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SSteve · 05-20-2010, 10:39 AM

There are a few threads on this issue, but are quite aged. This is about the Indiana "surprise" diesel fuel tax.

I say surprise because, from the interstate, you can see the big price signs, but you can't see the fine print "Exempt Vehicles Only" until you leave the interstates and get much closer to the station. Then, when you go to the counter because the pump won't accept your CC, you find out the price you'll pay without an ICC or DOT number is $0.32 more than what the sign said. I thing that's deceptive at best and possibly the old "bait and switch".

The folks behind the counter are caught in the middle, but speak the company line and blame it on Indiana. Truth is, the companies running the stations choose to advertise the prices as they do. $2.99/gal looks better than $3.31/gal doesn't it? Again, deceptive. Fuel is cheaper in IL. Who would have guessed?

Anyone know of a way around this?

I noticed that at stations without truck lanes, the diesel price, while priced a bit higher that those stations with truck lanes, are less costly and have no "fine print" signs. Can I fuel up there and not be hit with another surprise tax?

Just wondering.

Steve

mythplaced · 05-20-2010, 10:44 AM

I also noticed in IL that the signs have an fuel price of $X.XX then underneath in print way too small to see on the road (with wash)

Let's see 100 gal fuel +30 wash, that's $0.30 a gal right there!

These practices have become more prevalent with the rise in fuel prices, but it is deceptive at best...

Norm4015 · 05-20-2010, 10:49 AM

The truckers with an ICC or DOT pay less at the pump and at the end of the month they send Indiana a check for the tax.

RVThere · 05-20-2010, 10:50 AM

That's why I'm glad Indiana is a 'thin' state. I fill up in Iowa and then in Ohio. Avoid PA too.

Route 66 · 05-20-2010, 11:10 AM

You need an IFTA sticker.

This is from a Wisconsin site.

Quote:

International fuel tax agreement (IFTA)

IFTA is an agreement among all states (except Alaska and Hawaii) and Canadian provinces (except Northwestern Territories, Nunavut and Yukon) to simplify the reporting of fuel used by motor carriers operating in more than one jurisdiction. Persons who operate qualified motor vehicles are subject to IFTA licensing.
Qualified motor vehicle - a motor vehicle used, designed, or maintained for transportation of persons or property and:

Having two axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds or 11,797 kilograms; or
Having three or more axles regardless of weight; or
Is used in combination, when the weight of such combination exceeds 26,000 pounds or 11,797 kilograms gross vehicle or registered gross vehicle weight. Qualified motor vehicle does not include recreational vehicles.

Recreational vehicle - vehicles such as motor homes, pickup trucks with attached campers, and buses when used exclusively for personal pleasure by an individual. In order to qualify as a recreational vehicle, the vehicle shall not be used in connection with any business endeavor.
Upon application, the carrier’s base (home) jurisdiction will issue credentials that allow the IFTA licensee to travel in all IFTA member jurisdictions.
Wisconsin is your base jurisdiction for IFTA licensing and reporting if you:

Have qualified motor vehicles based in Wisconsin for vehicle registration purposes
Maintain operational control and operational records for qualified motor vehicles in Wisconsin or can make records available to Wisconsin
Have one or more qualified motor vehicles that actually travel on Wisconsin highways; and
Operate in at least one other IFTA jurisdiction

The IFTA license offers several benefits to the interstate/inter-jurisdictional motor carrier. These benefits include one license, one set of decals, one quarterly fuel tax report that reflects the net tax or refund due. These advantages result in cost and time savings for the carrier and the member jurisdictions.

SSteve · 05-20-2010, 04:16 PM

Alas, South Dakota doesn't consider RVs qualified. DANG, it sure had me excited for a few!

http://www.state.sd.us/drr2/motorveh...rcial/IFTA.pdf

Steve

Chuck 1935 · 05-20-2010, 05:38 PM

Sounds to me like these are good places to dump your tanks. One good surprise deserves another. Solves the $5. Flying J charge.

Bill Adams · 05-20-2010, 06:19 PM

The IN fuel tax is unavoidable. It is actually only .20 cents more but it certainly is more than advertised on the signs. This is a fairly familiar problem as you travel around the US. OR adds 24 cents and AZ deducts 8 cents from the advertised prices. You can go to the Flying J site and use the auto fuel pricing schedule to see what you will pay in your RV. This way you will not have any surprises when you fuel. You can find that listing here:
Flying J

Ray,IN · 05-20-2010, 10:46 PM

Indiana fuel retailers have the choice of which way to advertise the price, including all taxes or tax exempt. I expect truck stops to advertise tax exempt, but small mainly gasoline retailers get an earfull of my complaints when they advertise the exempt price and attempt to deceive personal vehicles owners. I know of at least two stations that have changed their signage to display the tax included price because of customer complaints. Complaining may not change anything, but if we remain silent we know nothing will change.