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IFTA quarterly due dates, 2026-2027
The next IFTA return, for Q3 2026, is due Nov 2, 2026 (in 8 days), because Oct 31, 2026 falls on a weekend. Returns are due the last day of the month after each quarter. Source: IFTA Articles of Agreement (rev. 08-26-26), R960, checked Oct 24, 2026.
Quarterly deadlines
- Q1 2026, quarter ends Mar 31Apr 302026 · 178 days ago
- Q2 2026, quarter ends Jun 30Jul 312026 · 86 days ago
- Q3 2026, quarter ends Sep 30Nov 22026 · moved off a weekend · in 8 days
- Q4 2026, quarter ends Dec 31Feb 12027 · moved off a weekend · in 99 days
- Q1 2027, quarter ends Mar 31Apr 302027 · in 187 days
- Q2 2027, quarter ends Jun 30Aug 22027 · moved off a weekend · in 281 days
- Q3 2027, quarter ends Sep 30Nov 12027 · moved off a weekend · in 372 days
- Q4 2027, quarter ends Dec 31Jan 312028 · in 463 days
We move dates off Saturdays and Sundays as R960 says. Legal holidays also move the date, and holidays differ by jurisdiction, so check with your base state near a holiday.
What the IFTA agreement says
"The tax return and full payment of taxes shall be due on the last day of the month following the close of the reporting period for which the tax return is due."
IFTA Articles of Agreement R960.100
"If the last day of the month falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the next business day shall be considered the due date."
IFTA Articles of Agreement R960.100
"The tax return shall be for the previous calendar quarter. Tax returns are required even if no operations were conducted or no taxable fuel was used during the tax reporting period."
IFTA Articles of Agreement R930.100
"...a licensee whose operations total less than 5,000 miles or 8,000 kilometers (based on previous filing history) in all member jurisdictions other than the base jurisdiction during 12 consecutive months may request to report on an annual basis."
IFTA Articles of Agreement R930.200
Who needs IFTA
IFTA covers a "qualified motor vehicle", which the agreement defines as one used for transporting people or property and:
"Having two axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds or 11,797 kilograms; or Having three or more axles regardless of weight; or Is used in combination, when the weight of such combination exceeds 26,000 pounds or 11,797 kilograms gross vehicle or registered gross vehicle weight."
IFTA Articles of Agreement R245
So a two-axle box truck rated 26,000 lbs or less doesn't need IFTA on its own, and a pickup pulling a trailer is judged by the combined weight. The other filings that start at a weight rating, side by side: what applies at your weight.
The same three tests decide who needs IRP apportioned plates, which you also get from your base state: IRP plates and how the fee is split.
You get the license and file returns through your base state's IFTA office, and that office has the final say on your return. Not affiliated with IFTA, Inc.
Questions
When are IFTA quarterly returns due?
The last day of the month after each quarter: Q3 2026 by Nov 2, 2026, Q4 2026 by Feb 1, 2027, Q1 2027 by Apr 30, 2027, Q2 2027 by Aug 2, 2027. A date that falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday moves to the next business day.
Do I need IFTA for a box truck?
Only if it has three or more axles, or two axles and a weight rating over 26,000 lbs, and you run in more than one IFTA jurisdiction. A two-axle box truck rated 26,000 lbs or less doesn't need IFTA on its own.
Do I need IFTA for a hotshot?
A hotshot is judged by the combined weight: a pickup and trailer over 26,000 lbs together, or a rig with three or more axles, is a qualified motor vehicle under IFTA.
Do I file an IFTA return if I didn't drive that quarter?
Yes. "Tax returns are required even if no operations were conducted or no taxable fuel was used during the tax reporting period."
Can I file IFTA once a year instead?
Sometimes. The agreement lets a licensee with under 5,000 miles a year outside its base jurisdiction ask to report annually; your base state decides.