TruckingOffice trucking management software was built for a trucking office. Our owner, Allen Campbell, has had years on the road, owns his own authority, and had a fleet of 6 trucks. When working with the developers to create TruckingOffice, IFTA was on his mind. That’s why we have a trucking IFTA FAQs page for you to consult when you have questions.
IFTA Questions
With the turnover in the trucking industry so high, we get a lot of the same questions again and again. That’s why we created the Frequently Asked Questions pages here on the TruckingOffice website. Because you deserve clear answers, not a bunch of blather from the IRS.
The number one question we get is about how to get an IFTA sticker.
We have a link to every jurisdiction’s IFTA website to get you started. You’ll contact the agency where you are based, not where you’re driving. (That’s another question we get a lot.) The IFTA sticker comes from your home base so you don’t have to get special permits from all the states you drive through.
Do you need an IFTA sticker?
I saw a Ford F150 on the highway today with an IFTA sticker on it. Maybe they haul something with that pick-up? Why else would someone have an IFTA sticker on a little truck like that?
You need an IFTA sticker if you’re driving a vehicle that
- Has three or more axles; or
- Has two axles and a gross vehicle or registered gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds or 11,797 kilograms; or
- Is used in a combination that has a combined or registered gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds or 11,797 kilograms.
Filing IFTA
IFTA taxes are paid quarterly to your base jurisdiction – where you got your IFTA sticker from. Most states have converted to an online process that allows you to pay with a credit or debit card. You’ll pay every January, April, July, and October. Even if you don’t drive a mile and don’t owe any money, you still must file. If you fail to file, you’re going to pay penalties and fines, even if you don’t owe a penny.
That’s why you need a simple and easy way to handle this task that might put you off the road if you don’t take care of it right.
Trucking, IFTA, and TMS
Trucking management software must handle the IFTA. It’s that simple.
When we see stand along IFTA filing software, we admit – we twitch, just a little bit. Because it’s frustrating to see that there are truckers out there who don’t take advantage of the real strength of a complete trucking management software.
It’s about trucking. IFTA is part of trucking.
It’s not like you have an option about filing. Failure to file will land you in a world of trouble.
But a trucking office software package that didn’t have IFTA? Think about
- all the work that would have to be repeated
- the possibility of errors,
- the waste of time.
Imagine what you could do with the freedom you would have if the trucking IFTA tasks were just one more thing that a trucking management software could handle for you.
Filing IFTA Reports: Common Mistakes to Avoid
IFTA reports are time-consuming, and no one really wants to do them. The tedious math is enough to make you consider taking shortcuts. However, trying to save time can often result in costly mistakes. Here are some of the things you want to avoid doing when it’s time to file your IFTA report:
> Don’t let the due date sneak up on you. Failure to file or late payments can cost $50 or 10 percent of the taxes due, whichever is greater. It may also result in an audit which can mean more paperwork and costs. Waiting till the last minute to prepare your report can also result in careless and costly errors.
> Never estimate fuel use. It’s crucial to record accurate mileage. If the IFTA suspects incorrect data, you could face an audit and fines. You must include every mile, even personal miles.
> Not filing. Even if your vehicle or fleet did not operate during the quarter, you must still submit a report to IFTA.
> Using non-compliant software. Some products are not IFTA-compliant as they claim. Be sure your devices are using approved calculation methods.
Want to avoid these mistakes? With our TMS and fully-compliant ELD on board, your IFTA and IRP reporting will always be on time and accurate.
You don’t have to imagine it. You can try it.
Because it’s just days before IFTA is due, we want you to take a look at TruckingOffice. If you’re used to doing all those calculations by hand, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to enter your data into TruckingOffice’s one-minute data entry form. Then select the IFTA report and before you’re done reading this sentence, your report will be done accurately and completely.
This quarter’s IFTA filing is due soon. You have a few days to discover what you’re missing and what you can add to your life when your IFTA filing won’t take you hours to complete. And we’ll let you do it for free: just sign up for our free trial and get this quarter’s IFTA done at no cost to you.
No obligation. No strings attached. Just the best trucking management software on the market – designed for truckers, by a trucker. It doesn’t get better than that.
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