Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman has authorized a temporary waiver of International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) licensing and decal requirements for motor carriers hauling freight to and from a seaport and will waive certain penalties associated with the late filing of IFTA returns. 

Maryland will waive IFTA licensing and decal requirements for motor carriers hauling freight to or from a seaport until at least May 31. The Office of the Comptroller will continue to accept new license registration applications during this time. 

With the expectation that some IFTA licensees located in the affected area may experience hurdles or delays in filing their quarterly IFTA returns by the April 30 due date, the agency will also grant a waiver of penalties for this filing period. IFTA licensees must file on or before
June 30, 2024 to be granted this relief. IFTA requires motor carriers to pay the appropriate taxes to the state for the use of Maryland highways quarterly and appropriately document mileage and motor fuel purchases. 

“Trucking plays a critical role in moving goods across our state and beyond," Comptroller Lierman said. "Many trucking companies are small independent businesses run by owner-operators. These small businesses are now working to keep the supply chain moving and provide a lifeline for businesses impacted by the bridge collapse. I urge our neighboring states to temporarily waive IFTA licensing requirements for motor carriers hauling freight to or from their seaports to reduce barriers during this difficult time.”

The Port of Baltimore contributes to the local, regional, and national economies by providing employment and income to individuals, tax revenues to local and state governments, and revenue to businesses that handle, ship, and receive cargo. 

In 2023, activity at the Port of Baltimore supported over 51,000 jobs, generating more than $5 billion in personal wage and salary income for Maryland residents. Activity at the Port of Baltimore also generated $647.1 million in state and local tax revenue that same year. 

Today’s announcement follows the agency’s decision to waive interest and penalties for business tax returns filed by May 31, 2024.