---
title: "IFTA reporting"
description: "The International Fuel Tax Agreement lets interstate carriers file one quarterly fuel tax return with their base state instead of a return in every state they drive through. The base state then shares"
canonical: https://mydotcheck.com/ifta-reporting
last_updated: 2026-10-14
---

# IFTA reporting

The International Fuel Tax Agreement lets interstate carriers file one quarterly fuel tax return with their base state instead of a return in every state they drive through. The base state then shares the tax with the other jurisdictions.

## Who needs IFTA

You need an IFTA license if you operate a qualified motor vehicle in more than one IFTA jurisdiction. A qualified motor vehicle is used for transporting people or property and:

-   Has two axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight over 26,000 lbs, or
-   Has three or more axles regardless of weight, or
-   Is used in combination with a combined weight over 26,000 lbs

## Quarterly deadlines

You must file even if you did not operate during the quarter. If a due date falls on a weekend or holiday, many jurisdictions accept the next business day.

| Quarter | Months | Return due |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Q1 | January - March | April 30 |
| Q2 | April - June | July 31 |
| Q3 | July - September | October 31 |
| Q4 | October - December | January 31 |

## How the tax is calculated

Divide total miles by total gallons to get fleet MPG. For each jurisdiction, divide the miles driven there by your MPG to get taxable gallons, multiply by that state's rate, then subtract tax already paid on fuel bought there. Use the IFTA calculator to run the numbers.

MyDotCheck is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or part of the U.S. Department of Transportation or FMCSA. Data comes from public FMCSA datasets and may lag official records by a day or more. Government filings can be made directly with FMCSA at no charge.

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## IFTA reporting questions

### What records do I need for IFTA?

Distance records by jurisdiction (trip sheets or ELD/GPS data) and fuel receipts. Keep them for four years.

### Where do I get the tax rates?

IFTA, Inc. publishes the rate matrix for every quarter. Rates change, so use the matrix for the quarter you are filing.

---
Canonical URL: https://mydotcheck.com/ifta-reporting
Title: IFTA Reporting: Who Needs IFTA, Quarterly Deadlines and How to File