Frequently Asked Questions:  IFTA E-file

 

General

 

  1. What is IFTA E-file?
  2. Who is eligible to E-file and IFTA report?
  3. How does IFTA E-file work?
  4. How accurate is IFTA E-file?
  5. What should I do if I don’t have an IFTA E-file password or have forgotten or lost it?
  6. What is my Taxpayer ID for IFTA E-filing purposes?
  7. When filing on the Internet, will the same personalized information be provided as on my paper report?
  8. Is there a charge to use IFTA E-file?
  9. What hours of the day is E-filing available for filing an IFTA report?
  10. Is there a time limit while E-filing my IFTA report?
  11. How will I know that the Comptroller of Maryland received my E-filed IFTA report?
  12. If I E-file how do I make a payment?
  13. Do I need to submit any paper documents?
  14. What are the IFTA E-filing due dates?
  15. What IFTA forms can be E-filed?
  16. If I file via the Internet will I still receive paper reports?
  17. If I make a mistake, can I correct it?
  18. Can I E-file an amended IFTA report?
  19. Can I E-file an IFTA report after the due date for the reporting period?
  20. Can I E-file an IFTA report for all fuel types?
  21. Is there any way to save a partially completed IFTA report on E-file if I need to log out before I have completed the report?
  22. Is it safe to E-file over the Internet?
  23. Are there any special Web browser requirements to use the IFTA E-file service?
  24. Where can I get assistance?

 

Technical

 

  1. Why am I sometimes disconnected from the Web site/application?
  2. Why can I connect to your Web site from home, but not at work?
  3. Which browser versions does the Comptroller of Maryland’s Web site support?
  4. How can I tell what browser version I am using?
  5. What browser options (e.g. cookies) do I need enabled to use this Web site?
  6. What is the best resolution (e.g. 800 x 600 or higher) to have set in order to use this Web site?
  7. I got a message to check my security settings.  How do I do this?
  8. I can’t view or open an online form.  What should I do?
  9. How can I see what my page will look like before I print it?
  10. When I preview or print a page, some information is cut off.  How can I fix this?
  11. When I am sending personal information to the Comptroller of Maryland, how is my information protected?
  12. What can I do to protect my information?
  13. How does your Web site handle the protection of privacy?

 

 

General

 

  1. What is IFTA E-file?

 

IFTA E-file is a free electronic service offered by the Comptroller of Maryland that enables an International Fuel Tax Agreement Licensee based in Maryland to quickly and accurately file an IFTA report using a computer instead of manually preparing and mailing a report.

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  1. Who is eligible to E-file and IFTA report?

 

All Maryland State-based carriers are eligible to E-file their IFTA report.

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  1. How does IFTA E-file work?

 

You can E-file from any personal computer that has Internet access.  All Maryland-based IFTA carriers will establish a password on their initial visit to the application

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  1. How accurate is IFTA E-file?

 

IFTA E-file performs all required computations which makes filing fast and easy and virtually eliminates the possibility of mathematical errors.

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  1. What should I do if I don’t have an IFTA E-file password or have forgotten or lost it?

 

You can establish a password for IFTA E-file by entering several items of information.  If you subsequently forget that password, you can establish a new one by entering some information that you submitted previously.

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  1. What is my Taxpayer ID for IFTA E-filing purposes?

 

Your Taxpayer ID for IFTA E-filing purposes is the same number that you used when filing your paper IFTA Reports in the past.

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  1. When filing on the Internet, will the same personalized information be provided as on my paper report?

 

Yes.  In fact, after you have logged on and entered your password, the most current information available on the system, including your travel jurisdictions and available credit, will be provided for your convenience.

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  1. Is there a charge to use IFTA E-file?

 

There is no charge to the taxpayer for filing an IFTA report via the Internet and no purchase of software is required.

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  1. What hours of the day is E-filing available for filing an IFTA report?

 

The IFTA E-file service is available all hours of the day except for brief periods when the system is being updated.  If you attempt to access the system and are told the system is unavailable, you should try again in 30 minutes.

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  1. Is there a time limit while E-filing my IFTA report?

 

Yes. You will have 30 minutes to file your report (with the opportunity to add additional time).

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  1. How will I know that the Comptroller of Maryland received my E-filed IFTA report?

 

After you complete and submit your IFTA report, a confirmation page containing a confirmation number will display.  You should print and keep the confirmation page with your records.

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  1. If I E-file how do I make a payment?

 

If you have a balance due, you can pay by mail.  You will have to click on the printable voucher button on the Report confirmation page to print a payment voucher. Attach a check or money order for the amount due made payable to the Comptroller of Maryland and mail the voucher and payment to the address indicated in the mailing instructions on the voucher.

 

The printable voucher, like the majority of online Comptroller of Maryland forms, is saved in a PDF format. To view or print these forms,Viewing tax forms requires the latest version of Adobe reader. An error may occur if you do not have the latest version.

 

If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, here’s how to download a free copy. Get Adobe Reader

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  1. Do I need to submit any paper documents?

 

If you do not have a balance due, you will not need to submit any paper documents.  If you have a balance due, you need only submit the payment voucher with your check or money order.  No other paper documents are needed.

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  1. What are the IFTA E-filing due dates?

 

The due date for E-filing an IFTA report is the same as the due date for filing an IFTA report on paper. 

 

Reporting Period

Period Covered by Report

Report Due Date

1st Quarter

January 1 – March 31

April 30

2nd Quarter

April 1 – June 30

July 31

3rd Quarter

July 1 – September 30

October 31

4th Quarter

October 1 – December 31

January 31

 

If you file or pay late, you may be subject to interest and penalty.

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  1. What IFTA forms can be E-filed?

 

You may E-file the IFTA Quarterly Fuel Use Tax Report (IFTA – 100) and the IFTA Quarterly Fuel Use Tax Schedule (IFTA – 101).

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  1. If I file via the Internet will I still receive paper reports?

 

Yes.  Initially all taxpayers who E-file reports will still receive a paper report in the mail from the Comptroller.  After several quarters of successful filing, you will be given the option to discontinue receiving the paper reports.

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  1. If I make a mistake, can I correct it?

 

You may correct any mistake prior to clicking the Submit button.  If you have already submitted your report electronically, you must file an amended report on paper.

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  1. Can I E-file an amended IFTA report?

 

No.  If it is necessary for you to file an amended IFTA report, you must file on paper.  (Future program enhancements will allow you to E-file amended IFTA reports.

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  1. Can I E-file an IFTA report after the due date for the reporting period?

 

Yes.  If you file after the due date for a reporting period, you may be subject to interest and penalty.

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  1. Can I E-file an IFTA report for all fuel types?

 

No.  You may only E-file an IFTA report for the following fuel types:  Diesel, Gasoline, Ethanol, and Propane.  IFTA reports containing other fuel types must be filed on paper.

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  1. Is there any way to save a partially completed IFTA report on E-file if I need to log out before I have completed the report?

 

No.  If you log out of E-file before you complete and submit your IFTA report, you must reenter all the information when you log in again.

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  1. Is it safe to E-file over the Internet?

 

Our secured sites/applications are restricted to the authorized users and the information is protected through Secured Socket Layer (SSL) protection.

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  1. Are there any special Web browser requirements to use the IFTA E-file service?

 

Our Web site supports Internet Explorer 5.01 and higher and Netscape 6.2 and higher.  These are the minimum browser versions necessary to support features and functions of the Comptroller of Maryland’s electronic services.  If you need to upgrade your browser, please go to the Microsoft or Netscape Web site.

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  1. Where can I get assistance?

 

See Contact the MATT Unit.

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Technical

 

  1. Why am I sometimes disconnected from the Web site/application?

 

It could be because your visit to the Comptroller of Maryland’s electronic services has timed out or because your connection to the Internet was lost.

 

Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) (AOL, Earth Link, Comcast, etc.) may be experiencing problems which would in turn prevent your access to the Comptroller’s electronic services.  You can verify this by attempting to access another Web site such as www.maryland.gov.  If you successfully reach this other Web site, we may be experiencing heavy Internet traffic and ask you to please return to our Web sit at a later time.

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  1. Why can I connect to your Web site from home, but not at work?

 

Some companies restrict Internet traffic to only internal Web sites.  Please check with your network administrator to see if your company has access restrictions.

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  1. Which browser versions does the Comptroller of Maryland’s Web site support?

 

Our Web site supports Internet Explorer 5.01 and higher and Netscape 6.2 and higher.  These are the minimum browser versions necessary to support features and functions of the Comptroller of Maryland’s electronic services.  If you need to upgrade your browser, please go to the Microsoft or Netscape Web site.

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  1. How can I tell what browser version I am using?

 

In the browser’s toolbar, click on “Help”.  You will see a menu option that begins “About…”  Click on this menu option.  You will see the type of browser you are using and also what version.

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  1. What browser options (e.g. cookies) do I need enabled to use this Web site?

 

There is only one option that needs to be set in your browser to take advantage of our electronic services. The option ensures that your security level is set to medium.

 

If you are using Internet Explorer, you can verify this by following these easy steps.

 

    1. Open your browser.
    2. Click on "Tools" on the toolbar.
    3. Click on Internet Options.
    4. Click on the "Security" tab.
    5. Click on the "Internet" icon.
    6. Click on Custom Level.
    7. Under "Reset Custom Settings" make sure it is set to medium.
    8. Click "OK."

 

If you are using Netscape Navigator, follow these steps.

 

1.       Open your browser.

2.       Click on "Edit" on the toolbar.

3.       Click on "Preferences."

4.       Click on "Advanced" in the category list on the left.

5.       Click on "Enable Java" on the right.

6.       Click "OK."

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  1. What is the best resolution (e.g. 800 x 600 or higher) to have set in order to use this Web site?

 

The Department's electronic services have been built to handle 800x600. If you are running Windows, you can change your resolution:

 

1.       Click on "Start."

2.       Click on "Settings."

3.       Click on "Control Panel."

4.       Click on "Display."

5.       Click on the "Settings" tab and adjust your screen area.

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  1. I got a message to check my security settings.  How do I do this?

 

To use the Comptroller’s electronic services, there are certain security settings required. You can confirm these settings by following these directions:

 

If you are using Internet Explorer, you can verify this by following these easy steps.

 

1.       Open your browser.

2.       Click on Tools on the toolbar.

3.       Click on Internet Options

4.       Click on the "Security" tab

5.       Click on the "Internet" icon.

6.       Click on Custom Level

7.       Under "Reset Custom Settings" make sure it is set to medium.

8.       Click "OK."

 

If you are using Netscape Navigator, follow these steps.

 

1.       Open your browser.

2.       Click on "Edit" on the toolbar.

3.       Click on "Preferences."

4.       Click on "Advanced" in the category list on the left.

5.       Click on "Enable Java" on the right.

6.       Click "OK."

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  1. I can’t view or open an online form.  What should I do?

 

The majority of our online forms are in a PDF format. We use this format to assure uniformity in appearance between our online forms (when printed) and paper reports. To view these forms, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or higher.

If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, here's how to download a free copyGet Adobe Reader

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  1. How can I see what my page will look like before I print it?

 

To preview a page in either Internet Explorer or Netscape browsers, simply select "File" on your browser's toolbar. Then select the "Print Preview" option off the menu. A preview of the page is then shown.

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  1. When I preview or print a page, some information is cut off.  How can I fix this?

 

Sometimes the Web page you are viewing is too large for your browser to print all the information. To print the entire page, you will need to adjust your browser's default print settings. To adjust these settings, please follow these simple steps:

 

1.       Select "File" from your browser's toolbar

2.       Select the "Print" option

3.       (Netscape Only) - Select the "Properties" button

4.       Select the "Basics" tab

5.       Select either the "Landscape" or "Portrait" print option -- whichever one is not already selected,

6.       Click on the "Print" button.

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  1. When I am sending personal information to the Comptroller of Maryland, how is my information protected?

 

Our secured sites/applications are restricted to the authorized users and the information is protected through Secured Sockets Layer (SSL) protection which encrypts information being transferred between your computer and the Comptroller.

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  1. What can I do to protect my information?

 

There are three basic things you can do to help protect your information. First, do NOT provide your User ID or password to anyone else. The second is to make your password something known only by you.

 

The third thing you can do to help protect your information is to always log off once you have completed your transactions. It is important to log off in order to not leave a "live" session active for someone else to use. If you were to forget to log off, you will automatically be logged off after an extended period of time has passed.

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  1. How does your Web site handle the protection of privacy?

 

Please see our privacy statement which describes what information is collected and how that information is used.

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