Author: Marcela De Vivo

New To Trucking? Here Is What You Should Know About Form 2290

Whether or not you’re new to the trucking industry, or a veteran trucker, it’s important to know about Form 2290. To make the process fast and easy, you need to know what information you will need to fill it out.

At first glance, this form may seem complicated and time-consuming to fill out, but it is not. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know about Form 2290.

What is Form 2290?

No one enjoys filling out long, extensive, and time-consuming tax forms, but it is necessary. Form 2290 is required for all truckers to file, but you may be wondering why?

Form 2290 is a tax return for heavy vehicles to figure out how much taxes a specific vehicle needs to pay. Every truck driver must file this form in order to pay their Highway Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT). This total is figured using the taxable gross weight for vehicles that weigh 55,000 pounds or more. 

The taxable gross weight of a vehicle is determined by the total weight of a truck, plus the trailer, plus the max load capacity. Heavy vehicles that are used for less than 5,000 miles are considered to be ‘suspended’ and won’t have to pay tax on that vehicle.

What information does Form 2290 need?

E-filing your form 2290 is quick and easy, once you have all the information needed close by. The information required on Form 2290 is important in order to determine how much is owed based on the truck. 

The name of the trucking business you own or work for is required on every form, as well as the business address.

A requirement is also the type of business that you work for. Typically, the type of business is listed. If you don’t know the type of business, there is an option to select “Others or Not sure”.

EIN (Employee Identification Number)

Your Employee Identification Number (EIN) is required in order to keep track of the business’s tax records. The EIN is a nine-digit code that is issued by the IRS to every business owner

If you do not know what your EIN is, you can use our sister product, TSNAmerica, and they can get your EIN for you. 

Once the process is complete. Your information will be processed and validated by the IRS. Once processed, your EIN will be issued to you, but it will take around 15 days to become active.

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-digit code given to each vehicle. This code is used to identify each vehicle so that no truck can have the same VIN.

The IRS requires this VIN when you are filling out your 2290, so it’s important to know it. You can find this code on your vehicle registration, title documents, or on the actual vehicle.

Taxable Gross Weight 

The IRS also needs to know the taxable gross weight of your vehicle when you file your 2290. This is used to figure out the HVUT that is required to be paid.

The HVUT will increase or decrease depending on the gross weight of your vehicle. The heavier the load, the higher the payment. 

The taxable gross weight of your vehicle is calculated by adding the total weight of the truck, trailer, and maximum load capacity together. 

If your vehicle’s taxable gross weight is less than 55,000 pounds, then you are not required to file form 2290. Click here to learn more about calculating your taxable gross weight!

First Used Month 

The IRS requires you to fill out Form 2290 from the date that you first put your vehicle on a public road. The first used month (FUM) relates to the first month that your vehicle was in motion on any public roads during that tax year.

The current tax year begins on July 1st and ends June 30th and the deadline to file form 2290 is the last day of the following month after your FUM. 

For example, if the first time you drive your vehicle on public roads is any day in July, then you will need to have your Form 2290 filed by August 31st (the end of the month).

Below is the list of due dates for this following tax year for you to reference:

What is a suspended vehicle? 

A heavy vehicle will be considered “suspended” if it runs on public roads for less than 5,000 miles during one tax year. If the vehicle is used for agricultural purposes, then the limit would be less than 7,500 miles per tax period.

Suspended vehicles do not have to pay their HVUT, but they still must file a Form 2290 return to the IRS for it.

What’s the easiest way to file Form 2290?

Here is the answer to everyone’s question: What’s the fastest and easiest way to file? The easiest way to file your Form 2290, according to the IRS, is through e-filing online. By e-filing, the processing of the tax return would be quicker and you will receive your stamped Schedule 1 within minutes. 

How do I submit my payment to the IRS?

The IRS provides multiple payment options for you to be able to pay your HVUT. No matter which payment method you use, it’s important to check that it has gone through before August 31st to avoid any unwanted fees.

Direct Debit or Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW)

You can pay your HVUT through Direct Debit or Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW). If you pay this way, the IRS should take the amount from your bank account within 1 or 2 business days.

Check or Money order

A Check or Money order is also an acceptable form of payment through the IRS, but you have to make the payment within the filing deadline in order to avoid penalties. 

Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)

To pay through the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), you must have an account and initiate this payment transfer at www.EFTPS.com. If you don’t have an account, you can create one using the same link.

Credit or Debit card

This year the IRS allows you to pay your HVUT through Credit or Debit card payments. After you file your Form 2290, go to IRS.gov/PayByCard to pay with your Credit/Debit card, but do understand that a convenience fee will be charged for this service. 

File your 2290 Now!

Once you have all of the information that you need on hand, file online at Express Truck Tax in less than 5 minutes!

If you still feel overwhelmed by your Form 2290, Express Truck Tax’s sister company Truck Services of North America (TSNAmerica) will complete it for you, right over the phone!

What Truckers Should Know About Form 2290 Amendments?

For most of our truckers, the time for filing your Form 2290 is over and done with.

But now that you’ve finished and submitted your Form 2290, you may have realized you made a mistake or need to update some information on it.

Don’t Worry! Filing a Form 2290 amendment is a simple and easy process, especially with ExpressTruckTax!

What Amendments Can I File For?

With ExpressTruckTax, you file amendments for VIN Corrections, Gross Weight Increase, and Mileage Exceeds. 

VIN Correction: A VIN correction amendment will fix the Vehicle Identification Number that is on the stamped schedule 1 if it was incorrect. This number is 17 digits long, so it’s understandable if you get a few digits mixed up! Once you realize that you made a mistake with the VIN, you need to file right away in order to validate the stamped schedule 1 for your vehicle!

Gross Weight Increase: If you filed for a specific weight category on your Form 2290, but you end up falling into a different category during the tax year, you will need to file an amendment to report this increase in weight. There is no deadline to file the amendment but, once you enter a different weight category, you will need to file the amendment and pay the HVUT difference.

Suspended Vehicle That Exceeds Mileage: If you filed a Form 2290 for a suspended vehicle, but that vehicle exceeded the mileage use limit, then you will need to file an amendment for it. The mileage limit for suspended vehicles on public highways is 5,000 miles (7,500 miles or less for agricultural vehicles). You will need to file this amendment as soon as you exceed the mileage limitation.

Can I File These Amendments With My ExpressTruckTax Account?

Yes! You can file for all of these amendments, right from your existing account!

On your account, click on the button that says “Start New return”. Then select the amendment that you need to file for, and go through the step-by-step process to complete this amendment.

With ExpressTruckTax, you will not have to pay to file a VIN correction amendment! We understand how easy it is to mess up a 17 digit sequence, so we won’t charge you anything for this amendment!

File Your Form 2290 And All Your Amendments From ExpressTruckTax

File your Form 2290 and any amendments you need, all from one account! Filing is quick and easy when you file with ExpressTruckTax!

With ExpressTruckTax, our live support team will help you with any questions or concerns you may have!

To e-file your Form 2290 and Amendments with ExpressTruckTax, click here or call our live customer support team at 704.234.6005! We’ll be happy to help you with any problem you may have!

Top 3 Trucking Lessons To Get From The Big Screen

The big screen has taught us plenty of life lessons since the creation of film. We’ve rambled through a collection of trucking films and compared summaries and comedic taglines to give you our top 3 trucking lessons from some pretty iconic movies. We encourage you to watch these films if you haven’t already or maybe re-watch them!

Big Rigs On The Big Screen

Snitch (2013)

Starring Dwayne Johnson, Benjamin Bratt, and a 2009 Freightliner Coronado, this film captures the essence of fatherhood. Johnson, an owner of a successful transportation company tries to free his innocent son, who is facing 10 years in prison after being set up by an acquaintance. As a businessman and father with past regrets of being neglectful, he stops at no end to free his son. Risking his successful business credibility, as an informant, to smuggle narcotics across the border and even manipulate and expose one of the biggest kingpins. In this film Johnson proves himself to be one tough trucker.

Fun Fact: This film is based on the true story of James Settembrino who worked as an informant to lower his son’s sentence.

What you can learn: The success of the transportation company owned by Johnson’s character was created by his determination to help his family. This determination eventually led to neglect of his family’s needs and ended with divorce. The transportation industry can be demanding, but remember what matters most.

Warning: Beware Of Dog

Black Dog (1998)

Jack Crews, played by Patrick Swayze is a trucker convicted of vehicular manslaughter after losing control and hitting a stranded motorist. Desperate to find work after being released he is tricked into hauling a load of illegal firearms. He later finds out that his wife and child are in danger if he fails to deliver the goods on time. To truckers, it comes as no surprise that Crews finds himself facing the ‘black dog’ during his long haul, a term used to describe visions caused by fatigue.

Fun Fact: Patrick Swayze went through the entire process to receive his Class A CDL for the film.

What you can learn: There are different variations of the black dog legend, an omen to truckers that a fatal crash is coming. No matter what variation it is you believe, we can all agree that a delivery made on time is not worth more than life. If you feel as though you have seen this mystery K-9, take the precaution to get off the road and let dispatchers know that you are too tired to continue on your route. 

Don’t Discredit The Little Guy

High Ballin’ (1978) We don’t believe this list could actually exist without at least one 70’s trucking film. Where else did that cool CB lingo come from?  King Carroll is the boss of one of the biggest trucking companies in the area. He uses his money and undermining tactics to run small independent truckers, like Duke Boykin, out of business. Duke is one of the many independent truckers tired of the monopoly plaguing the industry and has decided he has had enough. Out of fear, other independent truckers in the industry let Duke take on Carroll alone. It isn’t until he finds an ally in his good friend, Rane, and fellow female trucker, Pickup, that he gets some backup to take down Carroll.

Fun Fact: 41 years later the Triple T Truck Stop featured in the film is still in business.

What you can learn: Don’t let the big guy bully you. Stay passionate and persevere. Other people will see your fight and want to help. The key is to never stop fighting for what you believe in.

Understanding IRS Form 2290 Online Payment

If you work in the commercial fleet industry, you must keep up with the various taxes involved. We’ll explore filing IRS Form 2290 online and its requirements below.

Brief overview of IRS Form 2290

IRS Form 2290 is called the Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax or HVUT. It’s a federal excise tax imposed on registered vehicles with a taxable gross weight of at least 55,000 pounds. The amount due is based on the taxable gross weight of the vehicle. In return for filing, you will receive a stamped Schedule 1, which you’ll need when registering your vehicle in most states.

Importance of filing IRS Form 2290

The income from IRS Form 2290 helps fund road construction and maintenance, directly benefiting those who pay it. If you fail to pay the tax, you will not be able to register your vehicle in most states and will also incur penalties. These penalties can be up to 5% of the amount due each month the form is late. 

What Is IRS Form 2290 Online Payment?

Definition and explanation of IRS Form 2290

IRS Form 2290 online payment is a digital method of paying this excise tax. You may also hear it called e-file form 2290. 

Importance of online payment

If you are filing for 24 or fewer vehicles, you can do this by paper. But anyone filing for 25 or more vehicles must file online. Even if you only submit the tax for a single truck, online filing will speed up the process of receiving your watermarked Schedule 1.

How To e-file IRS Form 2290

Step-by-step guide to E-filing IRS Form 2290

There are a few steps required to e-file IRS Form 2290:

  1. Information needed to complete the form — To e-file, you’ll need your employer identification number (EIN) and the taxable gross weight and vehicle identification number (VIN) of each vehicle. Gather this information for each vehicle you will register. 
  2. Pick an e-filing provider for your form — Form 2290 is not directly available from IRS.gov. Instead, they offer a list of participating software providers.
  3. File the form — Follow the directions from the chosen software provider. Be aware that these providers do not charge the tax amount due but charge a fee for using their software. 
  4. Choose how you will pay — There are three options:
    1. Credit or debit card
    2. EFT (electronic funds transfer)
    3. EFTPS (electronic federal tax payment system)
  5. Receive your Schedule 1 — Your watermarked Schedule 1 is emailed to you once your Form 2290 is filed, paid, and accepted by the IRS. You must print this with a legible watermark to register your vehicle in most states.

Benefits of E-filing

As mentioned above, you must e-file if registering 25 or more vehicles at a time. If you register fewer vehicles, you may file by mail. Manual filing will take considerably longer to receive your Schedule 1 in return, so most fleets choose online tax filing regardless of the number of vehicles involved.

Understanding IRS Form 2290 Amended Return

Regardless of best intentions, you may need to amend tax documents after they are filed. When this happens, you’ll need to file an IRS Form 2290 amended return.

When to file an amended return

According to IRS regulations, there are only two acceptable reasons you may need to file an amended 2290 return:

  • Unpaid tax related to an increase in taxable gross vehicle weight.
  • A suspended vehicle exceeded the mileage use limit.

You may also need to refile your Form 2290 if you need to correct the VIN on your original filing. 

How to file an amended return

To file an amended Form 2290, you’ll file the exact same process as when you originally filed, with one exception. You’ll need to check the “Amended Return” box at the top of the form and note the reason for your amendment. 

If you are correcting the VIN on a previously registered vehicle, do not check the “Amended Return” box. Instead, check the “VIN Correction” box.

IRS Form 2290 Due Dates

Calendar of due dates

Unlike some taxes, Form 2290 may not be due during “tax season.” Your IRS Form 2290 due date will depend on the first day your vehicle was used on a public highway. For whatever month the vehicle was first used on the highway, your Form 2290 will be due by the last day of the following month. So, if your vehicle was driven on the highway for the first time on July 15, your payment would be due by Aug. 31. You can find the calendar of due dates for Form 2290 taxes on the IRS website. 

Consequences of late payment

As noted above, there can be hefty penalties for late payment on your IRS Form 2290. In addition to not receiving the Statement 1 form needed for vehicle registration, you will also need to pay fines. These fines can be up to 5% of the amount due for every month the form is late.

FAQs about IRS Form 2290

What is IRS Form 2290?

Form 2290 is also called HVUT or Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax. It’s an excise tax on vehicles over 55,000 pounds that drive on US highways.

Why should I file IRS Form 2290 online?

Filing online assures that your form is processed promptly, giving you faster access to your Schedule 1 needed for vehicle registration. Also, anyone filing for 25 or more vehicles at a time must file online.

How to e-file IRS Form 2290?

The steps to e-file Form 2290 are:

  1. Gather your information. 
  2. Pick an e-filing provider.
  3. File the form. 
  4. Choose how you will pay.
  5. Receive your Schedule 1 via email.

What to do when I need to file an IRS Form 2290 amended return?

To file an amendment, you’d use the same form to file but check either the “Amended Return” box or the “VIN Correction” box.

When is the due date for IRS Form 2290?

Form 2290 is due by the end of the month following the first day your vehicle is driven on the highway. You can find a calendar of due dates here.


For information on other fleet taxes, check out our webinar entitled Simplifying Your Taxes.

It’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week!

It’s the greatest time of the year again! This year’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is here!

From September 10th-16th, our nation takes a moment to recognize all of our truck driver’s dedication to keep everything moving forward. 

What Is National Truck Driver Week?

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is dedicated to the hard work of Truck Drivers all around the country. 

This country continuously relies on the transportation of goods and items by these drivers. They continuously work for days or weeks on end to make sure important deliveries are made when they’re needed, and we’re all very thankful for their work!

How Can You Participate?

Find a Trucker and show them they are appreciated! It’s as easy as that!

Whether you give them a gift, write them a letter, or just say thank you when you pass by them is enough to make their day! When you post on social media, use the hashtags #NTDAW23 and #ThankATrucker.

It’s important to always show Truckers how much they’re appreciated, not just for this week. They work hard to transport goods to keep businesses moving, and it’s important to understand and appreciate their dedication!

Thank you, Truck Drivers!

Everyone here at ExpressTruckTax would like to extend their sincere appreciation for all of the hard work our truck drivers do throughout the year!

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to keep this great country moving forward! You are very much appreciated.

How To Correct A VIN Error After The Deadline

Imagine this: the 2023-24 Form 2290 deadline has passed and you have filed for Form 2290. But was the VIN you entered correct?

If not, then you will need to file an amendment to fix this mistake and receive a valid stamped Schedule 1 for your vehicle. 

Why Is Having The Correct VIN Important?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17 digit number that is used to distinguish and identify every vehicle. Since the VIN is a unique code that every vehicle has, no two vehicles can have the same one.

The VIN of your vehicle can be found on the truck’s registration and title documents, or on the vehicle itself.

Having the correct VIN is important because, on the stamped Schedule 1 (proof of filing), you need to have the correct code for your specific truck in order for it to be valid. 

How Do You Fix An Incorrect VIN?

To fix an incorrect VIN, you will need to file an amendment to change the VIN on your return.

The VIN correction amendment has no deadline, but you need to complete it quickly in order to receive a valid stamped Schedule 1 for your vehicle.

File VIN Amendment with ExpressTruckTax Now!

When you file your VIN Correction Amendment with ExpressTruckTax, you will not face any additional charges!

If you filed the original Form 2290 return with ExpressTruckTax, filing your VIN Correction Amendment is quick, easy, and FREE! ExpressTruckTax understands how easy it can be to mess up a 17 digit sequence and we don’t want you to pay anymore than you already have to.

To file your VIN correction, log into your ExpressTruckTax account here. If you have any additional questions or are in need of assistance, feel free to call our customer support team at 704.234.6005!

Did You Miss The Deadline? What Do You Do Now?

The deadline for the 2023-24 Form 2290 was August 31st. If you did not file by that date then your tax return is late and you will be issued hefty penalties from the IRS.

But don’t worry, you can still limit the damage!

We understand how busy truckers can get, and we are always here to help simplify e-filing Form 2290, regardless of when it is filed. 

What Penalties Were Given? 

If you missed the Form 2290 deadline, the IRS will place a penalty on your account. You will incur a penalty equal to 4.5% of the total tax amount of the HVUT payment.

This can be a large amount, depending on how much your HVUT payment is. The amount due for the HVUT depends on the gross taxable weight of the vehicle that is being filed.

When Should You File?

If your Form 2290 is late, the IRS already assigned penalties to you, but the sooner you file, the lower the damage.

These hefty penalties will continue to incur for every month that it is late. Even if you cannot make the HVUT payment yet, it is better and cheaper to at least have Form 2290 filed.

If your Form 2290 isn’t filed, you also won’t receive your stamped Schedule 1. Without a valid Schedule 1, you won’t be able to keep certain licenses up to date. This may cause your vehicle to become grounded, and no one wants that. 

When you file with ExpresstruckTax, once your Form 2290 is accepted by the IRS, you will be sent your valid stamped Schedule 1.

File The Form 2290 Now and Not Later

Don’t let the penalties stack up! You can still file the Form 2290 now to avoid higher penalties!

ExpressTruckTax is the leading IRS-Authorized E-file Provider for Form 2290 with over 10 years of experience making sure the process is quick and easy for our clients.

To e-file your Form 2290 with ExpressTruckTax, click here or call our live customer support team at 704.234.6005 for any additional questions you may have!

Rev Up Your Savings: The Ultimate Guide to Heavy Vehicle Tax Deduction

As an owner-operator, it’s essential to consider all the tax implications of your truck, including heavy vehicle tax deductions. Understanding the ins and outs of tax deductions, benefits, and credits for your heavy vehicle can save you and your business considerable money. 

From Section 179 Deductions and Bonus Depreciation to writing off maintenance and repair deductions, here’s everything you need to know about heavy vehicle tax deductions. 

Tax Credits and Benefits for Heavy Vehicles and Equipment: Section 179 

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 changed how depreciation can be deducted. With the new tax law, truck drivers now have two options for heavy vehicle tax deductions: Section 179 or Bonus Depreciation

What’s the difference between Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation? Let’s explore the differences:

How does Section 179 work? 

The Section 179 deduction is a small business tax deduction used for capital assets — typically vehicles and equipment. It lets you write off the entire cost of your item immediately instead of depreciating it over time. 

For example, if you spent $50,000 on a piece of heavy equipment, you can write off the entire purchase price for the current tax year instead of deducting it for five years at $10,000 a year, for example. 

The whole point of Section 179 is to encourage small business owners to make more expensive purchases and, in turn, help stimulate the economy. 

Qualifying for Section 179

To qualify for Section 179, you must purchase your heavy vehicle or equipment and put it into service in the year you are filing for. This means if you bought your truck in late 2023 but didn’t start using it for your business until 2024, you’ll have to wait to claim the Section 179 deduction for your 2024 tax returns.

Other stipulations include the following: 

  • The heavy vehicle must be purchased (not leased).
  • The vehicle can’t be bought from someone related to you. 
  • If using the vehicle for both personal and business use, you must use the vehicle for more than 50% of your business. 

While Section 179 has a complicated set of exceptions for vehicles, non-personal heavy-weight vehicles intended for business are eligible for a full deduction. These vehicles include: 

  • Semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and dump trucks
  • Heavy construction equipment like forklifts
  • Vehicles with a fully enclosed compartment and no seating behind the driver’s seat (like a cargo van)
  • Vans that seat nine or more passengers (i.e., an airport shuttle)

To claim the Section 179 deduction on your tax returns, you must include a description of your heavy vehicle, its cost for business use, and the amount of Section 179 you’re claiming. This deduction is made on Part 1 of Form 4562

Limits to Section 179

Section 179 has important limits, such as a cap to the total amount that can be written off. For example, in the 2022 tax year, you can expense up to $1,080,000 of eligible property. For 2023, this deduction limit will increase to $1,160,000. 

There’s also a cap on the total amount of equipment that can be purchased. For 2022, this limit is $2,700,000. And for 2023, the cap is $2,890,000. This means the deduction begins to be reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis after the total amount is spent. 

You also can’t deduct more money than you make in a year. So, if you have a net income of $100,000 (before taking the Section 179 deduction into consideration) and you purchased $110,000 worth of deductible property, your deduction will be limited to $100,000. 

At this point, you can take regular depreciation on the remainder of your assets. 

Tax Credits and Benefits for Heavy Vehicles and Equipment: Bonus Depreciation

Bonus Depreciation is usually taken after the cap for the Section 179 deduction is met. Available for new and used vehicles and equipment, bonus depreciation lets you write off an additional first-year depreciation on eligible property. 

After the TCJA was passed, the potential value of Bonus Depreciation increased significantly — but only for a limited time. The Bonus Depreciation rate was expanded to 100% for qualified property in service through 2022. After that, the amount dropped by 20% for 2023 and will continue to drop at 20% until 2027, when the program will close. 

That means the Bonus Depreciation rate is 80% for 2023, 60% for 2024, and so on, until 2027, unless Congress extends it. 

What’s the Difference Between Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation? 

While both Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation allow for serious deductions for a heavy vehicle in service, they also differ in the following ways: 

  • The Section 179 deduction is capped by the IRS ($1,160,000 in 2023) and is reduced by the dollar amount if it exceeds the IRS threshold ($2,890,000 in 2023). However, there is no annual deduction limit for Bonus Depreciation.
  • Section 179 is typically more flexible than Bonus Depreciation. With Section 179 depreciation, you can deduct any amount you want as long as it’s within the IRS threshold set that year. You can also allocate which assets/vehicles get the deduction. Bonus Depreciation, however, requires that you write off all vehicles and take the entire tax break at once. You don’t get to pick and choose which assets/vehicles you want to deduct.
  • Section 179 is limited to the amount of taxable income, but Bonus Depreciation can exceed taxable income and create a net loss to be carried forward.
  • While qualifications, deduction limits, and investment limits change yearly, Section 179 is an indefinite part of the IRS tax code. Bonus Depreciation, on the other hand, is set to end on Dec. 31, 2026. 

Keeping records for Section 179 deductions and Bonus Depreciation

You must keep detailed records of your vehicle usage — like mileage logs, receipts, invoices, etc. — to qualify for the Section 179 deduction or Bonus Depreciation. 

These records will back up your business use claims of your vehicles in the event you’re ever audited by the IRS. 

Claiming Heavy Vehicle Tax Deduction: Maintenance and Repair Expenses

Since your truck is not a personal-use vehicle, you can deduct all the expenses you’ve made to maintain or repair it throughout the tax year. For example, you can make deductions for the following costs: 

  • Oil changes 
  • Regular checkups
  • New tires
  • Routine and emergency maintenance
  • Truck parts
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Loan interest (if you financed the purchase of your truck and trailer) 

The deductions for the maintenance and repair of your vehicle will be made on your Schedule C, which you will file along with Form 1040 in April every year. 

Other vehicle maintenance deductions for Schedule C

In addition to the costs it takes to maintain and repair your truck, you’ll also come across other vehicle-related expenses that you can deduct from your Schedule C, including the following: 

  • Load-related tools – Deduct any equipment needed for your trucking business, like bungee cords, chains, ratchet straps, duct tape, tarps, and locks. 
  • GPS systems – Write off any navigation system you use while driving your truck for work. 
  • Association dues – If you’re part of a union or other trucking association, you can deduct any required fees you’ve made to belong to that group. 
  • Liability insurance – While your health insurance will be deducted on a separate form (Form 1040), Schedule C is where you’ll count your premiums for auto/cargo liability and property damage insurance you’re required to have on your truck. 
  • Parking and toll fees – If you encounter any parking or toll fees while driving your truck for work, you can also count these as a deduction on Schedule C. 

Claiming the IRS Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit

Beginning in 2023, the Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit will be available for qualified heavy-duty electric vehicles. According to the IRS, this credit will equal the lesser of:

  • 15% of your basis in the vehicle (30% if the vehicle is not powered by gas or diesel)
  • The incremental cost of the vehicle

The maximum credit is $7,500 for qualified vehicles with gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWRs) under 14,000 pounds and $40,000 for all other vehicles.

While the IRS has not yet released information on how to claim the Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit (as of Tax Day 2023), it will apply to vehicles purchased on or after Jan. 1, 2023. Keep checking the IRS website for the latest details

Claiming Additional Heavy Vehicle Tax Deductions

There are also additional heavy vehicle tax deductions, credits, and benefits you can take following IRS guidelines for other tax forms. 

Heavy vehicle tax deductions: Form 1040

If you’re an independent contractor or owner-operator and pay for your own health, dental, and vision insurance, you can count this as a deductible — just not as a business expense. Instead, you’ll deduct your health insurance separately (for you and your dependents) on Schedule 1 Form 1040. 

Heavy vehicle tax deductions: IFTA

If you have a qualified motor vehicle and travel between two or more of the member jurisdictions (48 of the United States and 10 Canadian provinces), you must have an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) license and decals. IFTA reports are filed quarterly and are separate from your annual taxes.

You can count the fuel taxes and costs you pay on the road toward IFTA as part of your tax deductions. 

Heavy vehicle tax credits: Form 2290

In certain circumstances, you can also claim a tax credit for heavy vehicles on your Form 2290. 

For example, if your truck is registered as a Heavy Highway Motor Vehicle and it was stolen, destroyed, sold, or did not exceed mileage credit, you can count it as a tax credit. 

Similarly, if your truck is registered as a heavy vehicle and you use it for 5,000 miles or less (7,500 miles or less for agricultural purposes), it will also qualify as a tax credit. 

Form 8849 Schedule 6 is the IRS form used to claim a refund of excise taxes. There is no deadline to file this return. You can also claim credits using this return if you’ve overpaid in taxes. 

Filing Form 8849 Schedule 6 with ExpressTruckTax

E-filing Form 8849 is easy with ExpressTruckTax. Here’s how you can easily claim your excise taxes with our help: 

  • Create or sign in to the ExpressTruckTax account
  • Choose Form 8849 and fill in the necessary information
  • Pay for our services and transmit your return to the IRS

The IRS will issue a refund via check and send it to the address mentioned on the return. It can take up to six weeks to receive a refund.

When using ExpressTruckTax to file your 2290 forms, we automatically generate your Form 8849 when the credits on your Form 2290 exceed the tax you owe. We also offer bundle pricing so that you can E-File both Form 2290 and Form 8849 for one low price.

Why wait? Start e-filing with ExpressTruckTax today!

Today is the August 31st, 2023 Form 2290 Deadline, File Today

Today is August 31st, 2023, the last day to File Form 2290 and pay the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax to the IRS. Are you a driver of a vehicle weighing 55,000 pounds or more? Then you need to be aware of this important deadline! 

Form 2290 is an IRS tax form that must be filed annually for the upcoming tax year. By filing now you are paying your tax in advance and do not have to worry about paying it again until next year. The Form 2290 tax year goes from July 1st to June 30th of the following year. This is important to know because a vehicle’s Stamped Schedule 1 expires on June 30th. 

A Stamped Schedule 1 is important because it is used to get a vehicle’s tags and registration and can only be obtained by filing Form 2290. If a vehicle is found without a current Stamp Schedule 1, this can lead to being pulled over and penalized. If you do not pay the tax or file Form 2290 at all before August 31st, fines will occur. 

If Form 2290 is filed late or the tax is not paid, you will be charged late fines, and the fine for not filing Form 2290 is actually greater than the fine for not paying the tax. 

For every month the deadline is missed there will be a fine of 4.5% of the total tax due for up to five months. If there is underpayment for the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax, there will be a penalty of 0.5% of the tax due. Additional interest charges of 0.54% accrue each month that Form 2290 is not filed. This is why it is important to not only file Form 2290 but pay the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax as well. 

This is why it is important for you not to miss this deadline. Lucky for you ExpressTruckTax has your back. ExpressTruckTax is the market-leading Form 2290, e-file provider that provides simple Form 2290 filing that can be completed in minutes! Simply enter your business information including your Employer Identification Number (EIN), vehicle information including your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and your payment information.

ExpressTruckTax now offers the option to pay your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax alongside your filing fee directly through ExpressTruckTax using a credit or debit card. Now you don’t have to worry about going to an external site to pay your HVUT. What are you waiting for? File Form 2290 with ExpressTruckTax so that you don’t miss today’s big deadline!

Hurry! Your IRS Form 2290 Deadline Is Tomorrow!

And just like that, the 2023-24 IRS Form 2290 deadline is nearly here! It’s super important that you don’t miss the deadline, because you will face penalties and interest from the IRS if you’re late.

File today with ExpressTruckTax

The quickest, easiest, and most secure solution for filing your Form 2290 is to use ExpressTruckTax!

We’ll make sure you have time to finish filing before the deadline! Our interview-style form is easy to understand and takes only a few minutes to fill out. All you need is your business information, vehicle information, and a payment method for your IRS HVUT tax amount.

Plus, if you have filed with us before and you are still using the same truck, you can use our Ready Return feature to auto-populate your return in a single click. ExpressTruckTax will recall the information entered on your last return and use it to populate your 2023 return in seconds. All you have to do is review the information and choose an IRS payment method.

Speaking of credit card payments, we now accept HVUT payments by credit or debit card, so you won’t have any extra steps!

You can also have your 2290 Schedule 1 sent to your carrier for free.

If you have any questions about your return, our 100% US-based customer support team is working extended hours until the August 31 deadline! You can call Monday-Friday, 8am-7pm EST!