What to Do If You’re Audited by IFTA

Please note: This is not legal advice and should be used for entertainment purposes only. You absolutely will need to do a deeper dive research on each step and consult with an attorney [or multiple ones] to do this legally and safely.

Hearing the word “audit” can make any trucker nervous—but an IFTA audit doesn’t have to be a nightmare if you’re prepared. Whether you’ve just been notified or want to be ready just in case, this guide will walk you through what to expect and how to respond with confidence.

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? Why You Might Get Audited

IFTA audits are conducted randomly, but they can also be triggered by:

• Inconsistent mileage between filings

• Too little fuel purchased compared to miles driven

• Filing late or incorrect reports

• Zero fuel purchases reported while claiming miles

• Operating in high-risk or high-mileage jurisdictions

States are required to audit a certain number of IFTA license holders each year, so even careful carriers can be selected.

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? Step 1: You’ll Get an Audit Notification Letter

You’ll receive a formal notice (by mail or email) from your base state’s IFTA office. This will include:

• The audit period (often 1 to 4 years)

• What documents you need to provide

• A deadline for submitting records or scheduling an appointment

Don’t ignore it—contact the auditor if you have questions or need clarification.

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? Step 2: Gather the Required Records

You’ll need to provide detailed documents such as:

✅ Trip Reports or Logs

• Origin, destination, routes taken

• Odometer readings at state lines

✅ Fuel Receipts

• Must show date, location, gallons, and payment method

• No cash fuel purchases without proof

✅ Mileage Summaries by State

• Manually calculated or from ELD

✅ IFTA Quarterly Returns

• Including amendments, if any

✅ IFTA License and Decal Records

• Proof of valid license for the audit period

Tip: Good recordkeeping is your best defense—auditors look for consistency and traceability.

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? Step 3: Understand What They’re Looking For

Auditors want to verify that:

• Your reported miles match your logs and fuel purchases

• You didn’t over-report MPG or underpay taxes

• You used a consistent and approved method of tracking

They’ll recalculate your miles-per-gallon average and compare that to standard expectations for your equipment and routes.

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? Step 4: Be Honest and Professional

• Respond respectfully and clearly

• Don’t try to fudge numbers—they will notice

• If you’re missing some documents, be upfront and explain why

• You may be allowed to correct honest mistakes without major penalties

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? Step 5: What Happens After the Audit

After the audit, you’ll receive a report that may include:

✅ No Findings (you passed!)
? Adjustments to MPG or miles per state
? Assessment of unpaid fuel tax + interest
⚠️ Penalties for missing or falsified records

If you disagree, you have the right to dispute or appeal—but you’ll need strong documentation to back it up.

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? Pro Tips to Avoid a Painful IFTA Audit

• Use ELDs or GPS that track miles by state

• Scan or copy every fuel receipt

• Keep a binder or digital folder for each quarter

• Save 4 years of IFTA records (that’s the audit window)

• File on time, even if it’s a zero report

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? Final Thoughts

An IFTA audit doesn’t have to wreck your business—as long as you’re organized, honest, and responsive. Treat it like a safety inspection: the better your prep, the easier it goes. Keep your records clean, your miles consistent, and your receipts handy—and you’ll be ready for whatever rolls your way.