Estimate your quarterly IFTA fuel tax quickly. Enter your total miles, gallons purchased, and average state tax rate.
⚠️ This is a simplified IFTA estimate. Actual IFTA calculations require per-state miles and per-state tax rates. Always file your official IFTA return through your base state's motor carrier division. Consult a trucking accountant for exact figures.
The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) is a tax collection agreement among US states and Canadian provinces. As an owner operator, you must file quarterly IFTA returns that report miles driven and fuel purchased in each jurisdiction. The goal is to ensure each state gets the fuel tax owed based on miles driven there — regardless of where you actually bought your fuel.
The basic concept: you calculate how many gallons you should have used in each state based on miles driven and your overall MPG. Then you compare that to gallons actually purchased in each state. If you bought more fuel than you consumed in a state, you get a credit. If you consumed more than you bought, you owe tax. Your base state collects or refunds the net difference.
Keep a mileage log by state — your ELD should track this automatically. Save all fuel receipts showing gallons purchased, state, and date. Many owner operators use trucking accounting software (TruckingOffice, Rigbooks) to track IFTA data throughout the quarter rather than scrambling at filing time.