Kentucky KYU Number And Registration: The Complete Guide

The KYU number is a tax license number and it is issued for the Kentucky weight distance tax. If you are a motor carrier with a weight of more than 59,999 lbs and if you are traveling to Kentucky, you will be subject to this tax.

The Kentucky permit is a one-time permit that you are required to obtain for your commercial vehicles, especially the ones that do not travel through the state regularly. 

The state requires that every commercial vehicle must obtain this permit if it travels through Kentucky and has a gross weight of 60,000 LBS or more than that.

By obtaining this permit, you are giving proof that you have registered with the state and that you are eligible to receive a highway tax form quarterly. You must fill and return this tax form on or before the due date.

The easiest way to get and retain your Kentucky permit is to get in touch with your third-party administrator or DOT compliance facilitator. They can help you out with KYU registration and renewal as well.

How Do I Get My KYU Number?

The ideal and probably the simplest way to get your KYU number or get it renewed is to ask your third-party administrator to do the needful for you. The process to get your Kentucky weight distance tax number is very small and simple:

• To obtain your permanent KYU tax license number, visit the motor carrier portal.
• You can also use the Kentucky trucking application form which is the TC 95-1.
• Or as an alternative, you can ask your third-party administrator or DOT compliance consortium to do the needful.
• You will get your KYU number within 10 to 14 business days if you do this by mail.

How Long Does The Entire Process Of Application Take?

It is going to take somewhere between 7 and 14 business days from the receipt of the application for the process to get completed. Once your application is fully processed, you will receive a letter of issuance.

This will have your new tax license number on it. It will also contain the necessary quarterly tax forms that you need to file before the due date.

What Is The Cost Of Obtaining Your KYU Number?

There is no fee or charges that you have to pay to obtain your permanent KYU tax license number.

Is Your KYU Number The Same As Your IFTA Number?

No. Your KYU number is different from your IFTA number. Your IFTA is a fuel tax that is based on the amount of fuel that you have consumed through your vehicle across IFTA jurisdictions.

The IFTA taxable vehicles should weigh 26,000 lbs and must have three or more axles. The KYU is a highway usage tax. It is based on KY mileage.

Are There Any Requirements Regarding The KYU Number?

Yes, there are a few requirements that you need to meet before you can apply for your KYU number:

• You first have to register as an interstate carrier (you can use your USDOT number for the purpose)
• If you operate an inter-state commercial vehicle, your motor carrier must be active at the moment
• You must submit the full information regarding your commercial vehicle including the plate number
• If you run a transportation company, you must have enrolled in the unified carrier registration program and it must have been done for the current year

What Do You Do After You Have Been Issued Your KYU Number?

Once you obtain your KYU number, you must file your KYU quarterly taxes. It is required of you to do that to keep your license in good standing. Your quarterly reports will be due on the last day of the month that follows the end of the quarter.

When you apply, you are given the option to file the quarterly report yourself or have your third-party administrator file the same for you. They can help you stay compliant with all the rules and regulations laid down by the department of transportation and the federal motor carrier administration.

Understanding Applicable Penalties For Late Filing

Yes, if you fail to file your Kentucky weight distance tax on time, there is a penalty for you. The quarterly tax is due on the last day of the month at the end of the quarter.

If the due date falls on a public holiday or a weekend, you must look out for a day that is available before that and file your tax to avoid any penalties. Failing to do that will lead to the cancellation of your KYU license.

If your KYU license is revoked, you will have to pay a failure to file fee. In addition to that, you must also pay interest and additional charges to reinstate your license.

Final Thoughts

So there you go. Now you know what to do to get your KYU number and registration on time. You also know when to file for the tax that is due and how to avoid any fines and penalties. For more information, you should speak with your DOT compliance consortium.