A Helpful Guide For Tackling Your IFTA Renewals This Year

We are breaking down the renewal process and providing all the information you need to get started!

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Here at ExpressTruckTax, our team is all about helping you stay compliant and keeping your truck on the road. Whether that is by helping you file your Form 2290, or helping you stay ahead of other industry requirements. 

It is important that you renew your IFTA licensing for 2021 on time! Many states’ renewal deadline is December 31, 2021. 

With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we know how easy it can be to forget! So, we are breaking down the renewal process and providing all the information you need to get started!

A Crash Course in IFTA

Here’s a quick refresher. Get ready for a tongue twister! IFTA stands for International Fuel Tax Agreement. This was put into effect by the 48 states of the continental US and 10 Canadian provinces. 

This is basically just a way to make the fuel tax collection and interstate commerce reporting easier for everyone involved. 

Under federal law, you must abide by IFTA regulations if your vehicle is used, designed, or maintained for the transportation of persons or property, and at least one of the following is true: 

  • Has two axles and a gross vehicle weight (GVW) or registered gross vehicle weight (GVW) of more than 26,000 pounds
  • Has three or more axles regardless of weight
  • Is used in combination when the weight of such combination is more than 26,000 pounds GVW or registered GVW.

If your vehicle qualifies for an IFTA license, then your vehicle also qualifies for the IFTA renewal! 

Where Do I Start?

You should start with your base jurisdiction! Each year states send out a renewal packet, email, or some form of information to help you through the renewal process. 

If your deadline for renewal is December 31, 2021, then you should have already received this. 

If you haven’t already received your packet or email,  it’s time to give your state’s IFTA department a call. You can also check for renewal information on their website. 

Renewal Requirements

Most states will allow you to renew your license online through your IFTA portal. 

Generally, most jurisdictions will require that you have filed and paid for the last four quarters if you were operating before they will renew your license for the next year. 

The previous four quarters include: 

  • 2020, Quarter 4
  • 2021, Quarter 1 
  • 2021, Quarter 2
  • 2021, Quarter 3 

Now, listen closely, this is very important: your renewal must be completed, signed, and returned by the deadline to ensure that there is no delay in receiving your license and decals. 

Some states will offer drivers a grace period for displaying the new decals, but this is not true for every state. You will need to check with your jurisdiction to confirm this. 

IFTA is Easier with TruckLogics 

If you’re searching high and low for an easier way to keep track of your IFTA and create a file-ready report each quarter, you’ve come to the right place! Our sister product, TruckLogics, provides an affordable IFTA reporting solution and more!

With TruckLogics you can easily complete your IFTA reporting and take advantage of other great features designed to streamline your trucking business.