Common Mistakes When Renewing Your IFTA for 2026

Avoid delays, penalties, and compliance issues with these essential tips.

Renewing your IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) license is one of the most important responsibilities for carriers and trucking businesses operating across multiple states. Yet every year, thousands of truckers face penalties, audits, or delays in their credentials due to avoidable mistakes during the renewal process.

To ensure your 2026 IFTA renewal goes smoothly and without complications, here are the most common mistakes truckers make—and how to avoid them.

1. Not Keeping Accurate Mileage Records

One of the most frequent errors is reporting estimated or incomplete miles.
This can lead to:

• inconsistencies in your quarterly report,
  
• incorrect tax calculations,
  
• an increased chance of an audit,
  
• or even a rejected renewal.

How to avoid it:

Use a reliable system (ELD, telematics, or a certified app) that accurately records miles traveled in each state. Keep the data organized and easily accessible.

2. Failing to Record Fuel Purchases by State

IFTA audits compare miles traveled with fuel purchased in each state.
Common issues include:

• missing receipts
  
• incorrect gallon entries
  
• fuel purchases without valid documentation
  
• mixing personal and business purchases

How to avoid it:

Keep all receipts or electronic fuel records that clearly show:

• date
  
• number of gallons
  
• station name
  
• state/location
  
• fuel type
  
• price paid

3. Mismatched Fuel and Mileage Reports

A major red flag is when fuel purchased in a state does not align with miles traveled in that same state.

This triggers automatic audit alerts.

How to avoid it:

Before submitting your 2025 IFTA renewal, review your records to ensure both data sets match and that there are no gaps or duplicated entries.

4. Filing Late

IFTA has strict quarterly deadlines, and the annual renewal must also be completed before its expiration date. Filing late can result in:

• monetary penalties

• delays in receiving IFTA decals

• suspension of your IFTA account

How to avoid it:

Renew early and avoid the last-minute rush. Platforms tend to slow down or fail near deadlines.

5. Incorrect Vehicle Information

Mistakes like an incorrect VIN, outdated plate information, or unreported vehicle changes can delay your renewal.

How to avoid it:

Double-check that:

• The VIN is correct,
  
• The truck is active and properly registered,
  
• plates are current,
  
• ELD data is synced accurately.

6. Not Keeping Records for 4 Years

IFTA requires that all operational records be kept for at least four years, even after renewal. Many carriers discard older records and later face issues during audits.

How to avoid it:

Store your data securely in the cloud or through a trusted service provider.

7. Renewing Without Expert Assistance

Renewing IFTA on your own is possible, but a single error can cause:

• Audits
  
• Additional tax assessments
  
• Delays in credentials

account suspension

How to avoid it:

Work with a compliance team that reviews, corrects, and files everything properly on your behalf.