance only. IFTA regulations may vary by jurisdiction. Always consult with your base jurisdiction or a qualified tax professional for specific advice.