Step 1 — Fleet Totals
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Total fleet miles for the quarter
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Total fuel purchased across all states
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Leave blank to auto-calculate from above
Step 2 — Miles & Fuel Per Jurisdiction
State / Province
Miles Driven
Gallons Purchased
Del
Jurisdiction Breakdown
| State | Miles | Gal Used | Gal Purchased | Net Gal | Tax Rate | Tax Owed/Refund |
|---|
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How to Use This IFTA Calculator
This calculator walks you through the exact IFTA calculation process used on official quarterly returns:
- Enter fleet totals — Input your total miles driven and total gallons purchased across all jurisdictions for the quarter. The calculator will auto-calculate your fleet MPG.
- Add each jurisdiction — For every state or Canadian province your vehicles traveled through, enter the miles driven in that state and gallons of fuel purchased there.
- Enter tax rates — Enter each state's current diesel fuel tax rate in cents per gallon. We've pre-filled common rates but always verify current rates from your state's DMV.
- Calculate — The calculator determines gallons used vs. purchased per state and computes your net tax owed or refund for each jurisdiction.
💡 Important: IFTA tax rates change quarterly. Always verify current rates at your base jurisdiction's motor carrier office before filing. This calculator uses approximate rates for estimation purposes.
How IFTA Works
The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) simplifies fuel tax reporting for carriers operating in multiple US states and Canadian provinces. Instead of filing a separate tax return in each state, you file one quarterly return in your base jurisdiction.
The IFTA Calculation Process
Step 1: Fleet MPG = Total Miles ÷ Total Gallons Purchased
Example: 28,500 miles ÷ 4,000 gallons = 7.125 MPG
Step 2: Gallons Used in State = State Miles ÷ Fleet MPG
Example: 6,200 miles in Texas ÷ 7.125 MPG = 870.2 gallons used
Step 3: Net Gallons = Gallons Used − Gallons Purchased in State
Example: 870.2 used − 500 purchased = 370.2 net gallons owed
Step 4: Tax Owed = Net Gallons × State Tax Rate
Example: 370.2 gallons × $0.20/gal = $74.04 owed to Texas
✅ Refund logic: If you purchased more fuel in a state than you used there, the net gallons are negative — meaning that state owes you a refund. Your total IFTA return sums all amounts owed and refunded across all jurisdictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is required to file IFTA?
IFTA applies to qualified motor vehicles — typically vehicles with 3 or more axles, or vehicles with 2 axles with a gross vehicle or registered gross vehicle weight over 26,000 pounds — that operate in two or more IFTA jurisdictions. Vehicles used only within a single state are not subject to IFTA and pay fuel tax directly to that state.
When is the IFTA return due?
IFTA returns are due quarterly: Q1 (Jan–Mar) due April 30, Q2 (Apr–Jun) due July 31, Q3 (Jul–Sep) due October 31, Q4 (Oct–Dec) due January 31. Late returns are subject to penalties of $50 or 10% of the net tax due (whichever is greater), plus interest on unpaid taxes.
What records do I need for IFTA?
You must retain records for 4 years including: individual vehicle mileage records (driver logs, trip sheets, or GPS data), fuel purchase receipts showing the state, date, fuel type, number of gallons, vehicle ID, and price. Electronic logging devices (ELDs) greatly simplify IFTA recordkeeping for modern fleets.
What is the IFTA decal and license?
An IFTA license is issued by your base jurisdiction and allows you to travel in all IFTA member jurisdictions using one fuel tax license. You must display two IFTA decals (one on each side of the cab) for the current calendar year. Decals expire December 31 each year and must be renewed annually.
Can I file IFTA online?
Yes. Most base jurisdictions offer online IFTA filing through their state's DMV or motor carrier portal. Some third-party trucking software platforms also handle IFTA filing automatically. Online filing is faster, reduces errors, and typically results in quicker refund processing compared to paper returns.
Does IFTA apply to Canadian provinces?
Yes. Ten Canadian provinces are IFTA members: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. Alaska, Hawaii, and the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut are not IFTA members and require separate fuel tax handling.
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