NTEA updates Federal Excise Tax guide

The new publication reflects recent court decisions, IRS guidance, regulatory developments, and other legal interpretations issued since the previous edition

NTEA – The Work Truck Association has released a revised edition of its Federal Excise Tax Guide for the Work Truck Industry, a comprehensive reference designed to help commercial vehicle professionals understand and navigate one of the industry’s most complex federal tax requirements.

Originally published in 2011 and authored by Rose-Michele Nardi, partner at Mullins Law Group, the guide has been updated to reflect significant developments affecting the application of the 12% FET including recent court decisions, IRS guidance, regulatory developments, and other legal interpretations issued since the previous edition.

The publication also incorporates clarifications and expanded discussion on several key compliance topics to help readers evaluate increasingly complex tax scenarios.

“Federal Excise Tax remains one of the most complicated factors affecting heavy truck sales,” said Mike Kastner, NTEA senior vice president. “While NTEA continues advocating for repeal of this outdated tax, businesses must still comply with today’s requirements. This updated Guide gives industry professionals the practical information they need to make well-informed decisions, better understand areas of uncertainty, and reduce compliance risk.”

Written specifically for retailers of heavy trucks, truck equipment, trailers and tractors, as well as tax advisors serving the commercial vehicle industry, the guide addresses major FET issues, including:

  • Taxable vehicles, bodies, chassis, tractors and parts/accessories
  • First retail sales and tax-free sales
  • Further manufacturing and the Six-Month Rule
  • Exemptions and special tax treatment
  • Calculation of FET
  • IRS rulings, court decisions and audit considerations
  • Filing and payment requirements

Throughout the publication, legal concepts are explained in practical terms and supported by extensive references to Internal Revenue Code provisions, Treasury regulations, IRS rulings and court decisions, helping readers better understand how the law applies in real-world situations.

The FET Guide is available to NTEA members for $99 and to nonmembers for $299. Learn more and purchase at ntea.com/fetguide.

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July 11, 2026
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