What is a Fuel Tax Surety Bond?
A Fuel Tax Bond is a license and permit surety bond that fuel sellers need in order to obtain a license and must be openly posted. The bond guarantees payment of taxes on fuel. Unlike insurance, which protects the insured, a surety bond protects the state and public. Fuel Tax Bonds are also known as IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) Bonds, Motor Fuels Tax Bonds, Mileage and Fuel Tax Bonds and Fuel Distributor or Fuel Supplier Bonds.
If the principal (fuel supplier) causes a loss, a claim can be filed against the bond. If the claim is validated, the surety will pay out up to the penal sum of the bond to resolve the claim. Once a claim has been resolved, all monies paid out by the surety must be reimbursed by the principal, including any attorney’s fees incurred by the surety in the defense of the claim.
Who is required to have a Fuel Tax Bond?
Fuel Tax Surety Bonds guarantee that all individuals and businesses engaged in the selling of fuel within a particular state will abide by all governing laws and regulations, including the payment of taxes, penalties and interest owed.
Are there different types of Fuel Tax Surety Bonds?
Depending on what state you are getting licensed in, there can be a number of different types of Fuel Tax Surety Bonds. These bonds are sometimes referred to as motor fuels tax bonds, mileage and fuel tax bonds, fuel distributor or fuel supplier bonds, and an IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) bonds. For specific questions about the type of bond that you need, please contact us and our knowledgeable underwriting staff will assist you.
What is the bond amount for Fuel Tax Bonds?
Amounts for Fuel Tax Bonds vary and are set by the local rules and statutes regulating the industry. Therefore, bond amounts and requirements will fluctuate from bond to bond. Please contact us with specific questions, and our knowledgeable underwriting staff will assist you.
How much do Fuel Tax Bonds cost?
Pricing for Fuel Tax Surety Bonds varies, and your premium will be based on the following factors:
- State the bond is required in
- Amount of the bond
- Term length of the bond
- Personal credit for all owners with at least a 10% ownership stake in the business
Individuals with good credit can expect to pay between 1%-5% of the bond amount. Qualified applicants could pay as little as $100 annually for a $10,000 Fuel Tax Surety Bond. To find out how much your bond is going to cost, please complete our online application for your free, no obligation price quote.
Can I get a Fuel Tax Surety Bond with bad credit?
Pacific Surety offers a wide range of approvals, regardless of credit, for Fuel Tax Surety Bonds. With our strong surety relationships, we have the ability to approve 99% of applicants, regardless of how bad their credit is. Our knowledgeable underwriting staff will work with you to ensure you receive the lowest possible pricing for your bond. Applicants with substandard credit can expect to pay 5%-10% of the bond amount in premium.
To see what rate you will qualify for, please complete our online application for your free, no obligation price quote.
How are Fuel Tax Bonds obtained?
The first step is to complete our quick online application for your free, no obligation bond quote. Submission takes only five minutes, and our underwriting staff will be in contact with you within a couple of hours with pricing. If you prefer to speak with our knowledgeable staff, please call 1-866-722-7873 and one of our Underwriters will assist you in applying for your bond.
After you receive approval, you must sign an indemnity agreement with the surety and provide payment for your bond premium. In most cases, we can issue bonds the same day we receive your signed documents and payment.
How are Fuel Tax Bond claims handled?
Unlike insurance, which protects your business, Fuel Tax Surety Bonds protect the public and the issuing state.
If an individual is damaged due to the principal’s fraudulent activities or any violation of the governing laws, the harmed party can file a claim with the surety company for relief. If the claim is valid, the surety will pay up to the penal sum of the bond to resolve the claim. The principal is then required to reimburse the surety for all monies paid out, including any attorney fees incurred by the surety in the defense of the claim.
Claims can be detrimental to your business. Not only do they cause financial harm, they make it very difficult, if not impossible, to get bonded again.