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Published: January 15, 2025 | Reading time: 3 minutes
As we begin 2025, motor carriers need to stay on top of IFTA quarterly filing deadlines to avoid costly penalties. This guide covers all four quarterly deadlines, recent changes to fuel tax reporting, and tips for maintaining compliance throughout the year.
Mark these critical dates on your calendar:
- 1st Quarter (January 1 - March 31): Due April 30, 2025
- 2nd Quarter (April 1 - June 30): Due July 31, 2025
- 3rd Quarter (July 1 - September 30): Due October 31, 2025
- 4th Quarter (October 1 - December 31): Due January 31, 2026
Remember: If a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the filing is typically due the next business day. However, it's best to file early rather than risk confusion.
Several IFTA jurisdictions have adjusted their fuel tax rates for 2025. Minnesota's diesel tax rate remains at $0.286 per gallon, but neighboring states have made changes:
- Wisconsin diesel rate: Check current rate as it adjusts semi-annually
- Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota rates: Verify current rates before filing
Consultran maintains updated rate tables for all IFTA jurisdictions. Our clients never have to worry about using outdated rates.
With ELD mandates fully enforced, more carriers are using electronic mileage tracking. Ensure your ELD data can be properly exported for IFTA reporting. The data should include:
- Total miles by jurisdiction
- Trip origin and destination
- Routes traveled
- Vehicle identification
- Date of travel
Missing an IFTA deadline can be expensive:
- Late Filing Penalty: Typically $50 or 10% of the tax due, whichever is greater
- Interest Charges: Assessed on unpaid taxes from the original due date
- Audit Risk: Late or non-filing increases likelihood of audit selection
- License Suspension: Repeated late filing can result in IFTA license suspension
- IRP Impact: Outstanding IFTA liabilities may prevent IRP renewal
Don't wait until the end of the quarter to organize your records. Maintain ongoing documentation:
- Keep all fuel receipts (physical and electronic)
- Record odometer readings for each trip
- Track miles by state/province
- Document vehicle movements daily
Weekly reconciliation helps catch errors early. Compare:
- Fuel purchases vs. expected fuel consumption
- Mileage logs vs. ELD data
- State borders crossed vs. routes planned
Don't wait until the deadline. Filing 1-2 weeks early provides a buffer for any issues that arise. Consultran typically files client returns 2-3 weeks before the due date.
Professional filing services like Consultran offer several advantages:
- Accurate tax calculations using current rates
- Proper jurisdiction allocation
- Deadline tracking and reminders
- Error checking before submission
- Audit support if selected
- Peace of mind
- Incorrect jurisdiction mileage: Carefully track which states you travel through
- Missing fuel receipts: Keep all receipts for the required 4-year retention period
- Math errors: Double-check all calculations
- Wrong tax rates: Use current rates for the filing quarter
- Incomplete vehicle coverage: Include all qualified vehicles
- Missing deadlines: Set calendar reminders well in advance
With over 50 years of experience, Consultran has filed thousands of IFTA returns for Minnesota motor carriers. We ensure accurate, timely filing for every quarter, helping you avoid penalties and focus on running your business.
- Quarterly filing deadline reminders
- Professional tax calculations
- Jurisdiction verification
- Electronic filing with Minnesota
- Payment coordination
- Record retention
- Audit support
Don't let IFTA filing stress you out in 2025. Contact Consultran to set up reliable, professional quarterly filing service.
Call: (651) 482-1124
Email: consultran@consultran.com
Visit: Learn more about our IFTA Filing Services
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