Category: 2290

The Countdown Is On! It’s Almost Form 2290 HVUT Deadline Day

Posted on August 26, 2016 by Marcela De Vivo - 2290, countdown, deadline, due date, Form, Form 2290, form 2290 due date, heavy vehicle use tax, HVUT, Mobile App

The Countdown Is On! It’s Almost Form 2290 Deadline Day

We know it’s all we’ve talked about for a while, but the HVUT deadline is kind of a big deal around ExpressTruckTax offices.
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Instead of wasting your time, we’re going to just hit the highlights in this post! The deadline is coming!

The Due Date

Well, we’re almost there. Just a few days until we hit the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Form 2290 deadline.

So just a reminder once again, the 2290 truck tax due date is August 31st, 2016!

There’s Still Time!

Thankfully, you still have time to e-file truck tax form 2290.

When you go to e-file form 2290 online for 2016-2017, make sure you have access to all of your important records.

If you’re a little unsure about how to file, watch this video:

If you’re going to e-file using our mobile app, here’s what you need to know:

Most importantly, know that we’re here to answer your questions about e-filing Heavy Vehicle Use Tax return Form 2290. If you have any issues e-filing this next week, reach out to us by email at support@ExpressTruckTax.com or by phone at 704.234.6005.

Related Blog: The Due Date Cometh: August 31 is the 2290 Tax Deadline

3 Reasons Why Your IRS Form 2290 Was Rejected

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Marcela De Vivo - 2290, duplicate filing, e-file, e-file 2290, EFW, EIN, Form, Form 2290, Form 2290 Rejections, IRS, irs 2290, IRS form 2290, irs rejection, reasons, routing transit number rejection, RTN

3 Reasons why your IRS Form 2290 was Rejected

Thousands of truckers across the country are getting ready to e-file their Heavy Vehicle Use Tax return Form 2290, hoping to just press transmit and be done with it all.

But what happens when you e-file truck tax Form 2290 only to find out it was later REJECTED by the IRS? The last thing you want to find out is about a rejected 2290 on the truck tax due date!

Thankfully, when you e-file with ExpressTruckTax, you get unlimited re-filing for rejected returns.

Today, we’re going to examine why your 2290 may be rejected.

Rejected Because of EIN

Sometimes, filers will find that their Employer Identification Number is the source of their rejection.

This can sometimes happen if the EIN that you entered doesn’t match the EIN the IRS has on record.

If that’s the case, you need to contact the IRS directly to find out what information they have in their system.

If you have a brand new EIN, it will take on average about 10 business days for the EIN to register in the IRS system for you to e-file.

If you try to e-file your 2290 the same day that you receive your EIN, it will be rejected and the reason will be the “EIN does not match business name”.

After your new EIN is registered in the IRS system, you can simply re-transmit your 2290 return (for free) and it should be accepted as long as there aren’t any more errors.

Rejected Because of Duplicate Filing

Your 2290 can only be accepted by the IRS one time. If you receive this particular rejection, it means your 2290 has already been filed and confirmed by the IRS.

The good part about this rejection, is that it requires no fix because your return has already been filed!

Rejected for Routing Issues

If you face a Routing Transit Number Rejection, it has to do with your payment. If you paid using the Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW) option, a bank routing number is required.

If the wrong information was entered for your routing number, your 2290 will be rejected. You can correct the routing and re-transmit to the IRS and should receive confirmation of acceptance in only a few minutes.

Note: If you entered the incorrect routing number or bank account number and the return is accepted, it is up to you to contact the IRS to resolve the issue. For best practices, always double check your numbers before transmitting your return to the IRS.

Hopefully, you’ll have a good experience e-filing Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Form 2290. The deadline is fast approaching, so be ready!

Note: The deadline to e-file Form 2290 online for 2016-2017 is August 31.

If you have any questions about rejected returns, you can reach our customer support experts at 704.234.6005.

Are There Penalties If I Don’t File Form 2290 HVUT?

Posted on August 23, 2016 by Marcela De Vivo - 2290, Federal Heavy Highway Use tax, Form 2290, form 2290 penalty, HVUT, HVUT Penalties, late fees, penalties

Are There Penalties For Not Filing HVUT Form 2290

The Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Form 2290 deadline is approaching.

Have no fear, though. You still have plenty of time to file. But what happens if you miss the 2290 truck tax due date?

You may face some penalties if you don’t file Form 2290 online for 2016-2017.

About HVUT Form 2290

The Heavy Vehicle Use Tax is a tax form that is required to be filed by truckers in order to help with the maintenance and upkeep of public roads and highways.

Once a trucker files their Form 2290, they will receive a stamped Schedule 1 which serves as a proof of payment for your taxes.

Why Should You File Form 2290?

You don’t want to get parked, so you need to keep your tax forms up to date!

While tax forms can be irritating, by complying with the tax code you stay on the road, allowing you to earn yourself a living. Can’t argue with that.

The HVUT Penalties for Not Filing and Late Filing

What are the HVUT penalties if you don’t e-file truck tax Form 2290?

The penalty for failing to file IRS HVUT Form 2290 by August 31st is equal to 4.5 percent of the total tax due, assessed on a monthly basis up to five months.

Late filers not making an HVUT payment also face an additional monthly penalty equal to 0.5 percent of total tax due.

There are additional interest charges of 0.54 percent per month that accrue as well.

The 2290 Truck Tax Due Date

The due date for 2016-2017 Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes is August 31st.

How Can We Help?

With live, local customer support offered from our offices in Rock Hill, South Carolina, you know you have a real person ready to answer your questions. Plus, we offer 24/7 email support that you can always seek out in a pinch.

Avoid the deadline and e-file today!

5 Simple Steps to File Form 2290

Posted on July 15, 2016 by Marcela De Vivo - 2290, E-file HVUT, Employer Identification Number, excise tax form, Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax, Form 2290, how to e-file form 2290, Vehicle Identification Number

5 Simple Steps to File Form 2290

As we keep rolling through truck tax season, we’ve had a few callers ask us to go through the e-filing system step-by-step.

So we’re gonna break things down real quick, and show you that you can e-file Form 2290 in 5 easy steps!

First Step – Login

The first step for any truck tax filer is to create their account—of course, if they’ve filed with us before, they can just sign in.

It’s easy, it only takes a moment, and it’s FREE. We won’t charge you a single cent for creating your account! You only pay once you’ve e-filed using our service, which won’t take too long, thankfully.

Second Step – Information

On your second step, you enter your business information. This includes your name and your Employer Information Number (EIN), which you need to make sure you know.

Pro Tip: Did you know you can e-file 2290 directly from the ExpressTruckTax App?

Third Step – Details

Now you need to enter your tax year and first used month for the vehicle(s) you are filing for. The tax year for IRS Form 2290 starts July 1 of each year and ends on June 30 of the following year.

You file Form 2290 based on the first used month of the vehicle. For example, if your vehicle was first used on public highways in September, you have until October 31 to file your 2290.

After that, enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and the taxable gross weight of the vehicle you are filing for. You can also select if your vehicle is used for any special purposes, such as for agricultural use or logging.

Fourth Step – Payment

As we calculate the taxes on your 2290, make sure you’re familiar with the IRS payment options available to pay the IRS for your HVUT, including:

Direct Debit or Electronic Funds Withdrawal
Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)
Check or Money Order

Fifth Step – Transmit

Before we transmit, we’ll check over your form to make sure it’s clear of any basic errors. On your end, double check the summary to be sure that your business and vehicle information are correct. Once your payment information has been entered, your return is ready to be transmitted to the IRS. Simply add your electronic signature and transmit!

Secret Final Step – Celebrate

A few moments after you file, you’ll get your 2290 Schedule 1. With that in hand, you can go out and celebrate. If you have some vacation time, that is. If not, at least you’ll be roadworthy!

If you have any questions about filing your excise taxes, please reach out to us and let us know! Our dedicated customer service team is waiting by the phones and checking their inbox, ready to help you!

Related Blog: 5 Ways to Get Help E-Filing Your 2290

The Advantages of E-Filing Heavy Vehicle Taxes

Posted on June 21, 2016 by Marcela De Vivo - 2290, 2290 online, 2290 Schedule 1, 2290 tax form, e file irs 2290, e-file 2290, e-file 2290 online, Form 2290, Form 2290 Online, irs 2290, IRS form 2290, Schedule 1, stamped Schedule 1

Advantages of E-Filing Heavy Vehicle Taxes

Are you ready to e-file form 2290 – better known as your 2290?

Well, you better be because tax season is here and you need to get that stamped Schedule 1 before the IRS madness sets in.

So what are you waiting for? E-file your 2290 with ExpressTruckTax and get your stamped schedule 1 on July 1st.

You heard it right!

When you e-file with us we’ll be sure that you get all of your needed forms to (and from) the IRS before the rush.

And besides, wouldn’t it be great to not have to worry about your IRS 2290 until next July?

Get Started!

Worried that completing your 2290 might be difficult? Don’t be!

ExpressTruckTax is here to guide you step-by-step through the filing process so you can get your stamped Schedule 1 and get back on the road.

Ready to get started? If you don’t previously have an ExpressTruckTax account, register with us. Already have an account? Just sign in!

Get E-Filing!

Now that you’re all signed in, let’s get to filing your Form 2290!

ExpressTruckTax will walk you through the process of completing your form, and we’ll check to make sure it’s accurate before sending it off to the IRS.

So quit waiting around! E-file your 2290 with ExpressTruckTax today and forget worrying about it until next July.

Need any assistance give the experts at ExpressTruckTax a call, send them a quick chat or an email. They’d be glad to help!

Related Blog: What’s the Deal with the Stamped Schedule 1?

What are the Requirements for IRS Form 2290?

Posted on June 21, 2016 by Marcela De Vivo - 2290, e-Filing, EIN, Employer Identification Number, Form 2290, Form 2290 Online, heavy vehicle use tax, HVUT, IRS, irs 2290, Vehicle Identification Number, VIN, VIN Corrections

Requirements for IRS Form 2290 E File

It’s almost truck tax time, Trucking Nation.

Which means you need to know the requirements to e-file IRS Form 2290.

Don’t worry, we have you covered. You simply need your taxable vehicle information, employer ID numbers, and the correct vehicle identification numbers.

Taxable Vehicle Information

What makes a taxable vehicle… taxable? A highway motor vehicle includes any self-propelled vehicle designed to carry a load over public highways and roadways, and can be designed for additional functions, as well.

A vehicle consists of a chassis and body, but excludes the load. No matter what the vehicle is designed for — whether it’s a highway passenger transportation vehicle or a designed special kind of cargo, there will need to be a 2290 filed for it.

Employer ID Numbers

An Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, is used to identify a business entity. Generally, businesses need an EIN.

You need an EIN to file Form 2290. You can apply online to receive your EIN. If the customer has recently applied and received EIN from the IRS, it takes about 15 days to get into the e-file system. If you e-file your 2290 during this period, the IRS will reject the filing.

Correct Vehicle Identification Numbers

Another important requirement for Form 2290 is your vehicle identification number. Your VIN identifies the individual truck you are e-filing your HVUT 2290 for.

Unfortunately, the VIN is a string of numbers and letters—which means plenty of people get them wrong come tax time! Hey, we can’t blame you.

The good news is, we offer FREE Form 2290 VIN corrections!

When it comes time to e-file, you know that ExpressTruckTax is here for you! We’re ready to help you with our safe, secure software, user friendly features, and our dedicated, US-based customer support team.

Related Blog: 5 Ways to Get Help E-Filing Your 2290

Pre-File Heavy Highway Use Tax for 2016-17 with our Mobile App

Posted on June 15, 2016 by Marcela De Vivo - 2290, e-file, ExpressTruckTax app, Form 2290, Form 2290 Online, heavy vehicle use tax, HVUT, IRS, irs 2290, pre-file, pre-file 2290, pre-file form 2290, pre-file irs, Pre-filing, stamped Schedule 1

Pre-File HVUT 2290 from Mobile App

Mobile Filing

Have you met the ExpressTruckTax mobile app? It’s the fastest and easiest way to stay out on the road and e-file Form 2290! The app is available for both iOS and Android, and can even alert you that your return was accepted with a push notification. Check out the ExpressTruckTax Mobile app today!

How Easy is E-Filing Form 2290?

In order to e-file form 2290, you need to follow these four steps. Be warned – they’re super easy.

E Filing Form 2290

Create your account.
Enter your business and truck information.
Transmit to the IRS.
Get your stamped Schedule 1 (it’s your proof of payment).

Whoever said it was difficult to e-file your heavy vehicle use taxes?

What’s up with the Stamped Schedule 1?

When you e-file your 2290 with ExpressTruckTax, the IRS receives your payment and checks your return with their database.

After they receive your 2290, the Schedule 1 will display an IRS e-file watermark with the date the return was received and processed. This will be accepted by all DOT’s, DMV’s, and other federal authorities.

ExpressTruckTax automatically emails your stamped Schedule 1 after the IRS accepts your 2290. We can also send you updates via text and fax–plus we can even notify your company/carrier.

Pre-File 2290 with ExpressTruckTax

How does pre-filing work? Pre-filing works the same way regular e-filing does, except you pre-file your 2290 a whole month early. That means you can e-file for the upcoming tax year in June! That’s a whole month early!

Plus when you pre-file pre-file IRS Form 2290 now, you can still pay later! Pre-filing allows you to find out how much you owe so you can start saving money, then pay your taxes by August 31. Budgeting is awesome.

So don’t put off e-filing your IRS 2290! Instead, let’s work together to pre-file HVUT Form 2290.

Related Blog: Pre-File Your 2290 Now!

3 Steps to Pre-File Your 2290 Today

Posted on June 8, 2016 by Marcela De Vivo - 2290, e-file 2290, Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax, how to, Hvut 2290, pre-file, Pre-filing, tips

3 Steps to Pre-File 2290 Today

Now that we’re in the pre-filing season, it’s time we break down how you can pre-file your HVUT renewal at no additional cost.

In fact, with promo code ETT10, it’ll actually cost you less! Best of all, pre-filing with us is virtually the same as e-filing for any other tax year.

Let’s take a look:

Step 1: Set up Your Account

The first step is logging in or creating your account, if you’ve yet to register, that is. If you need to register, use your email and choose a password – once you’ve done that, you need to click ADD on the business list on the right.

After that, add your business details and your EIN number.

Once your business is in the system, start a new return. You may need to proceed back to the dashboard in order to start it. Simply click START under the Form 2290 option and you’ll be taken to the next screen.

This is where things get a little different. After you’ve selected your new Form 2290, you will be asked on the next screen whether you’re pre-filing or filing for the current tax year.

Once you select start pre-filing, you will be able to choose to pre-file for the 2016-17 year and select the first used month of your vehicle.

Hit next and we’ll keep moving on, then.

Step 2: Enter Your Vehicle Details

In the next step of the process, you need to add all of your heavy vehicle information. If you’re a returning user and you are filing for a previously used truck, just select the truck you’d like to file for from the Truck Zone. All of your information is stored there and ready to go!

If you’re a new user, you can enter your vehicle details individually, or you can bulk upload multiple trucks from a CSV file.

Remember, there are 3 different types of vehicles that you can add.

Taxable Vehicles are vehicles that have exceeded the 5,000 mile limit (or 7,500 miles for agricultural vehicles) for the tax year. Don’t forget, if you drive a logging vehicle (a vehicle used to transport foresting materials) you are eligible for a tax discount!

Low Mileage or Suspended Vehicles are vehicles that have not exceeded the mileage limit for the tax year. These vehicles do not cost you in taxes, but still need to be filed for in order to get the stamped Schedule 1.

Sold, Lost, or Destroyed Credit Vehicles are vehicles that you no longer have, but you are still required to file for them if they were used for any part of the tax year.

You can also enter vehicles that you have previously filed as suspended, and you can enter low mileage credits at the end of this step.

Related Blog: How to E-File Form 2290 with a Credit Vehicle?

Step 3: Select Your Payment Account

Your final step for pre-filing is selecting your payment method and securely transmitting your return to the IRS. This step is a little bit different than when you e-file your regular tax year, since we will transmit the return for you when the IRS begins accepting them on July 1st.

There are 3 payment methods for you to choose from, and these determine when the IRS will accept your payment and take money out of your account.

If you go with direct debit, the taxes you owe will come out of your account one or two days after the IRS processes your return on July 1. For EFTPS or a check/money order, you can schedule your payment for as late as August 31, the renewal due date.

Once you’ve decided what payment method to use, you will be taken to your account summary page. Here you can correct any errors you see and then continue to submit your return.

With our Instant Audit feature, we will even check your return for you to minimize the risk of being rejected by the IRS due to missing information.

Then you simply transmit! Yeah, that’s it. It’s that easy. Congratulations, you’ve successfully pre-filed your form 2290!

If you have any questions throughout your pre-filing experience, we’re here to help! Our dedicated support team can answer your questions at 704.234.6005 or by email at support@expresstrucktax.com.

7 Ways Truckers Can Prevent Accidents

Posted on May 24, 2016 by Marcela De Vivo - 2290, accident prevention, Accidents, blind spots, Form 2290, heavy vehicle use tax, HVUT, safety, sleep deprivation, Truck, truckers, trucking nation

Prevent Truck Accidents

There’s nothing worse than a close call on the highway. Well, except for an actual incident!

So what’s the cause of the many trucking accidents? It’s hard to pick one thing, but we know there are a few key factors that always come up.

How can you prevent accidents on the road? By starting with yourself!

We’ve listened to truckers and health experts to put together these 7 tips for accident prevention.

Get More Sleep

Nothing is more dangerous than falling asleep behind the wheel of a 70,000 lb truck speeding down the highway. Which is why you hear so many people in the industry discussing the sleeping patterns, health, and practices of drivers. Federal regulations do not allow more than 12 consecutive hours of road time, but there are many drivers who do more than this.

How can you avoid sleep deprivation? Rest for short intervals and take breaks when you’re tired. With small amounts of recharge time, you can prevent sleep related accidents.

Sit with Proper Posture

Over at TruckLogics blog, we told you about how you need to watch your back while you drive. And it’s true! When you sit comfortably and don’t damage your back, you reduce the likelihood of personal injury and even roadside incidents.

Related Blog: Is Your Truck Destroying Your Back?

Keep Your Distance

Always be aware of your lane distance as you cross the highways. Knowing your stopping and starting distance, break distance, and proper speeds will be essential for proper safety on the roads.

Stay Healthy

You know what sounds dangerous? Having a heart attack as you zoom down I-95, or any local highway.

That’s why we constantly tell drivers to eat healthy and exercise. Sure, exhaustion is dangerous enough, but your heart will be all the better with proper nutrition and regular exercise. With that one-two punch, you can reduce your excess weight

Bet you’d improve your sleep, too!

Watch for Blind Spots

Depending on what truck you’re driving, your blind spot is gonna be different. Make sure you know what your blind spot distance is, so you will know how far away a car or a person really is from your truck.

This will prevent major accidents on the road, when backing up, and even when removing items from your truck during a delivery.

Maintain Your Truck

Sure, maybe your employer is “responsible” for truck maintenance as a whole, but you should always implement pre-trip inspections and keep an eye on your truck out there on the road. These checks not only reduce the possibilities for something to go wrong, they also keep you secure in your work and your driving.

Manage Your Time & Profession

Time is money. Trucking is money. Instead of reacting to what happens on the road, plan ahead and document frequently. What we’re saying is, use a trucking software like TruckLogics to stay ahead of the game.

Sure, it might not prevent an accident as well as keeping the proper distance, but having access to all of your receipts, bills of lading, and invoices in one handy phone app will reduce a lot of the stress of your life.

Don’t forget, we’re only a few months away from your 2290 deadline – be sure to keep up with us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest HVUT e-filing updates!

Logging Vehicles & Form 2290

Posted on May 20, 2016 by Marcela De Vivo - 2290, Agricultural Vehicles, HVUT, Logging, logging vehicles, lumber

Logging Vehicles

We hear it all the time — what exactly is a logging vehicle?

A lot of our 2290 filers see the option asking if their taxable vehicles are used for logging. This gets misunderstood, and they think that means logs that track mileage or fuel.

But logging vehicle really refers to hauling logs… as in felled trees and other products from the forest.

Now, according to the IRS a vehicle qualifies as a logging vehicle if:

It is used exclusively for the transportation of products harvested from the forested site, or it exclusively transports the products harvested from the forested site to and from locations on a forested site (public highways may be used between the forested site locations), –

-AND-

It is registered (under the laws of the state or states in which the vehicle is required to be registered) as a highway motor vehicle used exclusively in the transportation of harvested forest products. A vehicle will be considered to be registered under the laws of a state as a highway motor vehicle used exclusively in the transportation of harvested forest products if the vehicle is so registered under a state statute or legally valid regulations. In addition, no special tag or license plate identifying a vehicle as being used in the transportation of harvested forest products is required.

What do they mean by “products harvested from the forested site?”

Products harvested from the forested site

Do ents count as harvested products?

Well, that basically means they include timber that has been processed for commercial use, as well as any other sawed, chipped, or milled product that occurred before transportation from the forested site.

The two types of commonly used logging trucks include those used on rough ground and forested trails, and those used for transport on normal highways and roads.

Trucks designed for forested (often temporary) roads are configured with emphasis on suspension and tires. Sometimes, you might see as many as nine axles in use to provide low ground pressure and solid traction.

These trucks are designed to climb a significant gradient, since timber is commonly grown in hilly landscapes.

While the logs are usually loaded with winches and cranes, they’re usually unloaded by letting them roll off sideways.

So if you have a logging vehicle, then you can check the box that says “Used for Logging” when you e-file your form 2290.

Congratulations, you just got yourself a lower tax rate on your 2290!

If you have any questions about the status of your taxable vehicle when you e-file your 2290 this year, ask the dedicated support team at ExpressTruckTax! They provide 24/7 support via email, so you know we’re always ready to help you out.