IFTA Reporting in Georgia: What Drivers Need to Know and Important Dates
|There are a number of obligations a trucking company has to meet, and we probably don’t need to remind you of that. While all of them are important in their own way, however, staying compliant with all the national motor carrier regulations is one of the very most important.
As a member of the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA), Georgia has some specific requirements for drivers that claim it as their base jurisdiction. Never fear, though! IFTA compliance is easier to tackle than you may think–and TruckLogics is here to help every step of the way.
Read through this blog to understand the importance of IFTA compliance, what the specific requirements for filing in Georgia are, and important dates/details you need to remember!
IFTA Compliance – Why Does it Matter?
The first (and most pressing) reason for meeting IFTA compliance is so that you avoid any potential penalties!
Not filing your IFTA report or fuel tax payment on time can lead to some nasty penalties for your business–amounting to either $50 (or) 10% of the taxes due, whichever is greater.
Keep in mind that beyond penalties, there’s also the risk of having your IFTA license suspended if your business is not compliant with IFTA.
Don’t let IFTA get you stressed, though! With the information you need and TruckLogics on your side, filing your Georgia IFTA report is a breeze.
Who Needs to Complete Georgia IFTA Registration?
Any business or entity based in Georgia that operates Qualified Motor Vehicle(s) in one or more IFTA member jurisdictions is required to obtain a Georgia IFTA license in order to meet their fuel tax obligations with other jurisdictions.
Vehicles are considered QMVs if they meet the following criteria:
- Has three or more axles, regardless of weight
- Has two axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight exceeds 26,000 pounds
- Is not a recreational vehicle
These entities should list Georgia as their base jurisdiction to obtain a Georgia IFTA license. Additionally, the entity must have a registered place of business in Georgia and should maintain records for their QMVs in Georgia.
How Do I Apply for an IFTA License in Georgia?
After verifying your vehicle meets the above requirements, you’ll need to apply for an IFTA license with your base jurisdiction (Georgia) next.
When applying for an IFTA license in Georgia, the following is some basic information that you must have available to complete your registration:
- The registered name and address of your business
- Your Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
- Your USDOT number
In addition to the requirements above, Georgia has its own set of requirements that must be met when applying:
- You must submit your application by mail or in-person to the Georgia Department of Revenue
- Incomplete applications will be returned, delaying processing.
- There is a $3 fee for each set of decals (you will need one set per qualified vehicle)
Once the application has been approved, credentials will be mailed within 24 hours and should arrive within 5-7 business days. Same-day decals are available when you apply in person.
When are the Georgia IFTA Deadlines?
Here are the deadlines for filing quarterly Georgia IFTA returns:
Georgia Reporting Periods | Georgia IFTA Filing Deadlines |
January – March (1st Quarter) | April 30 |
April – June (2nd Quarter) | July 31 |
July – September (3rd Quarter) | October 31 |
October – December (4th Quarter) | January 31 |
* If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the next business day is considered the due date.
Note: A Georgia IFTA report must be filed even if no fuel was used.
Let TruckLogics Simplify Your Georgia IFTA Report Generation!
TruckLogics, the #1 Trucking Management Software, offers a hassle-free solution for you to generate your Georgia IFTA report accurately.
You’ll never have to worry about changing IFTA tax rates, as our system is updated automatically with the accurate tax rates for each quarter. You can import your trucks and fuel data easily to generate reports–so don’t delay! Sign up today and let TruckLogics make generating your Georgia IFTA report simple!