If you are a trucking company operating out of Alberta, Canada, you may need to register for an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) license in the province.

Not based here? Click here to obtain a general guide on how to calculate your IFTA miles & fuel tax.

If you were wondering whether or not you're exempt, know that you must register and file for IFTA if you have:

  • A vehicle with three or more axles
  • A vehicle that exceeds 11,767 kg or 26,000 lbs

Table of Contents

  • How to register for an IFTA license in Alberta
  • Alberta IFTA License Costs, Fees, and Penalties
  • Alberta IFTA License Renewal
  • How to File Alberta IFTA
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How to register for an IFTA license in Alberta

Alberta is your base jurisdiction for IFTA licensing and reporting if you:

  • operates one or more qualified motor vehicles base-plated in Alberta or the Northwest Territories
  • travels to at least one other IFTA jurisdiction
  • allocates some income to Alberta for income tax purposes
  • does not have an amount owing or an unfiled IFTA return for a prior reporting period

If you are an Alberta carrier with qualified motor vehicles not registered for IFTA, your vehicles cannot travel in other IFTA jurisdictions without purchasing a trip permit for fuel tax purposes.

You can complete the Alberta IFTA application online at https://tracs.finance.gov.ab.ca/. Once you visit the website:

  • Select 'Program Registration', then 'IFTA’.
  • Complete the form and pay the registration and decal fees.

You may need to enroll in TRACS if you don't already have an account. To complete an enrolment request, visit https://tracs.alberta.ca/publicTracs/enrolTRACS.do?event=init

Alberta IFTA License Costs, Fees, and Penalties

Cost & Fees

The registration, renewal and reactivation fees for each carrier are:

  • an annual registration fee of $15
  • an annual decal fee of $10 per set of 2 decals per qualified motor vehicle

Penalties

If a return is filed late, a penalty of $50 or 10% of the assessed unpaid taxes, whichever is greater, will be charged.

Alberta IFTA License Renewal

The ‘Renew Annual Registration’ is available from October 15 to December 31. After December 31, carriers can reactivate their account in TRACS.

The fees are $15 to renew or reactivate plus $10 per set of decals.

Important Documents & Online Filing

Certified ELD for Alberta commercial motor vehicles

How to File Alberta IFTA

Under IFTA, you are required to file quarterly motor fuel tax reports with your base jurisdiction.

The schedule is as follows:

  • January to March: Due April 30
  • April to June: Due July 31
  • July to September: Due October 31
  • October to December: Due January 31

You can file IFTA quarterly tax reports online at TRACS: https://tracs.finance.gov.ab.ca/

Learn more about Switchboard Mileage Calculator: a free PCMiler alternative to automating IFTA mileage reports

If you need additional help in filing your IFTA, we're happy to help.

Give us a shout at team@onswitchboard.com, and let us guide you and getting your IFTA taken care of.