Trump Executive Order 14435 on Emergency Tax Relief on Diesel Fuel
Executive Order 14435 orders the Secretary of the Treasury to defer certain diesel fuel tax payment obligations and provide penalty relief for farmers, truckers, and workers affected by rising prices due to global supply restrictions. The order aims to support these essential industries with immediate financial assistance, as stated in the preamble: ‘To that end, today I am directing the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary) to use his authority to defer certain diesel fuel tax payment obligations and to provide penalty relief to the extent permitted by law.’
Purpose and Policy
To help farmers and truckers, the President is directing the Secretary of the Treasury to defer certain diesel fuel tax payment obligations. This will provide penalty relief where allowed by law. The President also directed the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Transportation to assist in implementing this policy. These actions are intended to give money directly to these essential workers, supporting their vital service to our nation.
Deferring Certain Payments of Excise Tax Liability and Providing Penalty Relief
Within 5 days of the order’s date, the Secretary must consult with the Secretary of War to determine if relief is authorized under a specific tax law. If they decide it is, by December 31, 2026, taxpayers affected can have their taxes deferred for the period from October 5, 2026, through December 31, 2026. The Secretary must also direct the Internal Revenue Service to announce that penalties will not be imposed on sales or use of dyed diesel fuel during this period and provide relief from penalties for failing to make monthly deposits.
Implementing Guidance
The Secretary must issue guidance that includes specific relief, any conditions on that relief, the legal basis for it, who qualifies as a covered taxpayer or person, and where, what acts, and which liabilities are affected. The guidance should also specify the dates of each period, when taxes postponed under this order must be paid by, and cover all relevant deadlines.
Tax Forgiveness
The Secretary must explore ways, including through legislation, to remove the requirement of paying deferred amounts. This task has no specific deadline mentioned in the order.
Prioritizing Fuel Compliance Resources
The Secretary must assess how the Internal Revenue Service should allocate resources to inspections of vehicle fuel tanks and fuel sampling during any relief provided under section 2 of this order. The Secretary must then publicly announce their determination by the end of the relief period.
Executive Order 14435 was signed on October 5, 2026, and published in the Federal Register on October 9, 2026 (91 FR 64747).