Author: Marcela De Vivo

Three Easy Ways to Pay Your HVUT

Posted on March 3, 2015 by - 2290 IRS payment online, direct debit payment, EFTPS, Employer Identification Number, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, stamped Schedule 1, Truck Tax

Gathering the funds to pay your HVUT each year is headache enough! Sending those funds to the IRS should be the easy part.

That’s why ExpressTruckTax has gone above and beyond to make paying your heavy vehicle use taxes easy. We offer three ways to pay your taxes, and no matter which one you choose, rest assured that we’ve made it quick and simple.

Here’s the lowdown on each payment method. Choose whichever is most convenient for you!

Direct Debit

  • Also known as EFW (Electronic Funds Withdrawal), this is the fastest, easiest way to pay your HVUT, and you can only do it if you E-file!
  • EFW means the IRS will initiate a direct debit from your bank account. In order to do this, they’ll need your bank routing number and account number. Both can be located along the bottom of one of your checks. 
  • When paying with direct debit, the IRS will not process your return on a weekend or holiday, but on the next business day. For immediate processing of your return, pay by Check or Money Order (see below). 

EFTPS

  • The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System may be a mouthful, but it’s another free and convenient way to pay your HVUT. 
  • A free service provided by the US Dept. of the Treasury, you must register with this system 5-7 business days prior to your first payment. Register for free by visiting http://www.eftps.gov or by calling 1-800-555-4477. When you enroll, be sure to have your EIN, bank account, bank routing number, and address and name as they appear on IRS documents.
  • What’s so cool about EFTPS? You can schedule a business payment up to 120 days in advance. But keep in mind that you can’t schedule same-day payments. So be sure to schedule at least 1 business day prior to your tax due date!

Check or Money Order

  • This is the only way to pay if you need your stamped Schedule 1 on a weekend or holiday.
  • When paying by check or money order, you must submit a completed 2290-V Payment Voucher. Here’s the good news. ExpressTruckTax creates one for you! It’s page 5 of your completed 2290. Just detach the bottom portion, paper clip to your payment (do not staple them together!), and mail. How easy was that?!
  • “Where do I mail it to,” you ask? (Yes, I can hear your thoughts!) Instructions are on your voucher, but for the sake of convenience, here’s the address:
    Internal Revenue Service,
    P.O. Box 804525, 
    Cincinnati, OH 45280-4525

You’ll notice that a credit card is not one of the available payment options. That’s because the IRS no longer accepts tax payments via credit card. You will, however, need a credit card when E-filing to pay our $9.90 E-filing fee, so keep your card on hand!

Of course, if you need any assistance on the payment page, or along any other step of your E-filing journey, just reach out to our support team! They can help you choose which payment option suits you best. Just call 704.234.6005 or for 24/7 assistance email support@expresstrucktax.com.

7 Ways to Be Productive During a Snow Storm

Posted on February 17, 2015 by - Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, Schedule 1, Truck Tax, trucking news

Happy #TruckerTuesday, Trucking Nation!

And what an eventful Tuesday it is! For you West Coaster’s who may not know, the East coast has been hit with a huge winter storm, and our hometown of Rock Hill, SC, is currently covered in a thick sheet of ice!

We South Carolinian’s aren’t accustomed to weather like this, so at the first sign of a snow flurry, everything pauses. And since road conditions are less-than-ideal at the moment, we know a lot of you truckers are stalled too!

But just because we’re trapped inside, it doesn’t mean we can’t be productive! In fact, Snow Days are a great time to catch up on the tasks you’ve been putting off.

So resist the urge to go sledding (at least until you’ve done some “grown-up” stuff), and let’s be productive together!

If you need a little inspiration, these 7 tips will help.

1. Organize your Business Records

Amidst the every-day hustle and bustle of trucking life, it’s easy to put off (and completely forget about) keeping your compliance records and finances organized–until of course, a deadline sneaks up on you!

But this Snow Day is a chance to avoid all of the pain and stress of last-minute recordkeeping.
Take some time today to catch up on your trip sheets, and you’ll be in a much better position when the end of the 2nd IFTA quarter rolls around.

Ready to level-up your organization game? If the messy pile of receipts and papers on your desk is winning the war, consider using a business management program to de-clutter your life. There are several programs on the market designed just for truckers and fleet managers. TruckLogics, for example, has Accounting, IFTA, and Trip Sheet features to keep every aspect of your transportation business in tip-top shape.

2. E-File your Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes

While you’re taming your wild paperwork, it’s also prime time to get your heavy vehicle use taxes out of the way! All you need is 1. An WiFi or 4G connection 2. A computer, tablet, or smartphone 3. Our free iOS or Android app, and 4. Your business & vehicle information.

In 10 minutes or less, you can complete a Form 2290, a 2290 Amendment, or Form 8849, and securely submit it to the IRS and receive your new stamped Schedule 1 via email immediately. Rain, snow, sleet, or hail, you can E-file your truck taxes all the same. That’s one more thing you can check off your list!

3. Clean Your Cab

Okay, so we can’t exactly call it Spring cleaning when everything is covered in a sheet of ice, but you get the idea.

Get a few steps ahead of Mother Nature, and start cleaning out your cab, closet, junk drawer or whatever other unholy area of your living space has been neglected. Start by going through your closet and sorting clothes into three piles: Keep, Trash & Donate. If you haven’t done this in a while, be prepared to find some wild stuff!

And if you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can even do a little “nesting” once you’ve finished cleaning. Just because the cab of your truck is tiny doesn’t mean it can’t feel like home sweet home. Invest in a throw rug (it’s easier to clean & replace than your floor), hang some curtains, and make your sleeping area extra lush with a new mattress topper and fluffy pillows. For more inspiration, check out my other blog Tips for a Cozier Cab.

4. Brace Yourselves: April 15th is Coming

With less than 2 months remaining, the tax deadline will be here before you know it! And this snow storm couldn’t have come at a better time. By now, everyone should have received their 1099’s and W-2’s from their employers, so there’s no reason why you can’t file now!

Unless of course, there is a reason you don’t want to file yet…in which case, you should use this time to go ahead and file an extension with the IRS. With a program like ExpressExtension, you can quickly E-file to automatically extend your W-2 filing and 1099 filing deadline for 6 months. 

5. Break a Sweat

When it’s cold outside, it’s time to get hot inside…by working out, I mean! Ward off frostbite and keep your circulation going by trying some of these easy indoor exercises. I know what you’re thinking: “I don’t have any space in my truck,” or “I don’t have any exercise equipment on hand.”

Oh, ye of little faith! No matter where you are, you definitely have enough room to do some isometrics. Here’s an easy & effective one: Get in the driver’s seat, grip the wheel with both hands, and then try to push them toward each other for 10 seconds. Then release. After 10-20 reps, you’ll start feeling the burn!

6. Learn Something New

Don’t just exercise your body; exercise your mind! Do a crossword puzzle, play sudoku, or (dare I say it?) read a book! Even if the storm has knocked out your power, a book will still magically work in these primitive conditions! Alternatively, you can also listen to an audiobook or start learning a new language. YouTube is filled with free tutorials on every language under the sun! Become that bilingual babe you always wanted to be!

7. Recharge

This one may seem like cheating, but it’s actually quite important. While the whole world is frozen, take this opportunity to just stop and recharge yourself. You work hard every other day of the year, maybe it’s time to take a cue from Mother Nature and get some R&R.

Sleep in late, meditate, catch up with a loved one, or just have a Netflix marathon. Whatever you do, turn your brain off for just a little while and enjoy yourself. You deserve it!

(If your conscience won’t let you not work, then just do one or two things on this list first to absolve yourself of any guilt.)

Hopefully this list has inspired you to count this day as a blessing in disguise! The weather may be yucky, but there’s no need to write off today completely. You can still be a productive, upstanding citizen of the Trucking Nation! Now get to work, and most importantly, stay safe out there!

#ThrowbackThursday with our partner: the South Carolina Trucking Association

Posted on February 12, 2015 by - Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, Schedule 1, throwback Thursday, Truck Tax

It’s time for another installment of #ThrowbackThursday featuring our partners at the South Carolina Trucking Association!

The year was 1932. The place: Greenville, South Carolina.

For over a decade, truck & bus operators had been meeting in Greenville to discuss issues in the transportation industry, but on this fateful day, they decided to make it official and found the Motor Carriers Association of South Carolina.

Now known as SCTA, the organization’s first major task was overturning state legislation that favored railroad companies. 

South Carolina then had a 20,000 pound weight limit for trucks which forced companies to ship their goods via railroad up and down the east coast.

With their newly-unified voice, the trucking industry’s presence in SC was finally strong enough to overpower the influence of the railroad companies, and the legislation was overturned. Companies could now ship their goods via truck from north-to-south uninhibited.

That was the first of many battles that SCTA fought on behalf those who work in and who are dependent upon the trucking industry. Today, they have over 600 member companies; some are large national corporations, but most are small, family-owned businesses–just like us!

That’s why we’re so proud to be partnered with SCTA. We too are dedicated to helping owner-operators and small fleets in our home state of South Carolina by providing them with the most affordable and easy-to-use E-filing program that money can buy!

With this partnership, SCTA members will have easy access to our E-filing solutions through the member site SCTA2290.com.

Check out the training video we made for SCTA members! Account manager Patti will walk you through how easy it is to E-file a Form 2290 with ExpressTruckTax.

  • Step 1: Create an account and choose which form you’d like to E-file (we offer Form 2290, 2290 Amendments, Form 8849, and more). Then enter your business name, contact info, and EIN.
  • Step 2: Enter the vehicle’s first-used month, followed by it’s VIN, gross weight, and whether it is used for logging or agriculture.
  • Step 3: Finally, choose from three convenient payment methods and securely transmit your return!

Through the portal, SCTA members will enjoy all of the perks our ExpressTruckTax users enjoy. Not only do our E-filers receive their stamped Schedule 1 via email just minutes after filing, but they also get free VIN corrections for any return E-filed with us, as well as unlimited free access to our stellar support team!

From our hometown of Rock Hill, we provide 24/7 support in English and Spanish. Just call us (704.234.6005), message us on live chat, or email us at support@expresstrucktax.com.

From all of us here at ExpressTruckTax: Welcome, SCTA members, to the ExpressTruckTax family! It’s an honor to serve our fellow South Carolinians. Whenever you need us, you can count on us being there!

Instant Notifications on Your 2290’s Status: Only with ExpressTruckTax

Posted on February 10, 2015 by - Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, Schedule 1, Schedule 1 notification, VIN Corrections

Biting your nails, pulling your hair, refreshing the page over and over as you wait for approval from the IRS. That’s no way to spend your down time!

The days of logging into your account repeatedly (or worse- waiting for the mail carrier!) to bring you word from the IRS are over. 
When you E-file with ExpressTruckTax, there’s no guesswork and no stress. As soon as you hit “transmit,” you can rest assured knowing you’ll receive a notification the instant your return is processed.

In fact, there’s 4 convenient ways to stay up-to-date on the status of your return.

4 Instant Notifications

  • Email: This one is automatic. All of our E-filers receive an email the moment the return has been processed by the IRS. If your return is accepted, you’ll receive an email with your new stamped Schedule 1 attached. If your return was rejected, you’ll receive an email with instructions for how to fix it. (And as a bonus, VIN corrections are free to E-file with us too!)
  • Text: From the payment options page, enter a phone number of your choosing to receive a text alert when your return has been accepted. You will not, however, receive your stamped Schedule 1 via text, but that can be retrieved by logging into your account at any time.
  • Fax: To receive a hard copy of your Form 2290 and stamped Schedule 1, simply enter a fax number on the payment page. And it doesn’t even have to be your fax. Fax it to your accountant, your carrier, or your home office–or all of the above if you like!
  • Postal Mail: No printer? No fax machine? Then opt for the postal mail delivery to get a hard copy of your 2290 and stamped Schedule 1 sent straight to your door. We’ll mail it out same day if your return is accepted by the IRS.


Retrieve a Return–Anywhere, Anytime

If you should ever lose your stamped Schedule 1 or need a hard copy, just login to your account. All returns E-filed with ExpressTruckTax can be viewed, downloaded, and printed from the Dashboard of your account. You can also fax a previous 2290 or Schedule 1 to as many fax machines as you like, and it’s free too!

This is just one of the many ways ExpressTruckTax works to make your life easier. Taxes are arduous enough without adding the stress of the unknown on top of it. With us, you’ll always know where you stand and what you need to do next.

But just in case you don’t, you can contact the support team for speedy answers to all of your questions. We’re available via phone at 704.234.6005. You can also chat with us online or get 24/7 email support at support@expresstrucktax.com, in English or in Spanish! 

Everything You’ve Ever Wondered about the Stamped Schedule 1

Posted on February 6, 2015 by - Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, Schedule 1, Truck Tax

The IRS E-filing watermark.

So small, so faint– and yet– it makes all the difference. Without this watermark stamp on your Schedule 1, that piece of paper loses all of its power.

And it is powerful. You see, the stamped Schedule 1 is your proof that you filed and paid your annual heavy vehicle use tax for all of the vehicles listed on the schedule.

Without that proof, you cannot renew your tags at the DMV, or renew your registration for IFTA, IRP or UCR, and of course, you have no proof that you paid your taxes either, which will certainly cause trouble if you are ever audited.

Moreover, it’s always a good idea to carry a copy in your glovebox, especially if you traverse international borders (i.e. to Canada and back). Border patrol will check that you have a current stamped Schedule 1 before allowing you back in the United States.

Thank goodness ExpressTruckTax makes it easy to retrieve a Schedule 1 for any return E-filed with us. Whenever you need it, and wherever you are. And every time you E-file a new Form 2290, you’ll receive your new stamped Schedule 1 via email immediately after the IRS accepts your return.

  • Pro Tip: To receive your stamped Schedule 1 on a night, weekend, or holiday, simply elect to pay your HVUT via check or money order. The IRS will then accept your return and send you the stamped copy right away even though the payment has not been received. 

The Elusive E-filing Watermark

So here’s the first, most important thing to note when receiving a Schedule 1: does it have the IRS E-filing watermark? The watermark will be very faintly stamped in the middle of your Schedule 1, and beneath it you’ll see the date the IRS accepted your return.

Without this stamp, the return is not valid.

Here’s a sample of what a stamped Schedule 1 should look like. Of course, yours will have your business information and VIN #’s on it too.


Ways to Get Your New Stamped Schedule 1

  • We will automatically email the stamped Schedule 1 to you upon acceptance, but if you’d like a paper copy, we can arrange that as well. We offer postal mail delivery of your Form 2290 with the stamped Schedule 1. Just be sure to indicate you’d like postal delivery on the payment page.
  • You can also choose to fax the Schedule 1 to as many numbers as you’d like. This way, you can fax one to yourself, one to your carrier, and so on. 

Retrieving a Stamped Schedule 1

  • Uh oh! You lost your stamped Schedule 1? No biggie. You can login to your ExpressTruckTax account at any time and view, download, or print a Form 2290 and stamped Schedule 1 right from the Dashboard. For free!
  • Already submitted your return, but you’d like to fax your Schedule 1? That’s also possible, and free! Just head to your Dashboard, and enter as many fax numbers as you need.

I don’t know about you, but all of this sounds a lot better than paper-filing your return and waiting weeks to receive your new Stamped Schedule 1 in the mail! And then what happens when you spill coffee on it? Well, I guess you’ll just have to cry yourself to sleep.

So what are you waiting for? Those returns aren’t going to E-file themselves! Get started now, and if you have questions, just shout out to our Support Team. They’re available via phone at 704.234.6005. You can also send them a message through online chat, or get 24/7 email support at support@expresstrucktax.com.

IFTA Filing Do’s & Don’ts: Part 2 Avoiding an Audit

Posted on January 27, 2015 by - 4th Quarter IFTA, Expresstrucktax.com, IFTA, IFTA Records, trucking news

With just 4 days left to file 4th Quarter IFTA returns, it’s crunch time. Right about now, all of the IFTA procrastinators out there are starting to panic and hastily fill in their returns. (No judgement, truckers have way too much on their plates!)

If you happen to fall into this category, then slooooow doooown. The last thing you want is to quickly fill in your return and submit it with the mistakes below, all of which are red flags for IFTA auditors.

As it is, each IFTA jurisdiction is required to audit 3% of its registrants each year, and if you commit one or more of these IFTA sins, you’re greatly increasing your chances of becoming part of that dreaded 3%.

Before you make a mistake that could cost you your business, take a few seconds to make sure you’re avoiding these IFTA errors.

Avoiding IFTA Audits

  • DO: Make sure your trip sheets have continuity from the trip’s starting location to the destination. Every jurisdiction between the start and end points should be included.
  • DON’T: Submit a trip sheet with non-continuous jurisdictions. Unfortunately, your truck cannot teleport from New Jersey to Ohio, and IFTA auditors know it.
  • DO: Record all personal and non-taxable mileage. 
  • DON’T: Forget that your end-of-day miles to a restaurant or lodging still need to be recorded. If you don’t, then your end of day location won’t match your beginning of day location, which is known as a gap in mileage.
  • DO: Record your exact fuel use and milage. Then use these numbers to calculate your MPG each quarter.
  • DON’T: Do the reverse, which is to calculate your fuel use by dividing your mileage by a set MPG. This is cheating! For one, your MPG will fluctuate naturally based on road conditions and an infinite number of other variables, so you cannot assume it will always be the same. These kinds of over-simplified fuel calculations are huge red flags to IFTA auditors.
  • DO: Keep an eye on your MPG. If your MPG changes drastically from quarter to quarter, there needs to be a reason, like a change in your vehicle, your operations, or your load type & weight. 
  • DON’T: Submit a return with a MPG below 5 or above 10. If your MPG is outside this range, there is likely an error in your recordkeeping or calculations. IFTA auditors know this, which is why many states won’t accept your return until your MPG falls in this range.
  • DO: Follow the tips for recordkeeping that we covered in Part 1. Keeping precise trip sheets will help you avoid all of the above errors.
  • DON’T: Get lazy with your documentation. Your business depends on complying with IFTA filing requirements, so use a program like TruckLogics to keep your trip sheets organized and up-to-date everyday.
  • DO: Be proactive and file on-time. The best way to do this is by using a program like ExpressIFTA which calculates the taxes and fills in the return for you. 
  • DON’T: Wait until the last minute and then rush to fill in your return the night before. Obviously, this leads to mistakes, which lead to audits. If you’re that pressed for time, have a processing service like Truck Services of North America file your quarterly IFTA return. They prepare your return based on your trip sheets, and then submit it directly to your base jurisdiction. And since they’re IFTA Pro’s, they know to avoid all of the red flags above.
  • DO: Remain calm & cooperate if you are selected for audit. Original documentation for the past 12 quarters should be kept in your base jurisdiction for the auditor to access.
  • DON’T: Avoid the auditor’s phone calls, shred your documents, or flee to Costa Rica. The 4-year retention requirement for documentation will be extended indefinitely until you cooperate. This means that legally they can keep coming after you with no statute of limitations. And the less you cooperate, the more likely you’ll face steep penalties, or worse, revocation of your IFTA license. 

Ready to get started? Whether you need help creating an ExpressIFTA account, or you have questions about having a processing service prepare your return for you, call us and we can give you advice or connect you to someone you can trust.

We’re available 8-6 pm EST at 704.234.6005 or on live chat. Or for 24/7 assistance, just email us at support@expresstrucktax.com. With the deadline looming so close, it’s nice to know that you can reach out for help at all hours of the night. When crisis strikes, the Support Team will be ready for you!

Ready for More? Check out Part 1, chock-full of Tips for IFTA Recordkeeping!

IFTA Filing Do’s & Dont’s: Part 1

Posted on January 20, 2015 by - 4th Quarter IFTA, Expresstrucktax.com, IFTA, IFTA Records, trucking news

There’s just 10 days until 4th Quarter IFTA reports are due.

Are you ready? If you’re trying to get your act together at the last minute, then ExpressTruckTax can help you prepare your return, quickly & correctly– all while keeping your sanity in tact!

We’ve got do’s & don’ts for IFTA record-keeping & return preparation. So please do avoid these don’ts (and don’t ignore these do’s) to ensure IFTA-filing success!

IFTA Recordkeeping Do’s & Don’ts

  • DO: Record fuel use and fuel purchases every day. Your records should include the amount and type of fuel purchased, the name & address of the gas station, the cost per gallon, total of the sale, and the original receipt.
  • DON’T: Assume you can recreate a record of your fuel transactions later using your pile of receipts. If a receipt goes missing, you’ll have no way of knowing without a fuel record to check against.
  • DO: Keep all original fuel receipts in good condition for at least three years after the close of the quarter.
  • DON’T: Wrinkle or write on your receipts. If they’re stashed in the crevices of your cab or mashed into a shoebox, it’s time to buy an accordion file folder.

  • DO: Maintain accurate distance records including your mileage per jurisdiction, the routes you took, and any detours or out-of-route mileage accrued.
  • DON’T: Record your estimated mileage for a trip as your actual mileage. Not only will this leave out personal miles you drive (to the grocery store, etc), but it’s also likely that in the course of your trip, you will deviate from the route your estimate was based upon. Detours happen. Record them all. 

  • DO: Use a program like TruckLogics to keep precise trip sheets. Be sure to update them daily.
  • DON’T: Wait until the end of the quarter to fill in your trip sheets. This leads to imprecise records and to red flags that could trigger an IFTA audit. 

Preparing your Return: Do’s & Don’ts

  • DO: Use ExpressIFTA to prepare your return faster than ever before, and with way less work than you’re used to.

    With ExpressIFTA, you simply input your fuel use and mileage, and then kick back while the program calculates your tax and MPG for you. And the perks don’t stop there. Not only will it perform all calculations, but it will also plug all of the numbers into a completed IFTA return appropriate for your state.

    Pro Tip: If you use an IFTA-approved GPS that records your trip sheets, you can import that information and use it to create your return. 
    After importing or entering your mileage and fuel use, all you’ll need to do is print the return– and mail it, of course (and they even include instructions on how to do it).

      • DON’T: Waste your time calculating your tax and tediously filling in a long and scary IFTA return. Hair pulling, insomnia, and loss of sanity are all common side effects.

      And here’s one last DO for you! DO call the ExpressTruckTax team for help filing your 4th Quarter IFTA returns. They’re available in our sunny hometown of Rock Hill, 24/7, and they’d be happy to walk you through the ExpressIFTA set up.

      Call them at 704.234.6005, message them on live chat, or email them at support@expresstrucktax.com. No matter how you get in contact, you’re guaranteed the support experience of a lifetime!

      Check out Part 2 for Tips to Avoid an IFTA Audit. You don’t want to miss this! 


      For Tips on HVUT Recordkeeping, mosey over to:

      • HVUT Recordkeeping Requirements

      Free VIN Corrections: Only with ExpressTruckTax

      Posted on January 15, 2015 by - 2290 Amendment, 2290 Free VIN Correction, Form 2290 corrections, VIN Corrections

      Hola, Trucking Nation! Did you know that ExpressTruckTax offers completely FREE VIN Corrections?

      But only if your return was originally E-filed with us. It’s just one more perk we offer our returning guests.

      But even if you didn’t file with us originally, you can still E-file a Form 2290 Amendment quickly and affordably with ExpressTruckTax.

      And it’s easy to do, too. After all, we’re ExpressTruckTax. That’s how we roll!

      When E-filing a Form 2290 Amendment for a VIN Correction, you’ll follow the same simple three steps you use when E-filing any of our IRS Forms. And once you’re finished, you’ll receive your new, correct stamped Schedule 1 via email in just minutes!

      Let’s run through the process, and then get E-filing!

      Step 1: Create an Account or Log Back In

      • Once you’re logged into your account, click “Start” under Form 2290 Amendments.
      • Then select which Amendment you’d like to file. In this case, choose VIN correction (we also offer amendments for vehicle weight increase & exceeding the mileage limit). 


      Step 2: Make the Correction

      • Select whether you’d like to correct a return E-filed with us, or one filed elsewhere.
      • Next enter the vehicle’s first-used month.
      • Then select Add VIN Correction, and enter the vehicle’s originally-reported VIN (the incorrect one). Then enter the gross weight, check whether the vehicle is taxable or suspended, and then enter the new, correct VIN.
      • To correct the VIN of more than one vehicle, click “Save and Add Another.” If you’re correcting only one, just Save and done!

      Step 3: Review & Submit

      • Before submitting your information to the IRS, be sure to check for errors one last time (wouldn’t want to file another amendment now, would we!). Our Instant Audit will also scan your return for gaps and errors. 
      • Now just hit the big, green TRANSMIT button to securely submit your VIN correction, and then kick back and wait for IRS approval. 

      Your new and improved stamped Schedule 1 will be sent to you the second the IRS accepts your correction. Most users receive theirs in 10 minutes.

      If you chose to receive additional notifications, you’ll receive those asap too. You can even elect to have your return faxed or mailed to your carrier, home office, or accountant–whatever is convenient for you!

      Need help E-filing your Amendment? Just ask one of our Support Team! They’re available in our sunny hometown of Rock Hill, SC, 24/7 to ensure you have a smooth E-filing experience. Ring them at 704.234.6005 or email them 24/7 at support@expresstrucktax.com.

      E-Filing HVUT for Tax Professionals: A Guide

      Posted on January 13, 2015 by - Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, Form 8453 EX, HVUT, Tax Professional

      Hello again, Tax Pro’s of the Trucking Nation! We’re back again with a blog just for you. Last time we covered Creating a Tax Professional Account with ExpressTruckTax, step-by-step.

      Not only is it free to set-up, but it’s fast and easy too. With Bulk Upload options for businesses, as well as trucks, you’ll be ready to hit the ground E-filing in just minutes.

      Which is the topic for today! We’ll walkthrough the E-filing process for third party designees (that’s you).

      You’ll notice again that every step of the way, we’ve incorporated shortcuts to make the E-filing process quick and painless.


      Step 1: Select First-Used Month

      From the dropdown menu, choose the month in which the vehicle was purchased or first put in use. If you’re E-filing for a previous year, indicate this by checking the appropriate tax year.

      Step 2: Add Taxable Vehicles

      You have three options here for adding vehicles to the return. The first option is manual entry. Click
      +Add Taxable Vehicle and enter the vehicle’s VIN and gross weight. Option 2, use our Bulk Upload button to import hundreds or thousands of vehicles at once.

      Or the third option is selecting vehicles from Truck Zone. This option only works if you previously imported your client’s vehicles. If you have, then they’ll be saved in Truck Zone. Just check the box next to the ones you’d like to E-file for, and they’ll be magically added to the return.

      At this stage, you also have the opportunity to add Suspended Vehicles (those that travel fewer than 5,000 miles during the tax year or 7,500 miles for agricultural vehicles), as well as Prior Year Suspended and Sold/Lost/Destroyed vehicles. The process for adding these vehicles is the same as above.

      Step 3: IRS Payment

      Believe it or not, the hard part is over! (I know what you’re thinking: What hard part?!)

      On this screen, enter your client’s payment information. Your client can pay the IRS taxes via EFW (Direct Debit), EFTPS, or by Check or Money Order.

      If they choose to pay by check or money order, our system will automatically generate the payment voucher that the IRS requires with the payment. Another way we save you and your business precious seconds.

      Step 4: Review & Instant Audit

      It’s time to review your information one last time before securely transmitting it to the IRS. Check over each field, and then click the green “Review” button at the bottom of the page. Our system will then perform our signature Instant Audit to scan the return for errors.

      Once you’ve got the green light, you’re almost done.

      Step 5: Pay our Fee & Add Notifications for Clients

      Time to enter your credit card details to pay our E-filing fee. But there’s a shortcut here too! If you get set-up on one of our payment plans for Tax Professionals, you’ll not only have access to discounted pricing, you’ll also be able to skip this payment screen, saving you time each time you E-file.

      To learn more about our Price Packages, check out this blog or call one of our Account Managers at 704.234.6005.

      Another time saving feature that’s–available you can elect to add text, fax, or postal mail notifications on the status of the return. Rather than call or email your clients to let them know you’ve filed, just enter their fax number, and we’ll fax them a copy of the return and stamped Schedule 1 the second the return is accepted.



      Step 6: Form 8453-EX (Optional)

      Last, but not least, the Form 8453-EX. This step is optional. If you previously entered a current Form

      2848 for this client (Power of Attorney), then you will skip this step.

      If you don’t have Power of Attorney on file with the IRS, then you can quickly get authorization to file for each client by completing Form 8453-EX instead. If you’re unfamiliar with this form, check out this video.

      As yet another time-saving feature, our system will automatically generate a completed 8453 for you. To complete the authorization process:
      • 1. Review the 8453 PDF to ensure the info we entered is correct. 
      • 2. Download, email, or fax the form to your client.
      • 3. Once your client has signed and returned the form to you, upload it into our system.

      Now you’re ready to press the big, green TRANSMIT button and bask in your victory. Ah, the smell of success. Or is that coffee? I can’t tell anymore.

      In just a few moments, you’ll receive an email with the client’s stamped Schedule 1, as well as any other notifications you added for you or your client.

      5 steps in 5 minutes or less. Are you ready to start E-filing? Don’t forget to set-up a discounted price package first to reap the benefits of CPA savings. Contact your personal account manager for details.

      Don’t have an account manager yet? Call 704.234.6005 or email support@expresstrucktax.com to get connected today.

      Make the Switch: 10 Reasons to Ditch Paper Filing

      Posted on January 5, 2015 by - 2290 Amendment, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, Form 8849, HVUT, Schedule 1, Truck Tax

      It’s the dawn of a New Year, Trucking Nation! This new beginning is the perfect time to start fresh and commit to news ways of making 2015 the best year yet. 

      How many resolutions did you make? Now ask yourself this: how many have you already broken? It’s easy to get discouraged when we trip up, but to keep yourself motivated, it’s important to set some goals that are easily attainable.

      Here’s one improvement you can make, and it’s super easy too! Have you Made the Switch yet?

      I mean, have you ditched dirty old paper filing and started E-filing your truck taxes? Whether you have one vehicle or hundreds to file for, ExpressTruckTax is hands down the fastest, most affordable way to E-file Form 2290 (or 2290 Amendments & Form 8849 for credits).

      You’ll not only save time this year when you file, but every single year after that. In fact, the benefits of E-filing over paper filing are nearly endless. But to narrow it down, here are the Top 10 reasons to cut out paper filing and start E-filing, baby!

      Top 10 Reasons to Make the Switch

      • 1. No lines: In fact, there’s no waiting. Period. Just instant gratification!

        Why wait in line at the IRS office when you can E-file from the comfort of your cab, in a coffee shop, or just about anywhere else you can get an internet connection?

        And don’t forget the time and gas you spend driving to the office. In fact, we have customers who since making the switch no longer have to set aside an entire day to drive hundreds of miles to the nearest IRS office! Score.

      • 2. More Secure: Far too often, you’ll see headlines about truckers being scammed on taxes, insurance, or any number of things.

        Luckily with ExpressTruckTax, you can E-file with confidence. As an IRS-certified E-file provider with several other industry-leading E-filing products on the market, you can rest assured that your information is safe. It travels from our encrypted site straight to the IRS servers. Don’t take my word for it–Just ask any one of the hundreds of thousands who’ve E-filed with us.

      • 3. Zero Calculations: Perhaps my favorite reason to E-file, no math required! As someone that avoids unnecessary math like the plague, I love that ExpressTruckTax does all of the calculations for me, no calculator needed!

        Not only does our program calculate the amount of HVUT due per vehicle, but it will also prorate reimbursements or tax owed for new vehicles acquired during the tax year. What’s the alternative? Breaking out a partial period tax table and figuring it out yourself?! PASS. I’ll stick with E-filing, thank you very much!

      • 4. Fewer Errors: It’s a fact. E-filed returns have fewer errors than paper-filed ones! It’s not just because we do the calculations for you, it’s also because we check your return with our Instant Audit before you submit it.

        If there’s an error, chances are our system will catch it for you. Maybe that’s why 98% of returns E-filed with us are accepted by the IRS instantly. Not to brag or anything.

      • 5. No Snail Mail: Not that we have anything against postal workers, it’s just that the Internet is faster. When you E-file, you’ll know in minutes whether or not your return was accepted by the IRS.

        Personally, I prefer that sense of security as opposed to sending my sensitive information out into the void, not to get a response for weeks. Which leads me to my next point, your return is accepted right away, which means you also…

      • 6. Receive Your Stamped Schedule 1 Immediately: Most users have their stamped Schedule 1 within 10 minutes of transmitting their returns. Even better, the second the IRS has stamped it, we’ll email you a copy.

        You can also elect to have us mail you a copy if you don’t have a printer, or you can even fax it to your carrier–or any other number of your choosing!

      • 7. Eco-Friendly: No driving, no postal mail, no paper! What could be more eco-friendly than that? The carbon footprint is nearly non-existent. Mother Earth will thank you.
      • 8. Free Support–All Day, Every Day: Maybe the best reason to E-file with us. You get free, 24/7, 365 access to our Support Heroes. When you have a question or crisis, you can count on them to be there to help.

        And unlike some companies that hire seasonal help, our support heroes are full-time support beasts! Offering truck tax support is all they do, all year. They know truck tax, they know the industry. Who else would you want answering your questions?

      • 9. Save Time Filing, Year After Year: If you only file truck taxes once a year, you may think saving time filing only once isn’t too big of a deal. But with ExpressTruckTax, you’ll save time every time you E-file. In fact, the more you E-file with us, the more time you save!

        Returning users have two ways of saving time. By using Truck Zone, you can quickly search for and add vehicles to your return without having to re-enter VIN, gross weight, etc. Or for the ultimate time-saving experience, you can copy a previous year’s return. This will auto-complete all fields, but still allow you to edit the return if any details have changed. Whichever method you choose, you can E-file in 5 minutes or less. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

      • 10. Organized & Accessible Tax Records: If the IRS comes knockin’, you won’t have to shake in your boots. With ExpressTruckTax, you have access to all returns and Schedule 1’s filed with us from the Dashboard of your account. You can view, download, or email this information whenever you need it. No worries about your tax information getting lost, destroyed, or crumpled up in a drawer. 

      Still not convinced? A picture is worth a thousand words, so here’s a before and after of Sir Charles. E-filing suits him, as it does you.

      For these reasons and many more, it’s time to Make the Switch. Start your New Year on the right foot, and resolve to do something better for you, for your business, and for the environment.

      Ready to set up an account? The process is free and easy, just check out this step-by-step guide. Or call our Support Heroes, and they’ll walk you through it. Ring them at 704.234.6005, strike up a live online chat, or email them 24/7 at support@expresstrucktax.com.

      ~Happy New Year!~