The "No Operations" Return: Why You Must File Even When Parked
Truck parked for a month? You still need to file. Learn why the "No Ops" return is mandatory and how to avoid license revocation.
No Driving ≠ No Filing
It's a common misconception: "I didn't drive my truck this quarter, so I don't need to do anything." This is false.
The Mandatory Filing Rule
As long as you hold an active IFTA license and decals, you are required to file a quarterly tax return, even if every single value is zero. This is known as a "No Operations" or "Zero" return.
Leasing Scenarios
This often trips up drivers who lease on to a carrier part-way through a quarter.
- Scenario: You ran under your own authority in January. You leased on to a big carrier in February.
- Result: You must still file a return for your own IFTA account for that quarter, reporting the January miles and zero for Feb/Mar (or however your state requires the split).
- Scenario: You leased on for the entire quarter.
- Result: If you still have your own active IFTA account, you must file a Zero return to keep it active, even if the carrier reported your miles.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
If you ignore the filing, the state assumes you are hiding data. They will:
- Assess a $50 late penalty.
- Eventually revoke your IFTA license.
Reinstating a revoked license is a bureaucratic nightmare that can keep your truck parked for weeks.
The 1-Click Solution: Don't stress about empty forms. FastIFTA allows you to generate a "Zero Return" PDF in literally one click. File it, save the confirmation, and rest easy.