Author: Marcela De Vivo

#WellnessWednesday: Getting Enough Sleep

Posted on September 9, 2015 by - #wellnesswednesday, expresstrucktax, sleep, trucking nation, wellness advice

Hello, Trucking Nation! ExpressTruckTax is back to give you more wellness advice. We’ve been covering some basics when it comes to staying healthy on the road, such as how to maintain a balanced diet, achieve mindfulness, and exercise to eliminate back pain. There is one topic, however, that I’d love to discuss with you, and that is getting enough sleep.

In 2013, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced new federal regulations to improve the safety of truck drivers, including a maximum average workweek of 70 hours. The FMCSA had also retained the 11-hour daily driving limit and 14-hour work day.

That’s a lot of hours to be driving if you ask me. Therefore, getting enough sleep is one of the most important steps you can take in order to stay healthy and alert. While you know it’s true, you may be thinking about those common interruptions that tend to keep you awake, like too much light, sound, or vibration, and wonder if there is a way around it. Well, truckers, there is a way! Let’s take a look at some tips that can help you catch more zzz’s:

Reduce Sound

To get a good amount of sleep without the interruption of noise from other cars, trucks, or people, truck stops and rest stops are familiar places that allow peace and quiet. Another option is to wear a pair of earplugs—that should do the trick!

Eliminate Exposure to Sunlight

If your hectic schedule only allows you to sleep in your truck during the day, you should block out as much sunlight as possible. For maximum darkness, close all of your curtains, wear a sleep mask to cover your eyes, or lay a sunshade across your windshield, which can also block the outside heat from coming in.

Decrease Smells and Odors

You may like sleeping with your windows down, but it’s important to stop any bad odors from entering your truck, such as diesel exhaust, so roll them up to your comfort level! Some other suggestions are to remove trash regularly and park far away from dumpsters, sewage treatment plants, and other relatable locations.

Minimize Movement and Vibration

As mentioned earlier, a truck or rest stop are ideal places to fall asleep, as they can also minimize any movement or vibration that you would feel if you parked on the side of the road.

Even though your sleeping hours are affected by a busy work schedule, it is possible to fall asleep with only peace and quiet in the background. After all, getting restorative sleep is not only necessary for your health, but also for your job.

Do you have some tips on how to get enough sleep on the road? Or maybe you would like to share some highlights from your own wellness journey. Either way, drop us a line on Facebook or Twitter! We love hearing from you, Trucking Nation!

You can also call us at 704.234.6005 or email us at support@expresstrucktax.com if you have any questions.

#TruckTechTuesday: A Look Inside Our Tax Calculators

Posted on September 8, 2015 by - expresstrucktax, Form 2290, form 2290 tax calculator, fuel tax calculator

Form 2290 Tax Calculator App

We love technology here at ExpressTruckTax, which is why we’re dedicating this time to discuss our brand-new 2290 Tax Calculator app for your iPad or Android device! It’s considered the fastest and easiest way to determine exactly how much you need to pay in Heavy Vehicle Use Tax before filing your 2290.

So, How Does It Work?

If you wish to view the amount of HVUT you owe for the upcoming tax season, all you need to do is enter your vehicle weights and use type, and the app will do the rest! The process takes less than five minutes and you’ll even receive an email with all of your important tax information to use at another time. Yes, it’s that simple.

What Are Some of the Perks?

  • There is no need to create an account
  • It’s quick, easy to use, and guaranteed to calculate your HVUT correctly
  • You’ll be given a 10% off coupon code for your e-filing

You can download the app whenever you’d like—and remember, it’s free!

IFTA Fuel Tax Calculator App

If the Form 2290 Tax Calculator app wasn’t enough, ExpressTruckTax also offers an IFTA Fuel Tax Calculator app! That’s right—getting an estimate on your IFTA taxes will be a breeze.

Once you have downloaded the app, you can select your base jurisdiction, IFTA quarter, and fuel type, then enter your traveled miles and purchased fuel for the selected state. Enter all that applies, then click Calculate IFTA Tax, and the total miles, gallons, and tax amount will appear on the summary report page.

What Are Some of the Perks?

  • It’s 100% guaranteed to calculate your fuel taxes correctly
  • All you have to do is enter minimal information and the app will do the rest
  • After you provide an email address, we’ll send you the fuel tax summary information and a link to complete your IFTA filing

If there is anything #TruckTech related you want to see featured here, drop us a line on our Facebook or Twitter, as we love hearing trucking stories and learning about new technology!

And as always, don’t hesitate to contact us if you need assistance or have any questions. Our support team is here to help! You can email us at support@expresstrucktax.com or call us at 704.234.6005.

Happy Labor Day, Trucking Nation!

Posted on September 7, 2015 by - expresstrucktax, Labor day, trucking nation

Everybody at ExpressTruckTax would like to wish you a very happy Labor Day! Your commitment and determination within the trucking industry does not go unnoticed. Therefore, hard-working men and women of America, we hope you’re able to get the rest you deserve while enjoying the company of good friends, food, and family on this special day!

If you need assistance or have any questions, our support team is offering 24/7 emergency assistance via email at support@expresstrucktax.com. If you simply can’t resist the sound of our voices, you can give us a call tomorrow at 704.234.6005 as we’ll be resuming normal support hours.

Remember, Trucking Nation, we’re always here for you!

An ExpressTruckTax Exclusive Feature: Truck Zone

Posted on September 4, 2015 by - digital garage, expresstrucktax, Form 2290, heavy vehicle use tax, HVUT, Truck Zone

Have you always wanted your very own digital garage? Well, with ExpressTruckTax, it is possible! Truck Zone, one of our exclusive features, allows you to manage all of your vehicles in one place while making it easier to e-file your Form 2290, year after year. Whether you have 20, 100, or 1,000 trucks, Truck Zone is available to make your life a little easier.

Let’s Get Started

Once you have signed up with ExpressTruckTax, you can select the Truck Zone tab at the top-right corner to begin saving vehicles and storing their information. When it’s time to add a vehicle, you’ll have the options to:

  • Enter its VIN number, unit number, and gross vehicle weight. 
  • Select if it’s a logging vehicle, if it’s suspended or not, and if it has agriculture plates. 
  • Choose the make, model, and year of the vehicle. 
  • Include information about the fleet, such as the name, license plate number, and the unloaded vehicle weight. 
  • Provide the fuel type and odometer information in the IFTA Details section. 

After you click Save, the vehicle and all its information will be added to Truck Zone! Now, whenever you need to e-file with ExpressTruckTax, you can click Select From “Truck Zone,” which will allow you select the vehicles you would like to add to the return.

Bulk Upload for Faster Filing

If you’re looking for a faster route, ExpressTruckTax offers a Bulk Upload option that enables you to upload hundreds or thousands of vehicles at once! All you need is an Excel/CSV file containing your trucks’ details, and like magic, the information will upload into your ExpressTruckTax account. The tab is located in the Advanced Search section and to the right of the Add Vehicle option:

There’s More

Even after your return is filed, you can go back to Truck Zone for more! For instance, the next time you e-file your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax, all of your trucks will be saved and ready to go. Under the HVUT tab, you’ll be able to view your history, including the return you have previously filed, the date you filed it, and the tax that was paid. You’ll also be able to view, download, or email the return from ExpressTruckTax.

If you need any help or have any questions, you can refer to this video tutorial, call the support team at 704.234.6005, or email them at support@expresstrucktax.com.

Remember, Trucking Nation, we’re always here for you!

#WellnessWednesday: Mindfulness for Truck Drivers

Posted on September 2, 2015 by - #wellnesswednesday, mindful on the road, mindfulness, truck drivers, trucking industry

Hello, truckers! I want to share an important fact before we get down to business. According to Corporate Wellness Magazine, “Nearly 1 of every 15 people in the workforce is employed in the trucking industry, including over 7 million truck drivers on our roads.” That’s a lot.

While it’s unfortunate, stats have suggested that truck drivers are among the unhealthiest populations in America, mostly due to the particular lifestyle and lack of good nutritional options on the road. We must change this now! Who is with me?

Driving, although somewhat stressful at times, is a perfect opportunity for developing mindfulness, or a kind of meditation practice, if you will. Don’t worry, it’s not what you think, as Eden Kozlowski mentions in a Huffington Post article: “You don’t need incense, an exotic location or to be transported to some elevated state of being. Your truck can be your sanctuary.”

With that said, let’s take a look at some ways to attain the state that enables you to reduce stress, maintain a healthy diet, and improve your quality of life:

Turn off the Radio and Enjoy the Silence

Yes, I’m referring to music, advertisements, and the news. Being in silence gives you the ability to fill your awareness with thoughts and perceptions, allowing your mind and body to relax more than ever. Engage in how your body feels—what is it that makes you feel good, tired, or happy?

Appreciate Your Surroundings

When you’re on the road, do you ever stop to fully experience your beautiful surroundings? Even though green landscapes may not appear everywhere you roam, it’s encouraged to appreciate the scenery when it’s there. Eden says, “Life can be incredibly repetitive, especially when on the road. So, if you are going to be ‘in it,’ participate and make it more.”

Shift Over to the Slow Lane

Sounds boring, right? Well, if you’re trying to be more mindful, driving a tad below the speed limit can eliminate a lot of tension. Shift over to the slow lane and allow drivers to pass you if necessary. Hey, you can even wish them well!

Eat More Healthy Food

Part of being mindful is eating enjoyable and nutritious food while being aware of the nourishment you are consuming. Eden says that this practice “opens the door for you to see how important you are, how important food is, and how it provides nourishment not just for your body but also your soul.”

I do admit—it takes commitment and determination to attain mindfulness, but once you get the hang of it, I have no doubt that you will feel amazing effects. Eden says that with mindfulness, “You eventually start to trust life more, trust yourself more, you start to look at the bigger picture instead of all the clogging minutia.” That’s a big 10-4.

Do you have some tips on how to stay mindful on the road? Or maybe you would like to share some highlights from your own wellness journey. Either way, drop us a line on Facebook or Twitter! We love hearing from you, Trucking Nation!

And remember, if you haven’t done so already, it’s time to e-file your HVUT to avoid penalties!


Form 2290: Fees and Penalties for Filing Late

Posted on September 1, 2015 by - 2290 penalty, form 2290 penalty, IRS Penalties, IRS penalty

As of today, the IRS deadline for Heavy Vehicle Use Tax is officially in the books. If you’re in a frenzied panic right now because you just realized that you’re one of the ones who missed the boat, don’t worry. There are some late fees and penalties you will have to deal with, but none are too extravagant as long as you get filed and don’t put it off!

Penalties:

Neither late penalty is too severe, but the combination of the two can add up quickly if you continue to wait. Below are the IRS penalties for not submitting your 2290 submitted before the deadline:

Late Payment Penalty:

Whether you’ve filed already or not, if you didn’t make your payment to the IRS before the deadline you will be required to pay a late payment penalty.

The penalty for late payment of taxes is an additional 5% of the total tax amount for each month the payment is late. Along with the 5% of the total tax amount added, the IRS will also charge .54% interest monthly on the total outstanding balance.

Late Filing:

This is the less severe of the two penalties, and is also more easily avoided. If you have not filed your 2290 at all, get a move on! The IRS charges an additional 4.5% of the total tax amount due that is added to your total every month for up to five months.

Not to mention, if you are driving around without a valid and current Schedule 1, you can face much more serious penalties. Many states that catch drivers without the proper tax paperwork will actually suspend the driver’s license or tags; don’t let that be you!

How Can I Limit These Fees?

The easy answer is to go to ExpressTruckTax.com and get filed today! It only take a few minutes, and the longer you wait, the more you’ll have to pay.

If you want to get filed but don’t have the money to pay the tax fees right now, there are some alternative options to limit the fees you owe. Even if you don’t have the money to pay the taxes, you can still get filed today, and then select check/money order as your payment method. This will keep you from having to pay the late filing penalty, and then you can just send in your check/money order as soon as possible. 

So as you can see, the penalties for not filing or paying on time can get quite costly if you continue to wait, especially if you have a large tax amount owed. So please take our advice and get filed and paid today! We don’t want you to have to give the IRS and more of your hard-earned money. If you have any questions about 2290 late fees or about getting your 2290 filed, just give us a call at 704.234.6005, or email us at support@expresstrucktax.com.

It’s 2290 Deadline Day!

Posted on August 31, 2015 by - August 31st Deadline, e-filing deadline, Form 2290 Deadline, Form 2290 deadline today, IRS 2290 Deadline

Hard to believe another tax season has come and gone; it seems like it just began. Today officially marks the deadline for Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes and Form 2290, and for those of you that haven’t filed yet, it’s time to get a move on!

Why push off what you have to do any longer and subject yourself to late penalties? We know you give enough of your hard-earned money to the IRS every year, so make sure that you get filed on time so you don’t have to give them any more!

How Can I File Today?

Just head on over to ExpressTruckTax.com, and you can get e-filed and receive your Schedule 1 in minutes! If you haven’t already filed with us before, you’ll need to create an account. All you’ll need to e-file is your:

  • EIN (employer identification number)
  • Vehicle VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
  • Vehicle Taxable Gross Weight (Weight of Truck+Trailer+Maximum Load)
Once you finish your filing, we’ll send you a copy of your Schedule 1 to your email as soon as it’s accepted, which usually takes 20 minutes or less. You’ll also have the option to receive a text notification upon acceptance, automatic fax of your Schedule 1, and even a postal mailing of your full form if you’d like.

Plus, if you’ve filed with us before and none of your information has changed, you can copy last year’s return! Just click “Start New Return” from your dashboard after login, and then after choosing the tax year and first used month, just select “Copy a Previously Accepted Return”. No needless data entry, just click, pay, and transmit. Doesn’t get much easier than that, right?

What Happens if I Don’t Get Filed Today?

Well we don’t want to scare you but if you don’t file on time, you will be subject to late fees and penalties. The penalty for late payment of highway use taxes is 4.5% interest that accrues monthly on the total tax amount due. So for those of you with larger tax bills be sure that you file on time, because the interest will add up in a hurry.

If you need any help going through our software or have any 2290 related questions, just give our support specialists a call at 704.234.6005, or email us at support@expresstrucktax.com. We’ll be extending our support hours just for YOU! That’s right, we’ll be here all day for the deadline to help answer any of your questions and to make sure you get filed.

The Countdown is On: Getting Your EIN

Posted on August 28, 2015 by - 2290 deadline, EIN, Employer Identification Number, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, HVUT deadline

The Heavy Vehicle Use Tax season is drawing to a close, Trucking Nation! There’s only a few more days before the deadline and you need to have all your trucks in a row so you can e-file with ease.

The first thing you need in order to e-file your HVUT is your EIN. EIN stands for for Employer Identification Number and it is imperative that you have one before you file.

With only 4 days left to get your 2290s e-filed, it is past time to register for an EIN. Especially since it takes the IRS up to 10 business days for your EIN to become active. Before that your EIN will be rejected by any e-filing system and you will be unable to submit your Form 2290.

While there isn’t enough time for you to get your EIN and still e-file on time, you need to request one right away. Because no matter what you need to e-file! And the sooner you request one, the smaller the penalties.

In order to request your EIN, you can do it one of three ways.

  • You can go directly to the IRS website and request your EIN online
  • You can or call their EIN hotline at 1.800.829.4933, and request your EIN over the phone.
  • Or you can request your EIN through fax or postal mail.

If you don’t have time to get you EIN, or none of those options appeal to you. We have people who can take the reins and do it for you. Not to mention, they’re secure and affordable!

With our friends at Truck Services of North America, you can get your EIN without ever having to lift a finger. Since they specialize in permits, registrations, and helping truckers e-file for just about anything. Just give them a call at 803.386.0320 or email them at support@tsnamerica.com to get started.

If you’ve misplaced your EIN, we can help with that as well!

  1. If you’ve e-filed with us before, your EIN is stored in your account! Just login and view your business details, or a previously filed return and voila, you have your EIN.
  2. If you haven’t e-filed with us before, you can check with the bank or local/state institution you’ve applied for a license with. Both should have your EIN on record.
  3. Or you can always call the IRS hotline at 1.800.829.4933, and they’ll give you the EIN directly over the phone after verifying your identity. 

But whatever you do, don’t wait! You need to request your EIN right away and before it’s too late for you to e-file on time. Don’t pay the IRS more than you have to!

If you need any help with the EIN or e-filing your 2290s, then our dedicated support legends are here for you. Just give them a call at 704.234.6005 or send them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support in English and Spanish. And they’ll help you e-file in a flash!

With only 4 days left you don’t have time to delay, so e-file today!

How to E-file Safely & Securely

Posted on August 27, 2015 by - 2290 deadline, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, safe and secure, secure

When doing your taxes, security should be the first thing on your mind. And while ExpressTruckTax offers a safe, secure solution in order to e-file your taxes, you should be sure to go the extra mile to keep your own information secure.

ExpressTruckTax is and always will be secure, but to make sure you’re using our product to it’s fullest, here are some tips and tricks on how to be safe when e-filing.

Never Share Your Password

As a general rule of the internet, you shouldn’t share your password to anything with anyone. Giving someone access to private, personal information about your truck, your finances, and your taxes is a big no-no. So you should always keep your password to yourself.

If you need help, or have someone to file for you, make certain it’s someone you trust. Even then, your password should be your own. That’s why we have CPA accounts, so if you have an accountant who files for you, they can do so from their account

Never download files from unknown sources

If you don’t know the source, don’t download it! Downloading things from unknown sources puts you at risk. No matter what it is! Always make sure you’re on the right website, or you could risk getting a malware infection, and nobody wants that.

Since ExpressTruckTax uses secure servers and are McAfee Hackerproof, there’s never a risk when you e-file with us. And downloading documents from our website is secure too! So you never have to worry about a thing.

Reach our tax experts for instant assistance

If you need any assistance, or you’re having trouble with anything related to e-filing with us, we’ve got support! Our dedicated support team is here all year long to help you access files, access your account, and get ready for the new tax season. All you have to do is give them a call!

Staying safe online isn’t always easy, but with ExpressTruckTax, we promise to protect your information on our secure, hacker-proof servers. More info here.

If you need any help with the e-filing process, our dedicated support legends are here for you. All you have to do is give them a call at 704.234.6005 or send them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support in English and Spanish.

And remember, Trucking Nation, you only have 5 days left to e-file your HVUT without penalties!

#WellnessWednesday: Making Better Fast Food Choices on the Road

Posted on August 26, 2015 by - #wellnesswednesday, Expresstrucktax.com, HVUT deadline, HVUT reminder, wellness

From McDonald’s to Starbucks, consuming fast food is a way of life when you’re on the road. Especially if you’re pressed for time, eating at a restaurant that offers speedy service may be your only way to have three meals a day. 

But if you’re trying to eat healthy, having to eat fast food can seem like a nightmare. Especially when you consider how many health risks the trucking industry faces each year, because truckers consume tons of fast food on-the-go. 

But there are healthier options out there for you. And they can even help you avoid things like diabetes and high blood pressure.  All you have to do is eat right.  

At first finding healthier options at a fast food restaurant may sound like a myth, but there are several sandwiches, salads, and even tacos you can eat from various fast food menus and still be healthy! No matter what your favorite fast food restaurant is. 

Here are 6 healthier options for truckers and travelers alike. So you can get your fast food fix without the excess calories.

No matter where you go, if you order the grilled option, chances are it’s a lot healthier than fried. Many places also offer salads with grilled chicken, but with the sandwiches, you get a less bulky and much more portable option for when you’re on the road. Not to mention there’s the added benefit of the bread filling you up much faster than you would get with a salad.  

With junior in the name it may sound small, but no matter where you go it’s definitely filling. In fact, junior cheeseburgers are a much better option compared to their giant counterparts. And you don’t feel overfull afterwards.  Just make sure you’re not adding too many extras to your burger, and lose the fries.  Those can often be another 500+ calories you don’t need.

Who says bacon can’t be healthy? Yes, you should definitely avoid any sandwich that has bacon with numerous beef patties, but a nice small bacon cheeseburger can definitely help you get that bacon fix.  And you don’t have to feel guilty about it!  Just be sure to check the calories on your bacon cheeseburger before you decide.  But most fast food places have one for under 400 calories.

  
There’s nothing healthier than a good old fashioned black coffee. There’s less calories, no sugar, and so much more of that much needed caffeine. So get your coffee fix the old fashioned way with a nice big cup o’joe.  You can also consider unsweetened hot tea for a zero calorie solution to getting caffeinated. 

Generally, the Americano only goes from 5-30 calories. Plus it’s a great source of caffeine and it tastes great. And if you’re not a big fan of drinking it black, adding a splash of nonfat milk will only increase the calories by 40, making this one of the healthiest options you can order. Other than black coffee, of course.

These crunchy chicken tacos are not only delicious, they’re also nutritious! And most of the time they only have a few calories, and we’re talking 200 and less. You have to make sure to watch your sodium intake though, South Western cuisine can be a little heavy handed with the salt.

There are some foods you should always, always avoid eating when you go to a fast food restaurant. These foods are filled with more calories than you need, and while it might seem like a good idea at first, you’ll regret it later.

So you should also avoid fried sides and sugary menu items such as:

  • French Fries
  • Onion Rings
  • Any Dessert
  • Milkshakes
  • Soda

You should also avoid famous menu items at any fast food restaurant, because chances are that’ll be bad for you as well. And be wary of condiments. Adding extra can significantly increase the calories of your meal. So make sure you always know what you’re eating before you eat it. And pay attention to calories!

Got some tips for how to stay healthy on the road? Or maybe you just want to share some highlights from your own wellness journey. Drop us a line on Facebook or Twitter! We love hearing from you, Trucking Nation!

And remember you only have 6 days left to e-file your HVUT to avoid penalties!