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Illinois Motor Fuel Use Tax (IFTA) Filing & Payment Requirements

Is there a tax return that must be filed to keep my IFTA license in good standing?

Yes. You must file Form MFUT-15, IFTA Quarterly Return, to report your carrier operations (travel and fuel use). Returns are due by the last day of the month immediately following the close of the quarter. Quarterly filing periods are:

  • January 1 – March 31 (return due April 30)
  • April 1 – June 30 (return due July 31)
  • July 1 – September 30 (return due October 31)
  • October 1 – December 31 (return due January 31)

When submitting IFTA quarterly returns electronically through your MyTax Illinois account, you will need your fleet's total miles traveled in both IFTA and non-IFTA jurisdictions, the breakdown of the total number of miles driven in each jurisdiction, and the total gallons of fuel purchased in each jurisdiction. Note that once you are issued a license and decals, you must file a return, regardless of whether your vehicle(s) left the state or operated at all during the quarter. 

Tax rates are subject to change each quarter. For current and past rate sheets, visit the IFTA website.

IFTA, Inc., which oversees the participating jurisdictions' IFTA programs, maintains a web site that provides excellent information such as current IFTA happenings, tax rates, and jurisdiction contact numbers. Visit the IFTA website for more information.

For more information, see MFUT-53, Illinois International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) Carrier Compliance Manual.

What happens if I file my tax return after the due date?

You'll be penalized with a late-filing penalty of at least $50… even if you are only one day late. To avoid this penalty, make sure you file your return by the due date.

How long do I need to keep my records?

You must maintain your records for a period of four years from the due date, or the date that you filed your IFTA return (Form MFUT-15), whichever is later, to substantiate the information reported on the return.

Use Form MFUT-76 to record your mileage and fuel purchases.

See MFUT-53-RR for more information on records retention.