What Is the New Mexico Weight Distance Tax and Who Needs To Pay It?

Do you operate a commercial trucking vehicle in New Mexico? You should understand the New Mexico weight and distance tax and how to pay it.

As the experts in WDT in New Mexico, you can trust the knowledge and guidance of Federal Motor Carrier Authority Filings. Keep reading for the complete guide to New Mexico state regulations for commercial shipping.

What Is the New Mexico Weight Distance Tax?

Also known as the weight-miles tax, the WDT in New Mexico charges drivers who transport cargo over a certain weight depending on the number of miles they drive on state highways.

If you qualify for this tax, you must keep track of the miles you drive within the state. You usually pay every quarter, so keep accurate records.

Why Is the Weight Distance Tax Important?

The weight distance tax helps compensate for the fact that heavier vehicles put more strain on roads. While cars put minimal strain on highways, heavy commercial vehicles create significant wear and tear. By adhering to tax compliance and paying this minimal expense, truckers help keep the roads safe and functional for everyone.

Paying the Commercial Vehicle Tax

Who has to pay the New Mexico weight and distance tax? If your total vehicle weight exceeds 26,000 pounds, you'll have to complete the registration requirements.

To register for the tax, you'll simply obtain a permit at the New Mexico border. As you drive throughout the state, keep detailed distance measurements to avoid tax penalties that arise from non-compliance.

You pay the tax quarterly, at the end of the month following the last day of each quarter. For example, when the first quarter ends on March 31, you have until April 30th to pay the tax.

How can you pay the tax? Visit fmcafilings.com and find all the necessary paperwork and information there.

As part of the process, you must submit confirmation of the electronic filing. If you don't include your tax identification number in the paperwork, you may not receive credit for paying the tax.

The Weight and Distance Tax for Intrastate Drivers

Does the New Mexico weight and distance tax apply to commercial drivers who never leave the state? Yes, though the process looks slightly different. If you registered your vehicle's title in New Mexico and don't leave the state, you must obtain a weight-distance plate for your truck if it has a gross vehicle weight over 26,000.

How the WDT Differs From the International Fuel Agreement Tax

The International Fuel Agreement Tax is a contract between the 48 contiguous states and 10 Canadian provinces to allow fleet managers to pay a single tax for the fuel they use while driving in these areas. Because it concerns fuel rather than weight and distance, the IFTA does not cover your obligation to pay the New Mexico WDT.

Only three other states require you to pay a weight and distance tax, and they all have different criteria, including:

• New York: Called the highway use tax, the WDT in New York applies to all vehicles with a gross weight of at least 18,000 pounds.
• Kentucky: Kentucky's weight and distance tax applies to all commercial vehicles with a combined license weight of at least 60,000 pounds.
• Oregon: Oregon's policy resembles New Mexico's and applies to any commercial vehicle that, at its heaviest, has a gross weight of over 26,000 pounds.

Tips for Navigating the New Mexico Weight and Distance Tax

How can you ensure you stay compliant with the New Mexico WDT?

• Register every vehicle: If you're a fleet manager, you must confirm you have an electronic permit on file for every vehicle that operates in New Mexico. An inspector must have easy access to the permit.
• Keep meticulous records: To avoid issues with compliance, each driver should keep detailed records of the miles they drive in New Mexico. State statutes dictate you keep the records for at least four years after the date of payment.
• Use efficient routes: The farther you drive in New Mexico, the more you pay in taxes. Calculate the most efficient routes to your destinations, and you can reduce your tax liability.
• Monitor rate changes: The tax rate for the WDT ranges between 11 and 43 mills per mile, depending on the vehicle's weight. Monitor tax rate changes so you can budget accordingly.

Pay Your Commercial Trucking Expenses at Federal Motor Carrier Authority Filings

Do you need help filing the New Mexico weight and distance tax or entering the payment information? At Federal Motor Carrier Authority Filings, our team of experts can help you with everything from filing highway taxes to renewing your United Carrier Registration. We're the only website you need for all your commercial trucking information.

Visit our website to chat with a live agent today.