Louisiana IFTA Information
Louisiana is located in Southern United States and is known as “The Creole State” with a population of about 4.6 million people. In Louisiana you can request an IFTA license online from the Department of Revenue.
State Requirements Louisiana IFTA Licensing
Louisiana is your base jurisdiction if you meet the following IFTA requirements:
- Your business is based in and operates from Louisiana as well as operating in at least one other IFTA jurisdiction.
- All operational control and records are maintained in Louisiana or these records can be made available to the state.
- You have one or more qualified vehicles that travel on Louisiana highways.
The IFTA license offers many benefits to truckers that simplify the fuel use tax reporting and disbursement process. For instance, you’ll only need one license, one set of IFTA decals, and need to file only one quarterly fuel tax report. Currently there is a $35 charge to receive a license and an additional $1.00 for each set of IFTA decals. For each qualified vehicle operating in IFTA jurisdictions you will need one set of decals.
Before applying for an IFTA permit, you need to know if your vehicle(s) qualify. You are required to obtain an IFTA license if your vehicle is designed for the transport of persons or products and has:
- Two axles and a GVW or registered GVW exceeding 26,000 pounds.
- Three or more axles regardless of weight.
- A combination GVW over 26,000 pounds.
Certain vehicles are exempt from IFTA highway fuel tax requirements. The exempt vehicles include motorhomes, pickup trucks with attached campers, and buses that are primarily used for pleasure and cannot be associated with a business in any way.
Once you have received your Louisiana IFTA license, your quarterly tax report will be mailed prior to the respected due date.
Quarterly IFTA Due Dates |
|
|---|---|
| Q1 January – March | April 30 |
| Q2 April – June | July 31 |
| Q3 July – September | October 31 |
| Q4 October – December | January 31 |
When you receive the IFTA permit and decals, you are set to go. Be sure to keep a copy of the license in each vehicle, and display the decals on the rear exterior of each side of the cab(s). The IFTA also requires you to keep track of all fuel expenses in each jurisdiction on your route. This information is to be used when filing the quarterly fuel use taxes with your base jurisdiction.
Failure to file fuel use taxes before the due date can incur penalties of up to 10% of the amount owed, or $50, whichever is greater. Non-compliance with quarterly taxes may prevent the renewal of your IFTA license.
Renewing Your Louisiana IFTA License
When do IFTA stickers expire? A Louisiana IFTA license is valid for one year only, expiring on December 31st. You must be in compliance with all IFTA fuel use taxes to be eligible for a renewal. You should file for renewal by November 30th to avoid a 10 to 14-day delay. Renewal applications can be filed online here or submit the form by mail.
The IFTA Louisiana grants truckers an IFTA sticker grace period for displaying renewal permits and decals. The grace period begins in January and ends in February. During this time, one or more of the following credential must be displayed:
- A valid, current year, IFTA license and two IFTA decals.
- A previous year license and decals if a renewal application has been filed.
- A trip permit issued by the IFTA member base jurisdiction.
How TruckingOffice Can Help
As a busy trucker, you may find it difficult to spare the hours it takes to keep track of all the IFTA requirements and paperwork. TruckingOffice has the solution. With our program, you won’t have to worry about missed deadlines or lost documents. If you want to get organized with your invoices, dispatches, vehicle maintenance, fuel purchases, and IFTA tax reports, we can help. We track everything you need for IFTA including miles by state and fuel gallons by state. Your miles are calculated automatically using PC*Miler. Contact TruckingOffice today and talk with one of our team members to learn more.
Start filing your IFTA the easy way today!