Publication 510 (07/2012), Excise Taxes

2. Fuel Tax Credits and Refunds

Table of Contents

Federal excise taxes are imposed on certain fuels as discussed in chapter 1. This chapter lists the nontaxable uses of each fuel and defines the nontaxable uses. Information on the refund of second tax is included. This chapter also explains credits and refunds for the cellulosic biofuel producer credit and the alternative fuel credits (liquefied hydrogen only).

Information on how to make a claim for credit or refund is included in this chapter and can also be found in the instructions for:

Form 720,
Form 4136,
Form 8849,
Form 6478, and
Form 8864.

Exported taxable fuel. The claim rates for exported taxable fuel are listed on Schedule C (Form 720), Schedule 1 (Form 8849), and Form 4136. Taxpayers making a claim for exported taxable fuel must include with their records proof of exportation. Proof of exportation includes:

A copy of the export bill of lading issued by the delivering carrier,
A certificate by the agent or representative of the export carrier showing actual exportation of the fuel,
A certificate of lading signed by a customs officer of the foreign country to which the fuel is exported, or
A statement of the foreign consignee showing receipt of the fuel.

Gasoline and Aviation Gasoline

Ultimate Purchasers. The following are the uses of gasoline (defined earlier) for which a credit or refund may be allowable to an ultimate purchaser.

On a farm for farming purposes (credit only).
Off-highway business use.
Export.
In a boat engaged in commercial fishing.
In certain intercity and local buses.
In a school bus.
Exclusive use by a qualified blood collector organization.
In a highway vehicle owned by the United States that is not used on a highway.
Exclusive use by a nonprofit educational organization (see Sales by registered ultimate vendors and Credit Card Purchases, later).
Exclusive use by a state, political subdivision of a state, or the District of Columbia (see Sales by registered ultimate vendors and Credit Card Purchases, later).
In an aircraft or vehicle owned by an aircraft museum.

The following are the uses of aviation gasoline for which a credit or refund may be allowable to an ultimate purchaser.

On a farm for farming purposes (credit only).
Export.
In foreign trade.
Certain helicopter and fixed-wing air ambulance uses.
In commercial aviation (other than foreign trade).
Exclusive use by a qualified blood collector organization.
Exclusive use by a nonprofit education organization (see Sales by registered ultimate vendors and Credit card purchases, later).
Exclusive use by a state, political subdivision of a state, or the District of Columbia (see Sales by registered ultimate vendors and Credit ard purchases, later).
In an aircraft owned by an aircraft museum.
In military aircraft.

Claims by persons who paid the tax to the government. Except for sales to nonprofit educational organizations and states and local governments, a credit or refund is allowable to the person that paid the tax to the government if the gasoline was sold to the ultimate purchaser (including an exporter) by either that person or by a retailer and the fuel was exported; used or sold for use as supplies for vessels or aircraft, including military aircraft, commercial fishing, and foreign trade; sold to a qualified blood collector organization; or used or sold for use in the production of Other Fuels. See Filing Claims, later.

Sales by registered ultimate vendors. This is an ultimate vendor that sells gasoline or aviation gasoline to any of the following and that is purchased without the use of a credit card.

A state or local government for its exclusive use (including essential government use by an Indian tribal government).
A nonprofit educational organization for its exclusive use.

The registered ultimate vendor may make the claim if the ultimate purchaser did not use a credit card and waives its right to the credit or refund by providing the registered ultimate vendor with a certificate. A sample certificate is included as Model Certificate M in the Appendix. The registered ultimate vendor must have the certificate at the time the credit or refund is claimed.

The ultimate vendor must be registered by the IRS. See Registration Requirements, earlier.

Credit card purchases. If gasoline and aviation gasoline are purchased with a credit card issued to a state or local government for its exclusive use (including essential government use by an Indian tribal government), or a nonprofit educational organization for its exclusive use, the person who extended credit to the ultimate purchaser (the credit card issuer) is treated as the person that paid the tax and makes the claim if the credit card issuer:

Is registered by the IRS,
Has established that the amount of tax has not been collected from the person who purchased the gasoline or has obtained written consent from the ultimate purchaser to the allowance of the credit or refund, and
Has repaid or agreed to repay the amount of the tax to the ultimate vendor, has obtained the written consent of the ultimate vendor to the allowance of the credit or refund, or has made arrangements that provide the ultimate vendor with reimbursement of the tax.

If the requirements above are not met by the credit card issuer, the credit card issuer must collect the tax from the ultimate purchaser and only the ultimate purchaser may make the claim.

How to make the claim. If the claim is made by the credit card issuer, see Schedule C
(Form 720) or Schedule 8 (Form 8849).

Undyed Diesel Fuel and Undyed Kerosene (Other Than Kerosene Used in Aviation)

For conditions to an allowance of a credit or refund on exported dyed diesel fuel and dyed kerosene, see Exported taxable fuel, earlier.

Ultimate purchasers. The following are nontaxable uses of diesel fuel and kerosene (defined earlier) for which a credit or refund may be allowable to an ultimate purchaser.

On a farm for farming purposes.
Off-highway business use.
Export.
In a qualified local bus.
In a school bus.
Other than as a fuel in a propulsion engine of a diesel-powered highway vehicle (such as home heating oil).
Exclusive use by a qualified blood collector organization.
In a highway vehicle owned by the United States that is not used on a highway.
Exclusive use by a nonprofit educational organization (see Sales by Registered Ultimate Vendors and Credit Card Purchases, later).
Exclusive use by a state, political subdivision of a state, or the District of Columbia (see Sales by Registered Ultimate Vendors and Credit Card Purchases, later).
In a vehicle owned by an aircraft museum.
As a fuel in a propulsion engine of a diesel-powered train.

Sales by Registered Ultimate Vendors

The following are the sales for which a credit or refund may be allowable to the registered ultimate vendor only.

Undyed diesel fuel or undyed kerosene sold for the exclusive use by a state or local government (if credit card rules (defined later) do not apply),
Undyed kerosene sold from a blocked pump (defined below), or
Undyed diesel fuel or undyed kerosene used in certain intercity and local buses, only if the ultimate purchaser waives its right to the credit or refund by providing the registered ultimate vendor with a waiver.

Registered ultimate vendor (state use). This is a person that sells undyed diesel fuel or undyed kerosene to a state or local government for its exclusive use (including essential government use by an Indian tribal government). The diesel fuel or kerosene must be purchased by the state without the use of a credit card, issued to the state by the credit card issuer, in order for the ultimate vendor to make the claim. The ultimate vendor must be registered by the IRS. See Registration Requirements, earlier.

Registered ultimate vendor (blocked pump). This is an ultimate vendor that sells undyed kerosene from a blocked pump.

A credit or refund may be allowable to a registered ultimate vendor (blocked pump) if the vendor sold to a buyer undyed kerosene from a blocked pump for use other than as a fuel in a diesel-powered highway vehicle and the vendor had no reason to believe the kerosene would not be used in that manner.

Blocked pump. A blocked pump is a fuel pump that meets all the following requirements.

It is used to make retail sales of undyed kerosene for use by the buyer in any nontaxable use.
It is at a fixed location.
It is identified with a legible and conspicuous notice stating, “UNDYED UNTAXED KEROSENE, NONTAXABLE USE ONLY.”
It meets either of the following conditions.
1. It cannot reasonably be used to dispense fuel directly into the fuel supply tank of a diesel-powered highway vehicle or train.
2. It is locked by the vendor after each sale and unlocked by the vendor only in response to a buyer's request for undyed kerosene for use other than as a fuel in a diesel-powered highway vehicle or train.

Registered ultimate vendor (certain intercity and local buses). This is an ultimate vendor that sells undyed diesel fuel or undyed kerosene to the ultimate purchaser for use in certain intercity and local buses.

The registered ultimate vendor may make the claim if the ultimate purchaser waives its right to the credit or refund by providing the registered ultimate vendor with a waiver. A sample waiver is included as Model Waiver N in the Appendix. The registered ultimate vendor must have the waiver at the time the credit or payment is claimed.

Credit Card Purchases. If undyed diesel fuel or kerosene is purchased with a credit card issued to a state, the person who extended credit to the state (the credit card issuer) is treated as the person that paid the tax and makes the claim if the credit card issuer:

Is registered by the IRS,
Has established that the amount of tax has not been collected from the person who purchased the diesel fuel or kerosene, or has obtained written consent from the ultimate purchaser to the allowance of the credit or refund, and
Has repaid or agreed to repay the amount of the tax to the ultimate vendor, has obtained the written consent of the ultimate vendor to the allowance of the credit or refund, or has made arrangements that provide the ultimate vendor with reimbursement of the tax.

If the requirements above are not met by the credit card issuer, the credit card issuer must collect the tax from the ultimate purchaser and only the ultimate purchaser may make the claim.

Diesel-Water Fuel Emulsion

A claim for credit or refund may be made for the nontaxable use of a diesel-water fuel emulsion and for undyed diesel fuel used to produce a diesel-water fuel emulsion. The claim rate for nontaxable use of a diesel-water fuel emulsion taxed at $.198 per gallon is $.197 (if exported, the claim rate is $.198). The following are the nontaxable uses for a diesel-water fuel emulsion for which a credit or refund may be allowable to an ultimate purchaser.

On a farm for farming purposes.
Off-highway business use.
Export.
In a qualified local bus.
In a school bus.
Other than as fuel in the propulsion engine of a train or diesel-powered highway vehicle (but not off-highway use).
Exclusive use by a qualified blood collector organization.
In a highway vehicle owned by the United States that is not used on a highway.
Exclusive use by a nonprofit educational organization.
Exclusive use by a state, political subdivision of a state, or the District of Columbia.
In an aircraft or vehicle owned by an aircraft museum.

Blender claims. The claim rate for undyed diesel fuel taxed at $.244 and used to produce a diesel-water fuel emulsion is $.046 per gallon of diesel fuel so used. The blender must be registered by the IRS in order to make the claim. The blender must attach a statement to the claim certifying that:

The diesel-water fuel emulsion contains at least 14% water,
The emulsion additive is registered by a United States manufacturer with the EPA under section 211 of the Clean Air Act as in effect on March 31, 2003,
Undyed diesel fuel taxed at $.244 was used to produce the diesel-water fuel emulsion, and
The diesel-water fuel emulsion was used or sold for use in the blender's trade or business.

Kerosene for Use in Aviation

Ultimate purchasers. Ultimate purchasers of kerosene used in certain aviation uses may make a claim if the rate of tax on their use is less than the rate of tax that was charged on the kerosene.

The ultimate purchaser of the kerosene used in commercial aviation (other than foreign trade) and noncommercial aviation (other than nonexempt, noncommercial aviation and exclusive use by a state, political subdivision of a state, or the District of Columbia) is eligible to make a claim if the ultimate purchaser certifies that the right to make the claim has not been waived. Generally, the ultimate purchaser is the aircraft operator.

The following are the nontaxable uses of kerosene used in noncommercial aviation for which a credit or refund may be allowable to the ultimate purchaser.

On a farm for farming purposes.
Certain helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft uses.
Exclusive use by a qualified blood collector organization.
Exclusive use by a nonprofit educational organization.
In an aircraft owned by an aircraft museum.
In military aircraft.

Kerosene for use partly in commercial aviation and partly in nonexempt, noncommercial aviation. If the fuel is used partly for use in commercial aviation and partly for use in nonexempt, noncommercial aviation, the operator may identify, either at the time of purchase or after the kerosene has been used, the amount that will be (or has been) used in commercial aviation. At the same time, the operator would either make the claim or waive the right to make the claim for credit or refund of the kerosene for use in commercial and nonexempt, noncommercial aviation.

If the operator does not identify the amount of kerosene that will be (or has been) used in commercial aviation, the operator may provide a certificate to the ultimate vendor similar to Model Certificate Q in the Appendix. For kerosene purchased with the certificate, used in commercial aviation, and taxed at $.244 per gallon, use of the certificate will be treated as a waiver of the right to claim a credit or refund for the $.025 per gallon part of the tax. The ultimate vendor may make this claim. The operator may make a claim for the $.175 tax per gallon of the kerosene, but cannot waive the right to make the claim for the $.175 tax per gallon.

Sales by Registered Ultimate Vendors

Kerosene for use in commercial aviation or noncommercial aviation. The registered ultimate vendor of kerosene for use in commercial aviation (other than foreign trade) or noncommercial aviation (other than nonexempt, noncommercial aviation and exclusive use by a state, political subdivision of a state, or the District of Columbia) may make this claim if the ultimate purchaser waives its right to the credit or payment by providing the registered ultimate vendor with a waiver. A sample waiver is included as Model Waiver L in the Appendix. The registered ultimate vendor must have the waiver at the time the credit or payment is claimed.

Noncommercial aviation means any use of an aircraft not described as commercial aviation. For the definition of commercial aviation, see Commercial aviation on page 11.

Kerosene for use in nonexempt, noncommercial aviation. Only the registered ultimate vendor may claim a credit or payment for sales of kerosene for use in nonexempt, noncommercial aviation. The ultimate vendor must be registered by the IRS (activity letter UA) and have the required certificate from the ultimate purchaser. A sample certificate is included as Model Certificate Q in the Appendix. The registered ultimate vendor must have the certificate at the time the credit or payment is claimed.

Kerosene for use in aviation by a state or local government. Only the registered ultimate vendor may claim a credit or payment for sales of kerosene for use in aviation to a state or local government for its exclusive use (including essential government use by an Indian tribal government). The kerosene for use in aviation must be purchased by the state without the use of a credit card in order for the ultimate vendor to make the claim. The ultimate vendor must be registered by the IRS (activity letter UV) and have the required certificate from the ultimate purchaser. A sample certificate is included as Model Certificate P in the Appendix. The registered ultimate vendor must have the certificate at the time the credit or payment is claimed.

Credit card purchases. If taxed kerosene for use in aviation is purchased with a credit card issued to a state, the person who extended credit to the state (the credit card issuer) is treated as the person that paid the tax and makes the claim if the credit card issuer:

Is registered by the IRS,
Has established that the amount of tax has not been collected from the person who purchased the kerosene, or has obtained written consent from the ultimate purchaser to the allowance of the credit or refund, and
Has repaid or agreed to repay the amount of the tax to the ultimate vendor, has obtained the written consent of the ultimate vendor to the allowance of the credit or refund, or has made arrangements that provide the ultimate vendor with reimbursement of the tax.

If the requirements above are not met by the credit card issuer, the credit card issuer must collect the tax from the ultimate purchaser and only the ultimate purchaser may make the claim.

Other Fuels (Including Alternative Fuels)

Credit or refund for nontaxable use of taxed Other Fuels may be allowable to an ultimate purchaser. While tax is generally imposed on delivery, Other Fuels are taxed prior to delivery in the case of certain bulk sales described in chapter 1. The following are the nontaxable uses of Other Fuels for which a credit or refund may be allowable to the ultimate purchaser.

On a farm for farming purposes.
Off-highway business use.
In a boat engaged in commercial fishing.
In certain intercity and local buses.
In a school bus.
In a qualified local bus.
Exclusive use by a qualified blood collector organization.
Exclusive use by a nonprofit educational organization.
Exclusive use by a state, political subdivision of a state, or the District of Columbia.
In an aircraft or vehicle owned by an aircraft museum.
Use in any boat operated by the United States for its exclusive use or any vessel of war of any foreign nation.

For information on the alternative fuel credit and alternative fuel mixture credit, see Alternative Fuel Credit and Alternative Fuel Mixture Credit (Liquefied Hydrogen Only) later.

Refunds of Second Tax

The tax on dyed diesel fuel for inland waterways fuel use applies at the rate listed on Form 720. This is in addition to all other taxes imposed on the sale or use of the fuel. The section 4081(e) refund (discussed below) cannot be claimed.

If the tax is paid and reported to the government on more than one taxable event for a taxable fuel under section 4081, the person paying the “second tax” may claim a refund (without interest) of that tax if certain conditions and reporting requirements are met. No credit against any tax is allowed for this tax. For information about taxable events, see the discussions under Gasoline, Diesel Fuel and Kerosene, and Kerosene for Use in Aviation in chapter 1.

Conditions to allowance of refund. A claim for refund of the tax is allowed only if all the following conditions are met.

A tax on the fuel was paid to the government and not credited or refunded (the “first tax”).
After the first tax was imposed, another tax was imposed on the same fuel and was paid to the government (the “second tax”).
The person that paid the second tax filed a timely claim for refund containing the information required (see Refund claim, later).
The person that paid the first tax has met the reporting requirements, discussed next.

Reporting requirements. Generally, the person that paid the first tax must file a “First Taxpayer's Report” with its Form 720 for the quarter to which the report relates. A model first taxpayer's report is shown in the Appendix as Model Certificate B. The report must contain all information needed to complete the model.

By the due date for filing the Form 720, you must also send a separate copy of the report to the following address.

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Cincinnati, OH 45999-0555

Write “EXCISE – FIRST TAXPAYER'S REPORT” across the top of that copy.

Optional reporting. A first taxpayer's report is not required for the tax imposed on:

Removal at a terminal rack,
Nonbulk entries into the United States, and
Removals or sales by blenders.

However, if the person liable for the tax expects that another tax will be imposed on that fuel, that person should (but is not required to) file a first taxpayer's report.

Providing information. The first taxpayer must give a copy of the report to the buyer of the fuel within the bulk transfer/terminal system or to the owner of the fuel immediately before the first tax was imposed, if the first taxpayer is not the owner at that time. If an optional report is filed, a copy should (but is not required to) be given to the buyer or owner.

A person that receives a copy of the first taxpayer's report and later sells the fuel within the bulk transfer/terminal system must give the copy and a “Statement of Subsequent Seller” to the buyer. If the later sale is outside the bulk transfer/terminal system and that person expects that another tax will be imposed, that person should (but is not required to) give the copy and the statement to the buyer. A model statement of subsequent seller is shown in the Appendix as Model Certificate A. The statement must contain all information necessary to complete the model.

If the first taxpayer's report relates to fuel sold to more than one buyer, copies of that report must be made when the fuel is divided. Each buyer must be given a copy of the report.

Refund claim. You must have filed Form 720 and paid the second tax before you file for a refund of that tax. You must make your claim for refund on Form 8849. Complete Schedule 5 (Form 8849) and attach it to your Form 8849. Do not include this claim with a claim under another tax provision. You must not have included the second tax in the price of the fuel and must not have collected it from the purchaser. You must submit the following information with your claim.

A copy of the first taxpayer's report (discussed earlier).
A copy of the statement of subsequent seller if the fuel was bought from someone other than the first taxpayer.

Definitions of Nontaxable Uses

This section provides definitions of the terms used in Table 2-1 for nontaxable uses. If applicable, the type of use number from Table 2-1 is indicated in each heading.

Type of use table. The first column of the table is the number you enter on Form 4136, Form 8849, or Schedule C (Form 720) for that type of use. For type of use 2, the mobile machinery parenthetical applies only to Form 8849 and Form 720.

Table 2-1. Type of Use Table

No.	Type of Use
1	On a farm for farming purposes
2	Off-highway business use (for business use other than in a highway vehicle registered or required to be registered for highway use) (other than use in mobile machinery)
3	Export
4	In a boat engaged in commercial fishing
5	In certain intercity and local buses
6	In a qualified local bus
7	In a bus transporting students and employees of schools (school buses)
8	For diesel fuel and kerosene (other than kerosene used in aviation) used other than as a fuel in the propulsion engine of a train or diesel-powered highway vehicle (but not off-highway business use)
9	In foreign trade
10	Certain helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft uses
11	Exclusive use by a qualified blood collector organization
12	In a highway vehicle owned by the United States that is not used on a highway
13	Exclusive use by a nonprofit educational organization
14	Exclusive use by a state, political subdivision of a state, or the District of Columbia
15	In an aircraft or vehicle owned by an aircraft museum
16	In military aircraft

On a farm for farming purposes (No. 1). On a farm for farming purposes means fuel used in carrying on a trade or business of farming, on a farm in the United States, and for farming purposes.

Farm. A farm includes livestock, dairy, fish, poultry, fruit, fur-bearing animals, and truck farms; orchards; plantations; ranches; nurseries; ranges; and feed yards for fattening cattle. It also includes structures such as greenhouses used primarily for the raising of agricultural or horticultural commodities. A fish farm is an area where fish are grown or raised — not merely caught or harvested.

Farming purposes. As an owner, tenant, or operator, you use fuel on a farm for farming purposes if you use it in any of the following ways.

To cultivate the soil or to raise or harvest any agricultural or horticultural commodity.
To raise, shear, feed, care for, train, or manage livestock, bees, poultry, fur-bearing animals, or wildlife.
To operate, manage, conserve, improve, or maintain your farm and its tools and equipment.
To handle, dry, pack, grade, or store any raw agricultural or horticultural commodity. For this use to qualify, you must have produced more than half the commodity so treated during the tax year. Commodity means a single raw product. For example, apples and peaches are two separate commodities.
To plant, cultivate, care for, or cut trees or to prepare (other than sawing logs into lumber, chipping, or other milling) trees for market, but only if the planting, etc., is incidental to your farming operations. Your tree operations will be incidental only if they are minor in nature when compared to the total farming operations.

If any other person, such as a neighbor or custom operator, performs a service for you on your farm for any of the purposes listed in (1) or (2), you are considered to be the ultimate purchaser that used the fuel on a farm for farming purposes. However, see Custom application of fertilizer and pesticide, next.

If doubt exists whether the owner, the tenant, or the operator of the farm bought the fuel, determine who bore the cost of the fuel. For example, if the owner of a farm and the tenant equally share the cost of gasoline that is used on a farm for farming purposes, each can claim a credit for the tax on one-half the fuel used.

Custom application of fertilizer and pesticide. Fuel used on a farm for farming purposes includes fuel used in the application of fertilizer, pesticides, or other substances, including aerial applications. Generally, the applicator is treated as having used the fuel on a farm for farming purposes. For aviation gasoline, the aerial applicator makes the claim as the ultimate purchaser. For kerosene used in aviation, the ultimate purchaser may make the claim or waive their right to make the claim to the registered ultimate vendor.

Fuel used between airfield and farm. Fuel used by an aerial applicator for the direct flight between the airfield and one or more farms is treated as a farming purpose.

Fuel not used for farming. Fuel is not used on a farm for farming purposes if it is used in any of the following ways.

Off the farm, such as on the highway or in noncommercial aviation, other than fuel used between the airfield and farm described above, even if the fuel is used in transporting livestock, feed, crops, or equipment.
For personal use, such as mowing the lawn.
In processing, packaging, freezing, or canning operations.
In processing crude gum into gum spirits of turpentine or gum resin or in processing maple sap into maple syrup or maple sugar.

Off-highway business use (No. 2). Off-highway business use means fuel used in a trade or business or in an income-producing activity other than as a fuel in a highway vehicle registered or required to be registered for use on public highways. The terms “highway vehicle,” “public highway,” and “registered” are defined below. Do not consider any use in a boat as an off-highway business use.

Off-highway business use includes fuels used in any of the following ways.

In stationary machines such as generators, compressors, power saws, and similar equipment.
For cleaning purposes.
In forklift trucks, bulldozers, and earthmovers.

Generally, this use does not include nonbusiness use of fuel, such as use by minibikes, snowmobiles, power lawn mowers, chain saws, and other yard equipment.

Example.

Caroline owns a landscaping business. She uses power lawn mowers and chain saws in her business. The gasoline used in the power lawn mowers and chain saws qualifies as fuel used in an off-highway business use. The gasoline used in her personal lawn mower at home does not qualify.

Highway vehicle. A highway vehicle is any self-propelled vehicle designed to carry a load over public highways, whether or not it is also designed to perform other functions. Examples of vehicles designed to carry a load over public highways are passenger automobiles, motorcycles, buses, and highway-type trucks and truck tractors. A vehicle is a highway vehicle even though the vehicle's design allows it to perform a highway transportation function for only one of the following.

A particular type of load, such as passengers, furnishings, and personal effects (as in a house, office, or utility trailer).
A special kind of cargo, goods, supplies, or materials.
Some off-highway task unrelated to highway transportation, except as discussed next.

Vehicles not considered highway vehicles. Generally, the following kinds of vehicles are not considered highway vehicles for purposes of the credit or refund of fuel taxes.

Specially designed mobile machinery for nontransportation functions. A self-propelled vehicle is not a highway vehicle if all the following apply.
1. The chassis has permanently mounted to it machinery or equipment used to perform certain operations (construction, manufacturing, drilling, mining, timbering, processing, farming, or similar operations) if the operation of the machinery or equipment is unrelated to transportation on or off the public highways.
2. The chassis has been specially designed to serve only as a mobile carriage and mount (and power source, if applicable) for the machinery or equipment, whether or not the machinery or equipment is in operation.
3. The chassis could not, because of its special design and without substantial structural modification, be used as part of a vehicle designed to carry any other load.
4. The vehicle must have traveled less than 7,500 miles on public highways during the taxable year.
Vehicles specially designed for off-highway transportation. A vehicle is not treated as a highway vehicle if the vehicle is specially designed for the primary function of transporting a particular type of load other than over the public highway and because of this special design, the vehicle's capability to transport a load over a public highway is substantially limited or impaired.

To make this determination, you can take into account the vehicle's size, whether the vehicle is subject to licensing, safety, or other requirements, and whether the vehicle can transport a load at a sustained speed of at least 25 miles per hour. It does not matter that the vehicle can carry heavier loads off highway than it is allowed to carry over the highway.
Nontransportation trailers and semitrailers. A trailer or semi-trailer is not treated as a highway vehicle if it is specially designed to function only as an enclosed stationary shelter for carrying on a nontransportation function at an off-highway site. For example, a trailer that is capable only of functioning as an office for an off-highway construction operation is not a highway vehicle.

Public highway. A public highway includes any road in the United States that is not a private roadway. This includes federal, state, county, and city roads and streets.

Registered. A vehicle is considered registered when it is registered or required to be registered for highway use under the law of any state, the District of Columbia, or any foreign country in which it is operated or situated. Any highway vehicle operated under a dealer's tag, license, or permit is considered registered. A highway vehicle is not considered registered solely because a special permit allows the vehicle to be operated at particular times and under specified conditions.

Dual use of propulsion motor. Off-highway business use does not include any fuel used in the propulsion motor of a registered highway vehicle even though that motor also operates special equipment by means of a power take-off or power transfer. It does not matter if the special equipment is mounted on the vehicle.

Example.

The motor of a registered concrete-mixer truck operates both the engine and the mixing unit by means of a power take-off. The fuel used in the motor to run the mixer is not off-highway business use.

Use in separate motor. Off-highway business use includes fuel used in a separate motor to operate special equipment, such as a refrigeration unit, pump, generator, or mixing unit. If you draw fuel from the same tank that supplies fuel to the propulsion motor, you must figure the quantity used in the separate motor operating the special equipment. You may make a reasonable estimate based on your operating experience and supported by your records.

You can use devices that measure the miles the vehicle has traveled (such as hubometers) to figure the gallons of fuel used to propel the vehicle. Add to this amount the fuel consumed while idling or warming up the motor before propelling the vehicle. The difference between your total fuel used and the fuel used to propel the vehicle is the fuel used in the separate motor.

Example.

Hazel owns a refrigerated truck. It has a separate motor for the refrigeration unit. The same tank supplies both motors. Using the truck's hubometer, Hazel figures that 90% of the fuel was used to propel the truck. Therefore, 10% of the fuel is used in an off-highway business use.

Fuel lost or destroyed. You cannot treat fuel lost or destroyed through spillage, fire, or other casualty as fuel used in an off-highway business use.

Export (No. 3). Export means fuel transported from the United States with the intention that the fuel remain in a foreign country or possession of the United States. Fuel is not exported if it is in the fuel supply tank of a vehicle or aircraft.

In a boat engaged in commercial fishing (No. 4). In a boat engaged in commercial fishing means fuel used in taking, catching, processing, or transporting fish, shellfish, or other aquatic life for commercial purposes, such as selling or processing the catch, on a specific trip basis. They include boats used in both fresh and salt water fishing. They do not include boats used for both sport fishing and commercial fishing on the same trip.

In certain intercity and local buses (No. 5). In certain intercity and local buses means fuel used in a bus engaged in furnishing (for compensation) passenger land transportation available to the general public. The bus must be engaged in one of the following activities.

Scheduled transportation along regular routes.
Nonscheduled operations if the seating capacity of the bus is at least 20 adults, not including the driver. Vans and similar vehicles used for van-pooling or taxi service do not qualify.

Available to the general public. This means you offer service to more than a limited number of persons or organizations. If a bus operator normally provides charter operations through travel agencies but has buses available for chartering by the general public, this service is available to the general public. A bus does not qualify when its operator uses it to provide exclusive services to only one person, group, or organization. Also, intercity bus transportation does not include transporting students and employees of schools or intercity transportation in a qualified local bus.

In a qualified local bus (No. 6). In a qualified local bus means fuel used in a bus meeting all the following requirements.

It is engaged in furnishing (for compensation) intracity passenger land transportation available to the general public.
It operates along scheduled, regular routes.
It has a seating capacity of at least 20 adults (excluding the driver).
It is under contract with (or is receiving more than a nominal subsidy from) any state or local government to furnish the transportation.

Intracity passenger land transportation. This is the land transportation of passengers between points located within the same metropolitan area. It includes transportation along routes that cross state, city, or county boundaries if the routes remain within the metropolitan area.

Under contract. A bus is under contract with a state or local government only if the contract imposes a bona fide obligation on the bus operator to furnish the transportation.

More than a nominal subsidy. A subsidy is more than nominal if it is reasonably expected to exceed an amount equal to 3 cents multiplied by the number of gallons of fuel used in buses on subsidized routes. A company that operates its buses along subsidized and unsubsidized intracity routes may consider its buses qualified local buses only when the buses are used on the subsidized intracity routes.

In a school bus (No. 7). In a school bus means fuel used in a bus engaged in the transportation of students or employees of schools. A school is an educational organization with a regular faculty and curriculum and a regularly enrolled body of students who attend the place where the educational activities occur.

For diesel fuel and kerosene (other than kerosene used in aviation) used other than as a fuel (No. 8). Diesel fuel and kerosene (other than kerosene used in aviation) used other than as a fuel in the propulsion engine of a diesel-powered highway vehicle or diesel-powered train (not including off-highway business use) means undyed diesel fuel and undyed kerosene used:

For home heating, lighting, and cooking;
In boats;
In stationary machines, such as generators and compressors;
For cleaning purposes; or
In minibikes and snowmobiles.

In foreign trade (No. 9). In foreign trade means fuel used in civil aircraft employed in foreign trade or trade between the United States and any of its possessions. The term trade includes the transportation of persons or property for hire and the making of the necessary preparations for such transportation. In the case of aircraft registered in a foreign country, the country must allow reciprocal benefits for aircraft registered in the United States.

Certain helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft uses (No. 10). Includes:

Certain helicopter uses. Certain helicopter uses means fuel used by a helicopter for any of the following purposes.

Transporting individuals, equipment, or supplies in the exploration for, or the development or removal of, hard minerals, oil, or gas.
Planting, cultivating, cutting, transporting, or caring for trees (including logging operations).
Providing emergency medical transportation.

During a use described in items (1) and (2), the helicopter must not take off from, or land at, a facility eligible for assistance under the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970, or otherwise use services provided pursuant to section 44509 or 44913(b) or subchapter I of chapter 471 of title 49, United States Code. For item (1), treat each flight segment as a separate flight.

Fixed-wing aircraft uses. Fixed-wing aircraft uses means fuel used by a fixed-wing aircraft for any of the following purposes.

Planting, cultivating, cutting, transporting, or caring for trees (including logging operations).
Providing emergency medical transportation. The aircraft must be equipped for and exclusively dedicated on that flight to acute care emergency medical services.

During a use described in item (1), the aircraft must not take off from, or land at, a facility eligible for assistance under the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970, or otherwise use services provided pursuant to section 44509 or 44913(b) or subchapter I of chapter 471 of title 49, United States Code.

Exclusive use by a qualified blood collector organization (No. 11). Exclusive use by a qualified blood collector organization means fuel used by the qualified blood collector organization for its exclusive use in the collection, storage, or transportation of blood.

Qualified blood collector organization. A qualified blood collector organization is one that is:

Described in section 501(c)(3) and exempt from tax under section 501(a),
Primarily engaged in the activity of collecting human blood,
Registered by the IRS, and
Registered by the Food and Drug Administration to collect blood.

In a highway vehicle owned by the United States that is not used on a highway (No. 12). In a highway vehicle owned by the United States that is not used on a highway means fuel used in a vehicle that was not used on public highways during the period covered by the claim. This use applies whether or not the vehicle is registered or required to be registered for highway use.

Exclusive use by a nonprofit educational organization (No. 13). Exclusive use by a nonprofit educational organization means fuel used by an organization exempt from income tax under section 501(a) that meets both of the following requirements.

It has a regular faculty and curriculum.
It has a regularly enrolled body of students who attend the place where the instruction normally occurs.

A nonprofit educational organization also includes a school operated by a church or other organization described in section 501(c)(3) if the school meets the above requirements.

Exclusive use by a state, political subdivision of a state, or the District of Columbia (No. 14). Exclusive use by a state, political subdivision of a state, or the District of Columbia means fuel purchased by the state or local government for its exclusive use. A state or local government is any state, any political subdivision thereof, or the District of Columbia. An Indian tribal government is treated as a state only if the fuel is used in an activity that involves the exercise of an essential tribal government function. Gasoline, diesel fuel, and kerosene used by the American Red Cross is considered to be the use of these fuels by a state.

In an aircraft or vehicle owned by an aircraft museum (No. 15). In an aircraft or vehicle owned by an aircraft museum means fuel used in an aircraft or vehicle that is owned by an organization that meets all the following requirements.

It is exempt from income tax as an organization described in section 501(c)(3).
It is operated as a museum under a state (or District of Columbia) charter.
It is operated exclusively for acquiring, exhibiting, and caring for aircraft of the type used for combat or transport in
World War II.

The aircraft or vehicle (such as a ground servicing vehicle for aircraft) must be used exclusively for the purposes described in item (3).

In military aircraft (No. 16). In a military aircraft means fuel used in an aircraft owned by the United States or any foreign nation and constituting a part of its armed forces.

In commercial aviation (other than foreign trade). See Commercial aviation earlier for the definition.

Use in a train. Use in a train means fuel used in the propulsion engine of equipment or machinery that rides on rails. This includes use in a locomotive, work train, switching engine, and track maintenance machine.

Alcohol Fuel Credit (Cellulosic Biofuel Producer Credit, only)

The alcohol fuel credit consisted of the alcohol credit, alcohol fuel mixture credit, small ethanol producer credit, and cellulosic biofuel producer credit. All, except for the cellulosic biofuel producer credit, expired on December 31, 2011. The cellulosic biofuel producer credit expires on December 31, 2012.

Cellulosic biofuel producer credit. You can claim a credit for each gallon of qualified cellulosic biofuel production if you are registered by the IRS as a cellulosic biofuel producer. Cellulosic biofuel is defined in chapter 1

Qualified cellulosic biofuel production. Your qualified cellulosic biofuel production is any cellulosic biofuel you produce and sell for use during the tax year to another person for any of the following purposes.

Use in the production of a qualified cellulosic biofuel mixture in that person’s trade or business (except casual off-farm production).
Use as a fuel in that person’s trade or business.
Sale at retail by that person who puts the cellulosic biofuel in the fuel tank of the buyer’s vehicle.

Qualified production also includes your use or sale of cellulosic biofuel for these purposes. Qualified production does not include any alcohol bought by a producer who then increases the proof of the alcohol by additional distillation.

Cooperative election to allocate the cellulosic biofuel producer credit to patrons. A cooperative described in section 1381(a) can elect to allocate any part of the cellulosic biofuel producer credit to patrons of the cooperative. The credit is allocated among the patrons on the basis of the quantity or value of business done with or for the patrons for the tax year. For more information, see Form 6478.

Failure to use for qualifying purposes. If the credit is applied to a cellulosic biofuel producer and you do not use the cellulosic biofuel for a purpose listed under Qualified cellulosic biofuel production, you must pay a tax equal to the credit. Report this tax on Form 720.

Credit for fuel limited to United States production. The credit is not allowed for cellulosic biofuel unless the cellulosic biofuel is produced in the United States and used as a fuel in the United States. The United States includes any possession of the United States.

Credit not available for some cellulosic biofuels sold or used after December 31, 2009. The credit is not available for fuel sold or used after December 31, 2009, if more than 4% of the fuel (determined by weight) is any combination of water and sediment, if the ash content of the fuel is more than 1%, or the fuel has an acid number greater than 25.

How to claim the credit. You claim the credit by completing Form 6478. All individuals and corporations taking the credit use Form 6478. Partnerships (including electing large partnerships), corporations, estates, and trusts figure the credit on Form 6478 but divide the credit among their partners, shareholders, or beneficiaries.

If you claim the credit, you must include the credit for the tax year in your gross income for that year.

Form 6478 is the only form on which you can claim the cellulosic biofuel producer credit.

Alternative Fuel Credit and Alternative Fuel Mixture Credit (Liquefied Hydrogen Only)

Credits for alternative fuels and alternative fuel mixtures, except liquefied hydrogen, expired on December 31, 2011.

Alternative fuel credit (liquefied hydrogen only). The registered alternative fueler (unmixed liquefied hydrogen only) is the person eligible to make the claim. An alternative fueler is the person liable for tax on alternative fuel under the rules for taxable events for Other Fuels (discussed in chapter 1) or would be liable but for an exemption for nontaxable uses. An alternative fueler includes a person who sells for use or uses an alternative fuel in aviation.

Alternative fuel mixture credit (liquefied hydrogen only). If you used an alternative fuel (liquefied hydrogen only) to produce an alternative fuel mixture for sale or use in your trade or business, you may be eligible for a credit or refund. An alternative fuel mixture is a mixture of alternative fuel (liquefied hydrogen only) and taxable fuel (gasoline, diesel fuel, or kerosene). You must sell the mixture to any person for use as a fuel or use the mixture as a fuel.

Registration. You must be registered by the IRS in order to take the alternative fuel credit or alternative fuel mixture credit. See Registration Requirements in chapter 1.

Credits for fuel provide incentive for United States production The alternative fuel credit may not be claimed for alternative fuel that is produced outside the United States for use as a fuel outside the United States. The United States includes any possession of the United States.

Credit for fuels derived from paper or pulp production. Credit for alternative fuels and alternative fuel mixtures for any fuel derived from the production of paper or pulp are not available for fuel sold or used on or after December 31, 2009.

How to claim the credit. Any alternative fuel credit must first be taken on Schedule C to reduce your taxable fuel liability for alternative fuel and CNG reported on Form 720. Any alternative fuel mixture credit must first be taken on Schedule C to reduce your taxable fuel liability for gasoline, diesel fuel, and kerosene reported on Form 720. Any excess alternative fuel credit and alternative fuel mixture credit can be claimed on Schedule C (Form 720) or Form 4136.

Filing Claims

This section tells you how to make a claim for a credit or refund of excise taxes on fuels. This section also covers recordkeeping requirements and when to include the credit or refund in your income.

Generally, you will provide all the information needed to claim a credit or refund when you properly complete Form 8849, Form 4136, Schedule C (Form 720), Form 6478, or Form 8864. In some cases, you will have to attach additional information. You need to keep records that support your claim for a credit or refund.

Keep at your principal place of business all records needed to enable the IRS to verify that you are the person entitled to claim a credit or refund and the amount you claimed.

Ultimate purchaser. Ultimate purchasers may make claims for the nontaxable use of fuels on Form 4136, Schedule 1 (Form 8849), and Schedule C (Form 720) if reporting excise tax liability on that return. If you are an ultimate purchaser, you must keep the following records.

The number of gallons purchased and used during the period covered by your claim.
The dates of the purchases.
The names and addresses of suppliers and amounts purchased from each in the period covered by your claim.
The nontaxable use for which you used the fuel.
The number of gallons used for each nontaxable use.

It is important that your records show separately the number of gallons used for each nontaxable use that qualifies as a claim. If the fuel is exported, you must have proof of exportation.

For more information about keeping records, see Publication 583, Starting a Business and Keeping Records, or Publication 552, Recordkeeping for Individuals.

Exceptions.

Generally, the ultimate purchaser may not claim a credit or refund for undyed diesel fuel, undyed kerosene, or kerosene for use in aviation sold for the exclusive use of a state or local government. However, see Claims by credit card issuers, later, for an exception.
The ultimate purchaser may not claim a credit or refund as follows.
1. The ultimate purchaser of gasoline or aviation gasoline used by a state or local government for its exclusive use or by a nonprofit educational organization for its exclusive use may waive its right to make a claim by providing a certificate that is signed under penalties of perjury by a person authorized to bind the ultimate purchaser and is in the same format as the Model Certificate M. A new certificate is required each year or when any information in the current certificate expires.
2. The ultimate purchaser of kerosene for use in commercial aviation or noncommercial aviation (other than nonexempt, noncommercial aviation and exclusive use by a state, political subdivision of a state, or the District of Columbia) may waive its right to make a claim by providing a waiver that is signed under penalties of perjury by a person authorized to bind the ultimate purchaser and is in the same format as the Model Waiver L. A new waiver is required each year or when any information in the current waiver expires.
3. The ultimate purchaser of undyed diesel fuel or undyed kerosene used in certain intercity and local buses may waive its right to make a claim by providing a waiver that is signed under penalties of perjury by a person authorized to bind the ultimate purchaser and is in the same format as the Model Waiver N. A new waiver is required each year or when any information in the current waiver expires.
4. The ultimate purchaser of kerosene for use in nonexempt, noncommercial aviation must provide a certificate that is signed under penalties of perjury by a person authorized to bind the ultimate purchaser and is in the same format as the Model Certificate Q. A new certificate is required each year or when any information in the current certificate expires.

Registered ultimate vendor. Registered ultimate vendors may make claims for certain sales of fuels on Form 4136, Schedule 2 (Form 8849), and Schedule C (Form 720) if reporting excise tax liability on that return. If you are a registered ultimate vendor, you must keep certain information pertaining to the sale of the fuel.

To make a claim, you must have sold the fuel at a tax-excluded price, repaid the tax to the buyer, or obtained the buyer's written consent to the allowance of the claim. You are required to have a valid certificate or waiver in your possession in order to make the claim.

In addition, you must have a registration number that has not been revoked or suspended. See Form 637.

State use. To make a claim as an ultimate vendor (state), you must have a UV registration number and the fuel cannot be purchased with a credit card as explained below. If you sell undyed diesel fuel, undyed kerosene, or kerosene for use in aviation for use by a state or local government, you must keep the following information.

The name and taxpayer identification number of each person (government unit) that bought the fuel.
The number of gallons sold to each person.
An unexpired certificate from the buyer. See Model Certificate P in the Appendix. The certificate expires on the earlier of 1 year after the date of the certificate or the date a new certificate is given to the registered ultimate vendor.

Nonprofit educational organization and state use. To make a claim as an ultimate vendor (nonprofit educational organization or state), you must have a UV registration number and the fuel cannot be purchased with a credit card as explained later. If you sell gasoline or aviation gasoline to a nonprofit educational organization for its exclusive use or to a state or local government for its exclusive use, you must keep the following information.

The name and taxpayer identification number of each person (nonprofit educational organization or government unit) that bought the fuel.
The number of gallons sold to each person.
An unexpired certificate from the buyer. See Model Certificate M in the Appendix.
The certificate expires on the earlier of 1 year after the date of the certificate or the date a new certificate is given to the registered ultimate vendor.

Blocked pump. To make a claim as an ultimate vendor (blocked pump), you must have a UP registration number. If you sell undyed kerosene (other than kerosene for use in aviation) from a pump that qualifies as a blocked pump because it is locked by you after each sale and is unlocked by you at the request of the buyer, you must keep the following information for each sale of more than 5 gallons.

The date of each sale.
The name and address of the buyer.
The number of gallons sold to that buyer.

Certain intercity and local bus use. To make a claim as an ultimate vendor of undyed diesel fuel or undyed kerosene used in certain intercity and local buses, you must have a UB registration number. You must keep the following information.

The date of each sale.
The name and address of the buyer.
The number of gallons sold to the buyer.
A copy of the waiver signed by the buyer at the time the credit or payment is claimed. See Model Waiver N in the Appendix.

Kerosene for use in commercial aviation or noncommercial aviation. To make a claim as an ultimate vendor of kerosene for use in commercial aviation (other than foreign trade) or noncommercial aviation (other than nonexempt, noncommercial aviation and exclusive use by a state, political subdivision of a state, or the District of Columbia), you must have a UA registration number. See Kerosene for use in aviation, earlier, for a list of nontaxable uses. You must keep the following information.

The date of each sale.
The name and address of the buyer.
The number of gallons sold to the buyer.
A copy of the waiver signed by the buyer at the time the credit or payment is claimed. See Model Waiver L in the Appendix.

Kerosene for use in nonexempt, noncommercial aviation. To make a claim as an ultimate vendor of kerosene for use in nonexempt, noncommercial aviation, you must have a UA registration number. You must keep the following information.

The date of each sale.
The name and address of the buyer.
The number of gallons sold to the buyer.
A copy of the certificate signed by the buyer at the time the credit or payment is claimed. See Model Certificate Q in the Appendix.

Claims by credit card issuers. For sales of gasoline, aviation gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, or kerosene for use in aviation that are purchased by an exempt user with the use of a credit card, the registered credit card issuer is the only person who can make the claim. An exempt user for this purpose is:

For gasoline or aviation gasoline, a state or local government (including essential government use by an Indian tribal government) or a nonprofit educational organization; or
For diesel fuel, kerosene, or kerosene for use in aviation, a state or local government (including essential government use by an Indian tribal government).

If gasoline is purchased without the use of a credit card, then the registered ultimate vendor of the gasoline may make the claim for refund or credit. However, if the gasoline is purchased with a credit card issued to a state, but the credit card issuer is not registered by the IRS or does not meet the conditions described, the credit card issuer must collect the tax and the state may make the claim.

If diesel fuel, kerosene, or kerosene for use in aviation is purchased without the use of a credit card, the registered ultimate vendor may make the claim for refund or credit. A state is not allowed to make a claim for these fuels. However, if the diesel fuel or kerosene is purchased with a credit card issued to a state, but the credit card issuer is not registered by the IRS or does not meet the conditions described, the credit card issuer must collect the tax and the state may make the claim.

The claim from the credit card issuer must contain the following information as it applies to the fuel covered in the claim.

The total number of gallons.
Its registration number.
A statement that it has not collected the amount of tax from the ultimate purchaser or has obtained the written consent of the ultimate purchaser to make the claim.
A statement that it has repaid or agreed to repay the amount of tax to the ultimate vendor, has obtained the written consent of the ultimate vendor to make the claim, or has otherwise made arrangements which directly or indirectly provide the ultimate vendor with reimbursement of the tax.
Has in its possession an unexpired certificate similar to Model Certificate R in the Appendix and has no reason to believe any of the information in the certificate is false.

Taxpayer identification number. To file a claim, you must have a taxpayer identification number. Your taxpayer identification number can be an:

Employer identification number (EIN),
Social security number (SSN), or
Individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), if you are an alien individual and do not have and are not eligible to get an SSN.

If you normally file only a U.S. individual income tax return (such as Form 1040 or 1040NR), use your SSN or ITIN. You get an SSN by filing Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, with the Social Security Administration. To get an ITIN, file Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, with the IRS.

If you operate a business, use your EIN. If you do not have an EIN, you may apply for one online. Go to the IRS website at irs.gov/businesses/small and click on the “Employer ID Numbers (EINs)” link. You may also apply for an EIN by calling 1-800-829-4933, or you can fax or mail Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, to the IRS.

Claiming A Refund

Generally, you may claim a refund of excise taxes on Form 8849. Complete and attach to Form 8849 the appropriate Form 8849 schedules. The instructions for Form 8849 and the separate instructions for each schedule explain the requirements for making a claim for refund. If you file Form 720, you can use the Schedule C portion of Form 720 for your refund claims for the quarter. See the Instructions for Form 720. Do not claim a refund on Form 8849 for any amount for which you have filed or will file a claim on Schedule C (Form 720) or Form 4136.

The alternative fuel mixture credit must first be taken on Schedule C (Form 720) against your taxable fuel liability for gasoline, diesel fuel, and kerosene. The alternative fuel credit must first be taken on Schedule C (Form 720) against your taxable fuel liability for alternative fuel and CNG. To the extent the alternative fuel credit and alternative fuel mixture credit exceed taxable fuel liability, a payment is allowed and may be taken as a credit on Schedule C (Form 720), or as an income tax credit on Forms 4136, 6478, or 8864, as applicable.

Only one claim may be made for any particular amount of alternative fuel.

Claiming a Credit on Form 4136

A credit may be claimed for certain uses and sales of fuels on Form 4136 when you file your income tax return at the end of the year. If you meet certain requirements (discussed earlier), you may be able to make a claim during the year.

Credit only. You can claim the following taxes only as a credit on Form 4136.

Tax on fuels used for nontaxable uses if the total for your tax year is less than $750.
Tax on fuel you did not include in any claim for refund previously filed for any quarter of your tax year.
Tax on fuel you used in mobile machinery (off-highway business use) that traveled less than 7,500 miles on public highways.

Do not claim a credit for any amount for which you have filed a refund claim on Form 8849 or credit on Schedule C (Form 720).

When to file. You can claim a fuel tax credit on your income tax return for the year you used the fuel (or sold the fuel in the case of a registered ultimate vendor claim).

You may be able to make a fuel tax claim on an amended income tax return for the year you used the fuel. Generally, you must file an amended return by the later of 3 years from the date you filed your original return or within 2 years from the date you paid the income tax.

How to claim a credit. How you claim a credit depends on whether you are an individual, partnership, corporation, S corporation, or farmers' cooperative association.

Individuals. You claim the credit on the “Credits from” line of Form 1040. Also check box b on that line. If you would not otherwise have to file an income tax return, you must do so to get a fuel tax credit.

Partnerships. Partnerships (other than electing large partnerships) claim the credit by including a statement on Schedule K-1 (Form 1065), Partner's Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc., showing each partner's share of the number of gallons of each fuel sold or used for a nontaxable use, the type of use, and the applicable credit per gallon. Each partner claims the credit on his or her income tax return for the partner's share of the fuel used by the partnership.

Other entities. Corporations, S corporations, farmers' cooperative associations, and trusts must make the claim on the appropriate line of their applicable income tax return.

Federal, state, and local governments, and certain tax-exempt organizations (as discussed earlier under Claiming a Refund) must use Form 8849, not Form 4136, to make an annual claim.

Including the Credit or Refund in Income

In most situations, the amount claimed as a credit or refund will be less than the amount deducted as fuel tax expense because the LUST tax is generally not refunded.

Include any credit or refund of excise taxes on fuels in your gross income if you claimed the total cost of the fuel (including the excise taxes) as an expense deduction that reduced your income tax liability.

The year you include a credit or refund in gross income depends on whether you use the cash or an accrual method of accounting.

Cash method. If you use the cash method and file a claim for refund, include the refund amount in your gross income for the tax year in which you receive the refund. If you claim a credit on your income tax return, include the credit amount in gross income for the tax year in which you file Form 4136. If you file an amended return and claim a credit, include the credit amount in gross income for the tax year in which you receive the credit.

Example 1.

Sharon Brown, a cash basis farmer, filed her 2011 Form 1040 on March 3, 2012. On her Schedule F, Sharon deducted the total cost of gasoline (including $110 of excise taxes) used on the farm. Then, on Form 4136, Sharon claimed $108 as a credit. Sharon reports the $108 as additional income on her 2012 Schedule F.

Example 2.

March Corporation uses the calendar year as its tax year. For 2011, the following amounts of excise tax were included in the cost of gasoline the corporation used each quarter in a nontaxable use.

Calendar Quarters	Fuel Tax Expense	Fuel Tax Claim
Jan. 1 – March 31	$1,300	$1,293
April 1 – June 30	1,100	1,094
July 1 – Sept. 30	400	397
Oct. 1 – Dec. 31	300	298
Total	$3,100	$3,082

The corporation deducts the entire cost of the gasoline (including the $3,100 in excise taxes) it used during the year as a business expense on its corporation income tax return, thereby reducing its corporate income tax liability for that year.

Form 8849. March Corporation files quarterly refund claims for the first two quarters (ending March 31 and June 30). It cannot file a quarterly refund claim for the third or fourth quarter because it did not meet the $750 minimum requirement.

Since March Corporation uses the cash method of accounting, the corporation includes $2,387 ($1,293 + $1,094) in its gross income for the tax year in which it receives the refunds (2008).

Form 4136. The corporation claims the remaining amounts ($397 + $298) as a credit on its 2008 income tax return by attaching Form 4136. It files its tax return in 2009. It includes this credit ($695) in its 2009 gross income.

Accrual method. If you use an accrual method, include the amount of credit or refund in gross income for the tax year in which you used the fuels (or sold the fuels if you are a registered ultimate vendor). It does not matter whether you filed for a quarterly refund or claimed the entire amount as a credit.

Example 3.

Patty Green uses an accrual method. She files her 2011 return on April 15, 2012. On Schedule C (Form 1040) she deducts the total cost of gasoline (including $155 of excise taxes) used for an off-highway business use during 2008. On Form 4136, Patty claims $153 as a credit. She reports the $153 as additional income on her 2011 Schedule C.

Example 4.

Use the same facts as in Example 2 above, except that March Corporation uses an accrual method of accounting. Since the nontaxable use occurred in 2011, the corporation reports the $3,082 of excise taxes as income on its 2011 income tax return. This consists of the $2,387 it claimed on Form 8849 and the $695 it claimed on Form 4136.

Example. Tyler S. Sands used undyed diesel fuel in vehicles used in his construction business. The vehicles were not registered (or required to be registered) for highway use. In the fourth quarter of his 2011 income tax year, which ends in December, he used 3,000 gallons of undyed diesel fuel. The excise tax on the 3,000 gallons of undyed diesel fuel he used was $732 (tax of $.244 per gallon).

Because the tax is less than $750, Tyler must claim a credit for the tax on his 2011 income tax return. He fills out Form 4136 and attaches it to his 2011 income tax return, which he files in 2012. He enters $729 (credit of $.243 per gallon) on the “Credits from” line of his Form 1040 and checks box b.

Tyler uses the cash method of accounting. On his 2011 Schedule C (Form 1040), he deducts the total cost of the fuel, including the tax. When Tyler files his 2012 Form 1040, he will include the $729 credit shown on his 2011 Form 4136 as additional income on his Schedule C (Form 1040) for 2012.

Example, continued. For the first 2 quarters of 2009, Tyler's records show the following.

		Claim	Claim
Quarter	Gallons Used	Tax Rate	Amount
First	2,750	.243	$668.25
Second	2,500	.243	607.50

Tyler could not file a claim for a refund for the first quarter because the amount of the claim was less than $750. He adds the first quarter amount ($668.25) to the second quarter amount ($607.50) and claims a refund of $1,275.75 by filing Form 8849 and Schedule 1 (Form 8849). The claim must be filed by September 30, 2012, which is the last day of the first quarter (July – Sept.) following the last quarter (April – June) included in the claim. He will have to include the $1,275.75 excise tax refund as additional income on his Schedule C (Form 1040) for 2012.

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