California State Board of Equalization: 4Q14 Relief

The California State Board of Equalization has issued the Diesel Fuel Tax Law section 60212 that waives penalties and interest for late 4th quarter 2014 filing. Due to the new return processing system introduced in late 2014, the Motor Carrier Office has not been able to assist agents and taxpayers in a timely manner. As a result, taxpayers and agents have not been able to file returns on time. The Board issued a statement saying that “if your fourth 2014 (4Q14) filing has been delayed due to board staff not being able to assist you in a timely manner, you may request relief from penalty and interest.” The Board will not penalize any one due to their “unreasonable error or delay.”

As explained by the Board’s announcement, below are the step by step instructions on how to request relief from penalty and interest for your 4th Quarter 2014 IFTA tax return:

  1. Begin the filing process in the return processing system
  2. Enter the miles and tax paid gallons for each jurisdiction traveled
  3. Click the “Waive Interest” check box at the bottom of the return fuel schedule page
  4. Select “Shelve For Now” on both the return page and the fuel schedule page

The requested relief will be processed within 2 business days and it is required to revisit your 4th Quarter return after said time to pay any tax amount due.

Written by Yesenia Carrillo