WASHINGTON — In response to disruptions resulting from Hurricane Milton, the Internal Revenue Service will not impose a penalty when dyed diesel fuel with a sulfur content that does not exceed 15 parts-per-million is sold for use or used on the highway throughout the state of Florida. 

This relief is in addition to the limited relief provided in response to Hurricane Helene. The relief begins on Oct. 9, 2024, and will remain in effect through Oct. 30, 2024. 

This penalty relief is available to any person that sells or uses dyed diesel fuel in vehicles suitable for highway use. In the case of the operator of the highway vehicle in which the dyed diesel fuel is used, the relief is available only if the operator or the person selling such fuel pays the tax of 24.4 cents per gallon that is normally applied to undyed diesel fuel for highway use. 

The IRS will not impose penalties for failure to make semimonthly deposits of tax for dyed diesel fuel sold for use or used in diesel powered vehicles on the highway in the state of Florida during the relief period. IRS Publication 510, Excise Taxes, has information on the proper method for reporting and paying the tax. 

Ordinarily, dyed diesel fuel is not taxed, because it is sold for uses exempt from excise tax, such as to farmers for farming purposes, for home heating use and to local governments. 

The IRS is closely monitoring the situation and will provide additional relief as needed.