Author: Marcela De Vivo

5 Tips on How to Begin Your Wellness Journey

Posted on July 2, 2015 by - #wellnesswednesday, Siphiwe Baleka, Tony Blake, trucking news, wellness

The best thing about deciding to live a healthier lifestyle is that you get to decide what that means for yourself. You get to choose what to change, how to eat, and how to exercise.

But maybe you aren’t sure where to start your wellness journey. We’ve got some tips for how to get started and how to change your habits over time. Because it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.

5 Tips on How to Begin Your Journey:

Believe in Yourself

The first step in beginning your wellness journey is to believe in yourself. Now this probably sounds like a total cliche, but trust me, if you don’t believe you can do it then you won’t make it very far.

Talk yourself up every day, realize that you’re so much stronger than you think you are and just do it! Because every single day is another step on your path to becoming a healthier person. And it matters, it really, really matters because your health is so important. 

Eliminate Bad Habits

It takes 14-21 days to beat a bad habit, but once you’ve beaten it you’ve accomplished something great. Out there on the road it’s so easy to find yourself eating fried, sugary, and salty foods that are so bad for you. You don’t have to change your eating habits overnight, but you do have to make a choice. 
Try eliminating one of those bad things and switching it out for something healthier. Switch from milk chocolate to dark chocolate, from ice cream to yogurt, from fried chicken to grilled chicken, or from french fries to apple slices or baked sweet potato fries. There are so many ways to make a change in yourself. All you have to do is start small and keep on trucking.

Water Is Your New Best Friend

Lose the juice and the soda and switch to water. This might seem like a huge change, but you can take your time with this one too. If you’re not a big fan of water or need a lot of caffeine to keep you going, try moving to a drink that has less calories and sodium (perhaps a diet soda). 
Then you can switch from that to carbonated or flavored water. Eventually you’ll learn to love it because drinking water will make your feel better! You’ll be less thirsty, increase your circulation, flush toxins out of your body, and it will even improve your skin.

Dance, Dance, Dance

Being cooped up in a truck all day doesn’t give you much time for exercise, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are little things you can do to improve your mobility inside of your cabin. Maybe you have a song you like to dance to, crank it up and do a little dance in your truck! 
And any time to have a moment to stop, take some time to do some stretching to get your blood flowing, Not only does stretching help with your circulation, it also makes you feel so much better. You can also make it a point to walk a little further every day, every time you have a break. Eventually you’ll begin to feel like a new person!

Be Mindful of What You Consume

You don’t have to go all out and eat nothing but salads and vegetables, but you should be mindful of what you consume. If you’re eating a lot of fast food, make sure you pay attention to the calories (most restaurants will have them on their menus) in your favorite meal. 
If they seem too high, try eating just the sandwich or main entree, or substituting those calorie high french fries for something healthier like apple slices. You can still have french fries if you want to, but make sure you know what you’re putting into your body. Because monitoring the amount of calories you consume each day can help you feel less tired and lethargic and much more energetic. 
Food can give you energy, but only if you use it right!
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!

Skip the Traffic: E-file With ExpressTruckTax Today

Posted on July 1, 2015 by - Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, IFTA, new tax year, Schedule 1, Tax Professional, Taxable gross vehicle weight, Truck Tax

Today is the day, Trucking Nation! The IRS is now accepting Form 2290, and giving out that coveted Stamped Schedule 1.

The renewal period begins now and runs from today until August 31. So head to ExpressTruckTax now and get to e-filing! Or you can use our free app on your iOS or Android device to conveniently e-file wherever you are!

If you pre-filed with us, today is the day we will securely transmit your 2290’s to the IRS (way ahead of everyone else). And you should get your approval later today along with your Stamped Schedule 1.

Not sure if it’s time for you to file? We’ve compiled a super-quick guide with all the details you need to keep your HVUT game on point!

What is Form 2290?

IRS Form 2290 is a tax paid on a heavy vehicle that is registered, or required to be registered in your name under U.S., Canadian, or Mexican law. That means if you have a vehicle with a gross weight of 55,000 lbs or more, you must pay Heavy Vehicle Use Tax in order to renew your vehicle’s registration.

When you e-file with ExpressTruckTax, you can get everything done in one place without having to wait. ExpressTruckTax is a one-stop solution for e-filing, calculating taxes (without actually breaking out a calculator), transmitting your return, making your payment, and getting your Stamped Schedule 1 automatically via email. It’s that easy!

Bonus Time: If you use the promocode ETT10 you can get 10% off the cost of filing! AND If you Like Us on Facebook after you e-file, you’re automatically entered into our next Summer Series of Giveaways contest! We’ll select one lucky winner between now and July 15th to win a $25 Gift Card…and it could be you!

Short on Time?

If you’re short on time, on the road, or would rather have your very own processing agent handle e-filing your 2290 for you, contact our full-service division, Truck Services of North America! They can e-file your Form 2290 for you over the phone, same day!

They can handle all your authorities, permits, registrations, IFTA filing, and pretty much everything you would ever need to operate your heavy vehicle. You can call them at 803.386.0320 or email them at support@TSNAmerica.com to get started.

Today’s HVUT Cheat Sheet

Leading up to today, we’ve written a lot of blogs about every situation you would find yourself in while beginning your e-filing journey. Here are a few of the more important blogs that will help you e-file:

  • What do You Get get for $9.90?
    • ExpressTruckTax is more than just an e-filing product, it’s the best value in the industry! But what exactly do you get for $9.90?
  • Forgot your Password
    • If you forgot your password, let us help. Remembering all those passwords can be rough, but you don’t have to create a new account—learn how to recover your password here!
  • How to Create an Account
    • If you’ve never filed with us before, this is the blog for you. We’ll walk you through the process of creating an account from start to finish, and with pictures!
  • FastTransfer Feature
    • If you have already e-filed with us in the past, your information can be applied to your 2015-16 Form 2290. Here’s a step-by-step process on how it works.
  • Truck Zone
    • Truck Zone is your very own virtual garage. And it’s an exclusive feature just for ExpressTruckTax. You’ll never forget another truck again because we’ll store them for you on our secure server. 
  • IRS Offices Now by Appointment Only
    • Some of the IRS offices are now by appointment only. Check here to see if your city is on that list.
  • 7 Common E-filing Mistakes to Avoid
    • We all make mistakes, but here’s how to avoid the common ones we see year after year when e-filing season begins again.
  • 6 Tips for E-filing Success This Renewal Season
    • Have a successful renewal season with these 6 easy tips on how to e-file!
  • The Do’s and Don’ts of E-filing Your 2290
    • Tips on how to make e-filing even easier by being prepared throughout the tax year.

Didn’t find answers on our E-filing Cheat Sheet? Our support legends are here for you! Do not hesitate to give them a call at 704.234.6005 or shoot them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/7 support in both English and Spanish.

Don’t wait or you’ll be late, e-file with ExpressTruckTax today!

#TruckTechTuesday: Safe Trucking

Posted on June 30, 2015 by - #TruckTechTuesday, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, Schedule 1, Truck Tax

It’s #TruckTechTuesday again, Trucking Nation! That means we get to explore the exciting world of technology that’s geared specifically toward heavy vehicles.

While the world of truck technology is fairly new, the market is growing astronomically. With both large companies (like Wal-Mart, Volkswagen and Peterbilt) and small—virtually unheard of—companies (like AirFlow, Peloton, and Haishan Deng) working to make the trucking industry better.

Trucking Awesome (Concept Trucks)

We’ve been talking a lot about trucks with sleek bullet-like designs, and while there are more similar concepts closer to being released, this week we’re changing the pace. Introducing The Chameleon by Haishan Deng.

The Chameleon is a centipede-esque truck with a segmented body that allows the truck to adjust in order to fit any container size. Not to mention, on top of that, the body of the trailer is constructed out of a soft tarp-like material that allows the truck to absorb energy during an impact.

This truck concept would revolutionize the truck industry! Due to it’s material, the truck is more lightweight so it will lessen the blow of impacts with other vehicles as well as cutting back on fuel intake. That means roads and the environment will both be safer once this truck becomes a reality.

Truck Tech Accessories

There are a lot of accessories out there for truck drivers. From dash cams to Peloton, both of which we’ve already talked about in previous blogs, truck extensions are getting really high tech.

But this week we’re going somewhat old school with Talon’s digital tire pressure monitoring system.

Monitoring tire pressure is a serious problem in big trucks. But with Talon, their device allows you to monitor the tire pressure of up to 22 wheels at a time. That means you can have some peace of mind out on the open road.

Plus, it can also monitor the temperature of your trailer, and it alerts you if that temperature or if the air pressure in any of your tires becomes too low.

Apps for Road Warriors

With Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Season beginning tomorrow, this week’s app is our very own ExpressTruckTax app, available for free for your iOS & Android devices.

With ExpressTruckTax, you get so much more than an e-filing system, you get the best value in the Trucking Industry!

And we have an app! That means you can e-file from virtually anywhere. That and you get the same great ExpressTruckTax product and support. You can even pull up your Stamped Schedule 1 from your phone!

If you have any questions, comments, or more #TruckTech you want to see featured here, drop us a line on our Facebook or Twitter. We love hearing trucking stories and learning about new truck tech!

We’re here for you If you find yourself with any questions about the e-filing process. Just give our support legends a call at 704.234.6005 or shoot them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/7 support in English and Spanish.

Happy e-filing, Trucking Nation!

What do You Get for $9.90?

Posted on June 29, 2015 by - 2290 Amendment, 2290 Free VIN Correction, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, Form 2290 corrections, HVUT, Schedule 1, Truck Tax, VIN Corrections

You may have heard us constantly say we’re “the best value in the industry”, but what exactly do you get for the price?


Well, for starters:

  • No other IRS-authorized E-File Provider offers a price this low.
    • Priced at just $9.90, we truly are the best value in the industry. And with us, you get more than just e-filing: you get a great product and superior customer service.
  • We have the best customer support team in the industry.
    • In fact, we call them Support Legends because no matter who you get connected to, they can handle your questions with ease. All of them are fully trained and here all year around—whether it’s HVUT season or not. 
  • We work closely with truckers, owner-operators, and trucking associations.
    • That means we understand the industry and the frustration that comes with filing heavy vehicle use tax. Unlike other providers, we can provide you the best value and the best product specifically for the trucking industry!

    And all of that comes free! We haven’t even scratched the surface of everything ExpressTruckTax can do for you—and for just $9.90! We’ll be saving you some dolla dolla bills y’all.

    What You Get For the Price

    • The Ability to E-file Your 2290 With Ease
      • ExpressTruckTax provides you with a great and easy-to-use product. In fact, we have the most efficient e-filing process out there! All you have to do is follow three easy steps, and then you’re done. You can get your Stamped Schedule 1 in minutes and get back to your life. It really is as easy as 1-2-3!
    • Stamped Schedule 1 (in Minutes!)
      • Getting your Stamped Schedule 1 with ExpressTruckTax is really easy! From start to finish, your journey to your Stamped Schedule 1 should take less than 10 minutes. Then you have your proof of filing and you’re well on your way to renewing your vehicle registration for the coming year. You can access your Stamped Schedule 1 with ExpressTruckTax one of three ways: 
        • 1. We will automatically email it to you
        • 2. There will be a copy in your ExpressTruckTax account on your Dashboard page
        • 3. You can have us fax or mail it to you, or anywhere you want.
    • Truck Zone
      • Truck Zone is a virtual garage that has been integrated into ExpressTruckTax. Whether you have one truck or a multitude, Truck Zone can help you securely organize all of your vehicle information. That way you only have to enter it once, and Truck Zone will remember it for you year after year.
    • Email Notifications
      • As soon as your Form 2290 is accepted by the IRS, you will get an email from us containing your Stamped Schedule 1. If your Form 2290 is rejected, we will also send you an email notification immediately with the exact reason for the rejection. That way you can pinpoint the exact error, correct it, and then you can re-transmit your 2290 to the IRS free of charge!
    • Form 2290 Archive
      • We also archive your Form 2290 and Stamped Schedule 1 on our secure server year after year. That means you can use our FastTransfer feature to copy your HVUT from a previous year so you don’t have to start over from scratch. Or if you ever lose your Stamped Schedule 1 and need to pull up a new one, we’ve got you covered.
    • Free VIN Corrections
      • Sometimes you can make some mistakes. Maybe you mixed up a letter or a number, or maybe you’re confusing one VIN with a different truck. It happens! That’s why we give you free VIN corrections. And it only takes a few minutes to file your correction with ExpressTruckTax.
    • Credits for sold/destroyed/stolen vehicles
      • If you sold your truck during the tax year and purchased a different vehicle, you can claim the credit for the sold truck and file your 2290 for your new truck on one return! The credit from the truck you sold will be automatically applied to the amount of Heavy Vehicle Use Tax you owe on your new truck.
    • Our Support Legends
      • They’re so good, I had to list them twice! If you have any questions about any part of the e-filing or amendment process, we have an amazing support team. Just give them a call at 704.234.6005 or shoot them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support in both English and Spanish. There is no problem they can’t solve!

    Gross Vehicle Weight Increase: 2290 Amendments

    Posted on June 26, 2015 by - 2290 Amendment, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, Form 2290 corrections, HVUT, Schedule 1, Taxable gross vehicle weight, Truck Tax

    If you’ve been following our 2290 Amendments series thus far, we’ve discussed Free VIN Corrections and how to handle an Increase in Mileage Limit. But what if your truck puts on a little—or a lot—of weight.

    An increase in the gross weight of your vehicle could mean you have to pay an increase on the heavy vehicle use tax you owed during the tax season. But only if your truck goes up to the next weight class, that is.

    What is a Weight Category or Class?

    There are eight weight classes for trucks and three weight categories. They range from light duty, which is 6,000-14,000 pounds, medium duty, ranging from 14,000-26,000, and heavy duty, which ranges from 26,000 to more than 33,000 pounds.

    These three categories then each break down into eight smaller weight classes. The weight class of your vehicle dictates how much you will pay in heavy vehicle use taxes for the tax year. The heavier the vehicle, the higher the taxes.

    What Happens if My Gross Vehicle Weight Increases?

    When your GVW increases during the tax year, all you have to do is e-file a 2290 Amendment for an increase in Gross Vehicle Weight! And when you use ExpressTruckTax, e-filing that amendment is quick, easy, and economical.

    In fact, it’s only a three step process!

    Step 1: Log In or Create New User

    • If you’re a returning user, login
    • If you’re a new user, create your account
    • Enter your business information (if you haven’t already)
    • Then click “Start” under Form 2290 Amendments
    • Choose the kind of Amendment you want to file. 
    • In this case, you want to click “Start” under “Taxable Gross Weight Increase.”

    Step 2: Input Vehicle Information

    • Select your vehicle’s first-used month
    • Select the month where your vehicle’s weight change occurred
    • If you e-filed your 2290 with ExpressTruckTax this year, select the vehicle or vehicles you would like to amend from your previous return and choose the new weight class.
    • If you are changing the weight of more than 1 vehicle, click “Save & Add Another.”

    • If you’re finished, simply click “Save” and move on to the next screen where your tax is prorated for you.

    Step 3: Transmit Your Return

    • Choose from three methods of payment to pay your increased tax to the IRS.
    • You can pay by Direct Debit, EFTPS, and check or money order (No credit or debit cards with the IRS)
    • Then our Instant Audit feature reviews your return for errors and you’re done!
    • You can securely transmit your amendment to the IRS and receive your new Stamped Schedule 1 in minutes!
      • Pro-Tip: Be sure to submit your amendment by the last day of the month following the month in which the weight increase occurred. That means, if the increase occurred in August, you need to file your amendment by the end of September.

    And that’s it! You can e-file your amendment as easy as 1,2,3. From start to finish the whole process only takes 10 minutes or less. We’re just that good!

    If you need any help e-filing your 2290 Amendments, our dedicated support legends are here year round to answer all of your tax related questions! So don’t be shy, give us a call at 704.234.6005 or send us an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24 our support in English or Spanish.

    And starting July 1, ExpressTruckTax will be giving 10% off of their already super-affordable filing price! All you have to do is enter the promo code ETT10. What a deal!

    #WellnessWednesday: Wellness is a Journey

    Posted on June 24, 2015 by - #wellnesswednesday, Expresstrucktax.com, Siphiwe Baleka, Tony Blake, truckers, wellness

    Wellness is a journey, not a destination. It takes more than deciding to go on a diet, you have to decide to change your whole life.

    I’m not talking about becoming obsessive and going to the gym 7 days a week for four hours or anything like that. I’m talking about your own personal wellness journey—what you alone are comfortable with doing.

    Siphiwe Baleka, an Ivy-League swimmer, was already well into his own journey before he decided to help truckers begin theirs. Instead of pursuing an Olympic Career, he found his passion was helping truckers become more active.

    And he’s doing a great job at it! In fact, he’s helped thousands of truckers lose tens of thousands of pounds.

    Here at ExpressTruckTax, we know trying to eat well and maintain a healthy lifestyle while on the road can be tough. But we’ve got some health tips that might be able to help!

    Beat the Boredom

    Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. All wellness journeys should begin here. By getting your house (your mind) in order, you can begin to focus on your body. If your mental health is out of whack, then there’s a good chance you won’t be able to focus on anything else.

    Boredom is a very common experience in the trucking industry. You have to sit and drive for hours, and listening to a radio station that recycles the same songs over and over isn’t very stimulating.

    That’s when overeating can creep in. Because you can’t do much else while you’re driving (you also shouldn’t be eating, but we all do it). And you need to focus your mind on something other than what seems like an endless road in front of you.

    But overcoming your boredom on the road can be as easy as buying an ebook, or subscribing to Amazon’s Audible (because you may not always have time to stop by a bookstore). When you have something else to focus on—other than a bad habit of eating when you’re bored—you can retrain your brain!

    Which brings us to the next stop on your wellness journey: becoming health conscious.

    Be Health Conscious

    Nothing is going to change unless you’re willing to change it for yourself. The second step to living a healthier lifestyle is to address the problem.

    Most of the time the problem is overeating, which is easy to start doing when you’re on the road all the time. Because most of the time what you’re eating has a skewed sense of serving sizes, not to mention way more than the recommended daily amount of sodium.

    To help you become more conscious of what kind of calories, fat, sodium, etc. you’re taking in per day, there’s an app for that! The app is called MyFitnessPal, and you can use their website or log your daily food intake from their smartphone app.

    And MFP is set by your weight and lifestyle, so even if you’re sedentary, you can still lose weight or maintain your current weight.

    Not to mention, after a while of recording your meals, you begin to notice that you automatically adapt to eat within your allotted calorie range. You begin to eat smaller portions because you realize just how much you may have been eating and you change it.

    That’s why the second step on your wellness journey is making a change in the way you eat. It doesn’t even have to be a big one, it’s taking the step that counts!

    Be More Active

    Now, this next step is usually a red flag for people, but it doesn’t have to be scary. You don’t even have to step foot in a gym (unless you’re comfortable with doing that).

    Being more active is just another step on your journey. And like everything else we’ve talked about, you can start small!

    You can park a little farther away from where you need to go so you walk a few more steps. Or play your favorite song and dance a little in your truck. You can even spend a little more time walking around in a truck stop.

    You won’t become physically fit overnight. And that’s not what this is about, it’s about taking small steps to become a better you. Because each small step you take helps you further along the road on your wellness journey.

    And as long as you don’t stop, you’ll get there in no time!

    Got some tips for how to stay healthy on the road? Or maybe you 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!

    #TruckTechTuesday: Trucks, Tech, and Apps Galore!

    Posted on June 23, 2015 by - #TruckTechTuesday, Expresstrucktax.com, Truck Tax, truck tech, trucking news

    Happy #TruckTechTuesday, Trucking Nation!

    As the world of technology continues to grow, there are more and more areas that are providing excellent tech. Now the technology world has become so huge, that it has expanded beyond phones and computers to heavy vehicles.

    Now we live in a world where technology is working to make trucks better. Through truck extensions, truck apps, and new truck concepts, the tech industry is trying to turn trucks friendly for our environmental future.

    That and new tech makes your truck look really cool! Which is what we talked about in our previous Truck Tech Blog.

    Trucking Awesome (Concept Trucks)

    Last time we talked about BulletTruck from AirFlow, but this week’s truck looks even more sleek. Introducing Peterbilt’s trucking awesome concept truck, Sentinal.

    Peterbilt refers to it’s concept truck as the new American dream. And if that picture is any indication, they definitely aim to deliver an extravagant truck basically drowning in luxury. Plus, it’s design makes it more aerodynamic (which is great for your fuel mileage)!

    In fact, the design could improve fuel economy and range of long haulers by 25%! And this truck concept is getting closer and closer to becoming a reality.

    Truck Extensions

    This week’s truck extension is a little bit of a wild card because is is both an app and a truck extension. The extension is called Peloton, and it is a trucking app concept built by Peloton Technology. 

     

    Peloton is an automated vehicle technology company that is working to connect collision avoidance technology, and prevent the most common truck accidents. They also provide a reduction in aerodynamic drag by linking two trucks together in what they call a platoon. And on-road testing showed that they were saving fleets a lot of fuel!

    So in addition to the added safety of travelling in packs, automatic braking, and generally being really, really cool, Peloton will also save you a lot of money in the long haul.

    Apps for Road Warriors

    Perhaps one of the most influential apps of the summer is the FMCSA Guide Rules and Regulations app by Wright Media, which you can download from both the Google Play Store and the Apple Store.

    Now it might not sound like much, but consider this: this is the first mobile guide to everything you need to know about the FMCSA Rules and Regulations. That means you get instant access!

    You can look up any rule or regulation just by using their search feature. No more searching through bulky books and trying to figure out the rules.

    And, this app includes their new “Fuel Dawg” feature where you can locate the best diesel prices from thousands of truck stops based on your GPS location!

    But wait, there’s more! This app also includes the latest trucking job opportunities, and access to contact those trucking company directly. It was even featured in our ExpressTruckTax IFTA blog about hot summer apps!

    If you have any questions, comments, or more #TruckTech you want to see featured here, drop us a line on our Facebook or Twitter. We love hearing trucking stories and learning about new truck tech!

    As always, if you find yourself with some tax questions, give our dedicated support team a call at 704.234.6005 or email them at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24 hour support in both English and Spanish!

    And don’t forget! You only have 7 more days left to pre-file. If you want to be entered to win a ExpressTruckTax Swag Bag and save a little money of the e-filing price (with the promo code PREFILE), then don’t delay, pre-file today!

    Increase in Mileage Limit: E-filing 2290 Amendments

    Posted on June 22, 2015 by - 2290 Amendment, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, Form 2290 corrections, HVUT, Schedule 1, Truck Tax

    Tax season and tax amendments go hand in hand. After you file your Form 2290, at the end of the tax season (August 31), you may notice that there are some changes you need to make on your tax forms.

    We’ve already discussed Free VIN Corrections, but you may be wondering about how to file an amendment to increase or change your mileage limit.

    There are three types of amendments you can e-file when it comes to your Form 2290. The second of those amendments (since we’ve already addressed the VIN Corrections), is the mileage limit amendment.

    What is a Mileage Limit?

    A mileage limit is the amount of miles a suspended heavy vehicle is allowed to drive on public highways before tax is owed on that vehicle. Typically, the limit for suspended vehicles is 5,000 miles, and if this is exceeded, tax is immediately due. However, for agricultural vehicles, this limit is 7,500 miles!

    Keep in mind that this limit only applies to the total miles your vehicle drives on public highways during the tax year, regardless of the number of owners.

    The Form 2290 Mileage Increase Amendment is for suspended vehicles that exceeded the mileage use limit for the tax year, so if you filed as suspended, but just went over that limit, then it’s time to start e-filing!

    I’m Over the Mileage Limit! Now What?

    So what happens when you go over the mileage limit? Well, Trucking Nation, that’s when you start e-filing your handy dandy Form 2290 Amendment!

    Now you don’t have to worry about filing amendments just yet, but you should be pre-filing. However, there’s a chance you might need to e-file an amendment in the near future. But that’s why we’re here!

    And at ExpressTruckTax, as e-filing industry leaders, our amendment process is quick and easy!

    Step 1: Log In or Create New User

    • If you are a returning user, log in to your account.
    • If you are a new user, choose to create an account.
      • Pro-tip: If you don’t want to go through and create a whole new account, you can also choose to link your ExpressTruckTax account with Facebook or Google+.
    • Then, click “Start” under Form 2290 Amendments.
    • After that, choose the kind of amendment and click start under “Mileage Exceeded.”

    Step 2: Make Your Corrections

    • If you are a returning user, you can choose to amend a return you e-filed with us.
    • If you are a new user, you can choose to amend a return that was paper-filed or e-filed elsewhere.

    • Next, choose the vehicle you are filing the amendment for.
    • Again, if you haven’t filed with us, enter the vehicle’s information, such as the VIN, taxable gross weight, and whether or not it’s used for logging.
    • Finally, hit “Save” or “Save & Add Another” if you’re e-filing an amendment for more than one vehicle.

    Step 3: Review & Submit!

    • The prorated tax is then calculated for you!
    • Click “Next,” and enter your method of payment. The IRS accepts Direct Debit (EFW), EFTPS, and check or money order (The IRS does not accept credit/debit cards).

    • Then, just review your information one last time, and then let our system perform an Instant Audit to make certain everything is correct.
    • Finally, securely transmit your amendment to the IRS, and you should get your Stamped Schedule 1 in minutes!

    When it comes time to e-file Form 2290 Amendments, we’ll be here for you! So if you have any questions or need any help when it comes to e-filing, you can talk to us.

    Just give us a call at 704.234.6005 or send us an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support in English and Spanish!

    And don’t forget, that there are only 8 days left to pre-file your HVUT! That means there’s still time to get a sweet discount on e-filing when you use the promocode PREFILE, and you can still be entered in our Swag Bag Giveaway. So don’t delay, pre-file today!

    7 Common E-filing Mistakes to Avoid

    Posted on June 19, 2015 by - 2290 Amendment, e-Filing, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, Form 2290 corrections, HVUT, Truck Tax

    With pre-filing season in full swing and the regular filing season peeking over the horizon, there are some common mistakes we should address.

    Time and time again filers tend to make the same mistakes when it comes to filing their heavy vehicle use taxes. So let’s go over them so they’re fresh in your mind when you e-file or pre-file this tax season!

    1. Incorrect EIN or VIN

    Your EIN is your Employer Identification Number, and your VIN is your Vehicle Identification Number, and both are equally important. In order to file your HVUT, you will need to know both, and both will need to be correct. So check, double check, and triple check if you have to, because if those ID’s are even one letter or number off, your return could be rejected by the IRS. And nobody wants that! But if it does happen, don’t fret! You can retransmit rejected returns for free with us!

    2. Computation Errors

    We know tax calculations can be hard, but that’s why when you e-file with us, our system will calculate the amount due for you! Now you don’t have to worry about doing all that complicated tax math. All you have to worry about is what you need to pay and remembering your EIN and VIN so you don’t make any errors on your tax forms. Then, once you’re ready to submit, our Instant Audit feature can help you eliminate any errors you may have made before you complete your return.

    3. Incorrect Filing Status

    If you know you will travel fewer than 5,000 miles on public highways during the tax year, then you should file your vehicle as suspended. This saves you time and money, and if you ever exceed the mileage limit, you can always submit an Amendment through ExpressTruckTax!

    4. Incorrect Filing Year

    If you’re pre-filing this month, like all of the cool kids, be sure that you’re selecting the correct tax year! Instead of electing to file for the current tax year, you want to select advance filing for the 2015-16 tax year. Like so:

    5. Duplicate Vehicle Information

    You definitely don’t want to enter a single vehicle more than once, but if you do accidentally enter details for the same truck twice, you can remove it easily by clicking the “remove” button next to the duplicate vehicle.

    6. EIN Not Registered

    It takes up to 10 business days for a new EIN to be entered into the IRS system. So if you don’t have one yet, you need one ASAP! That way you’ll be prepared in time to still pre-file before the tax season begins July 1. If you already have your EIN, don’t forget you have to wait for the IRS to activate your EIN before you can e-file! If you don’t, you’ll keep getting an EIN Not Registered error when you try to begin your HVUT.

    7. Incorrect First-Used Month

    This error might not get your return rejected, but it will cause some problems when it comes time to get your new tags. The tax year for HVUT begins July 1st. This means that for all renewals, the first-used month is automatically July—even if you’re filing in August! There is only one instance where you would choose a later month, and that’s if your truck is purchased after the beginning of the tax year. For example, if you purchase a new truck in September, then that would be the first-used month.

    What it all boils down to in the end, Trucking Nation, is to make certain you check, re-check and re-check your taxes again before hitting submit. You never know what you could miss!

    But if you find yourself unsure or if you have any questions, we’re here for you! We have a dedicated, year-round support team just to help you. So give us a call at 704.234.6005 or send us an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24 hour support in English and Spanish! And let us help you avoid these common e-filing mistakes.

    Trucking News Update: IRS Offices Now by Appointment Only

    Posted on June 17, 2015 by - Expresstrucktax.com, IRS, Truck Tax, trucking news

    We have breaking news, Trucking Nation!

    On June 12, 2015, the IRS announced that it is making 10% of its offices available by appointment only. This is yet another in a series of moves by the IRS to encourage tax filers to go paperless and start e-filing as it is more efficient and cost-effective for both tax filers and the IRS.

    Prior to this, the IRS also made it mandatory for trucking companies that have more than 25 vehicles to e-file for the same reason, proving only one thing: that e-filing is the future of the tax industry.

    Since the IRS prefers e-filing to paper filing, the tax filing industry will continue to change. This means that here at ExpressTruckTax, as industry leaders in e-filing Truck Taxes, we are now more than ever the best and easiest way for you to file your taxes.

    If you need to go to your local IRS office for any reason, be sure to call ahead and make certain that your IRS office allows walk-in’s, or use that opportunity to make an appointment.

    For your convenience, we have listed below the IRS offices that are now by appointment only:

    • Birmingham, AL; Mobile, AL; Redding, CA; Denver, CO; Hartford, CT; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Atlanta, GA; Des Moins, IA; Boise, ID; Chicago, IL; Muncie, IN; Terre Haute, IN; Louisville, KY; Paducah, KY; Wichita, KS; Monroe, LA; Hyannis, MA; Grand Rapids, MI; Marquette, MI; Kalispell, MT; Wilmington, NC; Norfolk, NE; Cherry Hill, NJ; Albany, NY; Elmira, NY; Washington, PA; York, PA; Rapid City, SD; Nashville, TN; Austin, TX; San Angelo, TX; San Antonio, TX; Seattle, WA; Silversale, WA; Tacoma, WA; Daluth, WI; Madison, WI; Sophia, WV.

    If you need to contact your local IRS office, the IRS lists the numbers by state and city here.

    And don’t forget, if you need any help e-filing or pre-filing, we’re here for you! So if you have questions or concerns, give us a call at 704.234.6005 or send us an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24-hour support in English and Spanish.