The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is encouraging propane autogas fleet operators to take advantage of the Alternative Fuel Tax Credit, which was recently passed by the U.S. Congress as part of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020.

Propane autogas fleet operators who apply for the tax credit will be able to claim a credit for every gasoline gallon equivalent of propane purchased, or about $0.37 per gallon. The bill not only extends the credits through Dec. 31, 2020, but fleet owners can also apply for credits retroactively for any fuel purchases made in 2018 and 2019.

While April is typically tax month, companies now have until July 15 to file due to the currend pandemic.

“The extension of the Alternative Fuel Tax Credit is a win for fleet managers, allowing them to further take advantage of the financial benefits of propane autogas in addition to the environmental benefits it provides fleets,” said Steve Whaley, director of autogas business development at PERC. “Even without the Alternative Fuel Tax Credit, propane autogas already offers the lowest total cost-of-ownership of any vehicle fuel, so the tax credit is icing on the cake for propane autogas fleet managers.”

The new law also retroactively extends the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit, which allows operators to claim up to 30 percent or $30,000 of the cost of installing qualified alternative fuel vehicle refueling property, including propane autogas refueling equipment.

Qualifying fleets can learn more about how to apply for these credits through this fact sheet from the National Propane Gas Association.

PERC encourages all vehicle operators to consult their own tax advisers first regarding any claims for credits or refunds.