The Ultimate Guide to IFTA Quarterly Reporting and Compliance

The world of commercial trucking comes with its fair share of paperwork and compliance requirements. Among the most critical responsibilities for interstate carriers is accurate fuel tax reporting. For trucking companies operating across state and provincial borders, the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) ensures a fair and consistent method of reporting fuel usage and paying fuel taxes.

In this blog, we’ll break down the essentials of IFTA reporting, the importance of timely filing, common mistakes to avoid, and how SafeRoad Compliance can help streamline your fuel tax operations.

What is IFTA and Why Does It Matter?

The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) is an agreement among the lower 48 U.S. states and 10 Canadian provinces that simplifies the process for carriers to report and pay fuel taxes. Rather than filing separate tax returns for each jurisdiction a vehicle travels through, carriers file a single quarterly report with their base jurisdiction, which then distributes the taxes accordingly.

This system ensures that taxes are paid based on where fuel is consumed rather than where it was purchased, promoting equity and transparency in fuel tax distribution.

Who is Required to File IFTA Reports?

You are required to file IFTA reports if you operate a qualified motor vehicle across multiple jurisdictions. A qualified vehicle typically includes those that:

• Have two axles and a gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds

• Have three or more axles, regardless of weight

• Are used in combination when the combined weight exceeds 26,000 pounds

These vehicles must display valid IFTA decals and maintain records of fuel purchases, mileage per jurisdiction, and trip logs for each quarter.

When Are IFTA Reports Due?

IFTA filings are due four times a year, and each deadline is approximately one month after the quarter ends:

• Q1: January – March → Due April 30

• Q2: April – June → Due July 31

• Q3: July – September → Due October 31

• Q4: October – December → Due January 31

Missing a deadline can result in penalties, interest charges, and even suspension of your IFTA license.

Common Mistakes in IFTA Reporting

Incorrect or incomplete reporting can quickly lead to audits, fines, and legal issues. Here are some of the most common mistakes made by trucking companies:

1. Inaccurate Mileage Tracking:
   Forgetting to log non-revenue or personal miles can result in incorrect reporting.

2. Missing Fuel Receipts:
   All fuel purchases must be supported by proper receipts that include date, location, and number of gallons.

3. Estimating Fuel Usage:
   IFTA requires precise data, not estimates.

4. Failure to Keep Records:
   IFTA rules require you to keep trip records, fuel receipts, and distance reports for at least 4 years.

Benefits of Professional IFTA Reporting

Partnering with a professional ensures that your records are maintained, your reports are accurate, and deadlines are never missed. Here’s why businesses rely on expert solutions:

• Reduced Risk of Penalties: Accurate calculations and timely submissions prevent expensive mistakes.

• Audit-Ready Documentation: Comprehensive reports with the proper formatting help protect you during state or federal audits.

• Time Savings: Avoid hours of paperwork so you can focus on managing your fleet.

• Improved Cash Flow: Correct tax reporting helps you avoid overpayments and better plan fuel costs.

How SafeRoad Compliance Simplifies Your IFTA Process

At SafeRoad Compliance, we offer tailored solutions to take the stress out of quarterly fuel tax filing. Our services go beyond basic data entry—we work as your strategic compliance partner to help reduce errors, minimize risks, and keep your fleet rolling without interruptions.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Quarterly Filing Accuracy:
  Our team handles the full process from mileage log audits to submission with your base jurisdiction.

• Real-Time Support:
  Dedicated compliance advisors ready to answer questions or help with missing documentation.

• Digital Reporting Tools:
  We help you maintain digital records, so everything is stored securely and retrievable during audits.

• Multi-Jurisdiction Coverage:
  Whether you’re operating in five states or fifty, we manage the reporting with no added complexity for you.

• Compliance Alerts:
  Never miss a deadline again—we’ll remind you ahead of each quarterly due date.

What You Need to Provide

To take full advantage of SafeRoad Compliance’s services, make sure to prepare the following information:

• Odometer logs or ELD data

• Fuel purchase receipts

• Jurisdictional mileage reports

• Vehicle and driver details

Once you submit the data, our experts handle everything from review to filing—ensuring you’re always in compliance.

Final Thoughts

IFTA compliance can be one of the most time-consuming and error-prone aspects of running a commercial fleet. With quarterly deadlines and strict reporting requirements, even small mistakes can cost your business thousands.

By partnering with SafeRoad Compliance, you’ll get expert guidance, automated solutions, and peace of mind knowing your filings are accurate and on time. Don’t let paperwork derail your operations—let us help you stay on the road and in control.

🔁 Ready to File Your Next IFTA Report?