IFTA Question

Short and sweet answer is this -

Lets say that your states fuel tax is 36 cents per gallon. Now lets also say hypotheticaly that your truck averages 6mpg. That equates to you owing that state 6 cents per mile (36/6), unless you purchace the amount of gallons that you'll burn while driving through the state. Or, you may purchase more fuel than you'd burn and get a credit. You do this for every state you operate in. Some states you will owe, some you may have a credit in. Whatever your home state is, you'll pay them and the will distribute the funds to whatever states you may owe in. It actually is a nice improvement over cutting a check to each state separately.

The fuel tax per gallon varies greatly from state to state. Ky, Tn, Ga are around .16 cents. while Ill for example, is about .37 cents.

 

It isn't hard to fill out the IFTA paperwork. There is a graph to enter gallons of fuel purchased and miles driven in each state and instructions on when to add then subtract the numbers when needed. If you fill out the IFTA report online you simply enter the figures and the computer totals it for you. If you have trouble in the beginning just take the numbers into your nearest fuel tax office and someone will help you. They will not fill out the form for you but they will help you fill it out.
IFTA taxes are due quarterly. On the last day of the quarter you have 30 days to pay the tax.

 

Instructions on filling out IFTA forms can be aquired in NC at the NC Dept of Revenue fuel tax offices. I don't know what forms or tax office other states use to oversee the IFTA program.