2020 is turning out to be quite the year, isn’t it? Now it’s April and we’re struggling with IFTA and the pandemic.

First of all, we know – we couldn’t do it without you truckers on the road. You men and women who haul the goods we need for our survival – thank you.

Whether or not we agree with the government’s shelter at home orders, we know that you’re risking a lot to let us stay home. We should be treating you a lot better than you’re getting. It’s good to hear that some restaurants are working to make sure you get what you need to be fed. And it’s got to be rough, knowing your family is at home and you’re on the road, exposed to all sorts of germs that you don’t want to take home to them.

So while we’re safe at home, you make it possible for us to do so. Thank you.

We hope your state is one of those that is working with truckers in this crisis. Like Colorado.

Temporary Suspension of IFTA Requirements in Colorado

On March 10, 2020, Governor Jared Polis declared a State of Emergency for the state of Colorado. Under this declaration the Governor has allowed for the temporary waiving of certain statutory requirements to help get the necessary supplies to the people of Colorado during this unprecedented crisis.
 
As such, the Colorado Department of Revenue (CDOR) is providing tax relief in the form of a temporary suspension of the requirements associated with the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) for any motor vehicle engaged in interstate disaster relief efforts as part of the COVID-19 relief effort until June 30, 2020. This suspension will expedite the process of getting needed relief supplies and fuel into affected areas and immediately reduce the cost and administrative burden of getting these critical supplies across state lines.  https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/tax/covid-19-updates#IFTA%20Suspension

Good for Colorado. They recognize that truckers are doing a lot of the heavy lifting in how this country will survive this crisis.

IFTA and the Pandemic Response Is All Over the Map

Searching online for what the states and provinces are doing about IFTA and IRP shows one thing: absolutely no consistency at all. Some states are suspending the filing deadlines for those who are hauling critical loads related to the COVID pandemic. Others are extending deadlines for IFTA filings and IRP renewals – but only for those hauling certain types of loads. It’s impossible to know what any one jurisdiction is doing based on the ones right beside it.

When is Your IFTA due?

That means that you need to find out what your home base is doing. Fortunately, the good people at the IFTA website have been updating a list for us. https://www.iftach.org/bulletins/Covid-19.php was last updated on April 12, 2020, and shows the IFTA status of each state and whether any extensions have been granted.

And What About the IRP?

Your IRP renewal date might also be extended – since nobody’s in the offices, I guess they can’t process the paperwork. https://www.irponline.org/page/Covid19waivers shows what the states are doing.

I guess the simple answer to “What should we do about IFTA and IRP in April 2020?” is – do your research. Use those links to find out what you need to do with IFTA and the pandemic.

If you have questions not relating to IFTA and the pandemic, but just IFTA, try our IFTA Resource Center for more details about filing, including links to all the jurisdictions.

Benefits of Using TruckingOffice Software to Do Your IFTA Reports

For those in the trucking business, IFTA is the four-letter word that fills them with dread. No driver looks forward to spending hours checking their math, hoping the forms are accurate. Yes, it’s just part of the job, but that doesn’t mean it has to be hard, right?  

Right. IFTA reporting can be much easier. With our software for trucking, your IFTA issues will almost disappear. You need software designed specifically for trucking if you want it to manage your IFTA reporting with complete accuracy.  

Delinquent IFTA taxes can set you up for costly fines and penalties. They can also cause you to be out-of-service until the taxes are paid. These risks can be eliminated with a TMS program.

Our TMS uses the data you enter to calculate your IFTA quarterly taxes. That’s about as easy as it can get. No more anxiety attacks or headaches because of questionable math. Your IFTA reporting will be accurate and on time every quarter. 

In the Meantime, Stay Healthy

Do what you need to do to stay safe on the road and to get those loads to the people who need them.

Our offices are closed due to the order of the governor of Ohio. We’re not sure when they’ll open again, but we are available to help you with your IFTA filing with our software TruckingOffice trucking management software.

Our job is to support you. We’re proud to offer a TMS solution that will make your trucking business easier.  You’ll appreciate the easy-to-use features that will help you become organized and more productive. If you would like to try our software for free to handle your IFTA filing and other parts of your trucking business, you can sign up today for a free trial.

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