California IFTA Fuel Tax Rate, 1st Quarter 2026
California's IFTA diesel rate for the 1st quarter of 2026 is $0.9710 per gallon, unchanged from Q4 2025.
California rate for Q1 2026
Special diesel, Q1 2026
$0.9710
per US gallon, unchanged from Q4 2025
- Diesel tax rate
- $0.9710/gal
- Surcharge
- None listed
- Quarter
- Q1 2026, from Jan 1, 2026
- Change vs last quarter
- unchanged
Notes from the source
Matrix footnote #1 (CALIFORNIA): Dimethyl Ether (DM) and Dimethyl Ether-Liquified Petroleum Gas Blends (DME/LPG) should be reported under Propane. LNG to be reported for each 6.06 pounds of liquid natural gas used. LNG is taxed at a diesel gallon equivalent (DGE). CNG to be reported for each 126.67 cubic feet, or 5.66 pounds, of compressed natural gas used, measured at standard pressure and temperature. CNG is taxed at a gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE). A blend of Alcohol when containing not more than 15% Gasoline or Diesel should be reported as E-85 or M-85.
Worked example: the California line of your IFTA return
Change the numbers to match your quarter. Prefilled with 10,000 total miles on 1,550 gallons, 1,200 of those miles in California, and 100 gallons bought there.
California vs. its neighbors, Q1 2026
| Jurisdiction | Diesel + surcharge | vs. CA |
|---|---|---|
| California | $0.9710 | — |
| Nevada | $0.2700 | −$0.7010 |
| Arizona | $0.2600 | −$0.7110 |
| Oregon | $0.0000 | −$0.9710 |
On an IFTA return, a higher rate doesn't mean you pay more overall. Fuel you buy in a high-rate state earns a bigger credit. What matters is where you burn the fuel versus where you buy it.
California rate, last 4 quarters
Source: IFTA, Inc. Fuel Tax Rate Matrix, 1st Quarter 2026 · Effective Jan 1, 2026 · Last verified Sep 28, 2026
IFTA, Inc. publishes the rates each member jurisdiction reports. California's tax agency is the final word on its rate.
Estimates for planning. Confirm with your tax pro or your base jurisdiction's IFTA office before filing.