IRPIFTACompliance

IRP vs IFTA: What Canadian Carriers Actually Need to Know

A plain-English breakdown of how the International Registration Plan and International Fuel Tax Agreement differ, and which one applies to your fleet.

May 15, 20265 min read

If you run trucks across provincial or state lines, you've heard of both IRP and IFTA — and you've probably wondered why we need two programs that sound so similar.

What IRP covers The International Registration Plan handles your apportioned license plate. You pay one base jurisdiction, declare the distance you travel in each member jurisdiction, and your fees are split accordingly.

What IFTA covers The International Fuel Tax Agreement is about fuel tax, not registration. You report fuel purchased and distance travelled per jurisdiction every quarter, and the difference is reconciled.

What IRP covers The International Registration Plan handles your apportioned license plate. You pay one base jurisdiction, declare the distance you travel in each member jurisdiction, and your fees are split accordingly.

What IFTA covers The International Fuel Tax Agreement is about fuel tax, not registration. You report fuel purchased and distance travelled per jurisdiction every quarter, and the difference is reconciled.

The simple rule IRP = your plate. IFTA = your fuel tax. Most for-hire carriers crossing borders need both.