Category: express truck tax

The 2019 DOT Funding Bill Advances in The U.S. Senate

Posted on June 12, 2018 by - ATA, Bill, ELD, ELD Mandate, express truck tax, expresstrucktax, faa, House, House DOT Bill, Insutry news, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, Senate, Senate DOT bill, truck regulations, trucking reform








The 2019 DOT Funding Bill Advances in The U.S. Senate

(Updated August 2, 2018)
Senate-passes transportation funding bill Aug. 1st.

Legislation approves $1 billion in infrastructure grants for the 2019 fiscal transportation measure including $154.2 billion package for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Measure as passed 92-6.

The Senate bill would provide DOT with $26.6 billion in discretionary spending. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration would receive $667 million, and $50 million would be provided for improving safety of state-supported passenger rail service

The Federal transportation infrastructure, housing assistance, and community development spending bill was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday, June 7 for $71.4 billion. The bill passed with a unanimous bipartisan support (31-0). So now that the 2019 DOT funding bill advances in the Senate here is what you need to know.

The 2019 DOT Funding Bill Advances in the Senate

The FY2019 Transportations, Housing and Urban Development, and Related (THUD) Appropriations Act unlike it’s House counterpart did not include trucking policy reform. This includes the proposed ELD waiver for livestock haulers and the controversial Denham Amendment.

The Denham Amendment backed by House representatives Jeff Denham (R-Cali), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), and Jim Costa (D-Cali) would standardize meal and rest breaks for truckers. The proposed ELD waiver for livestock and insect haulers would have exempt drivers from the electronic logging device mandate until September 2019. However, the Senate called upon the DOT to “consult with Stakeholder, the Department of Agriculture and Congress on legislative solutions for drivers with unique working conditions.”

 

The 2019 DOT Funding Bill Advances in The U.S. SenateThe current DOT funding expires at the end of September however the Senate has not set a date for considering the bill. Once consideration begins in the Senate legislatures can add trucking reforms during the amendment process. The U.S. House has yet to bring the DOT appropriations bill to the floor as well.


If the two governing bodies pass a different version of the bill, the lawmakers will enter a conference committee to produce a finalized bill. This will then be passed again by the respective governing bodies. Any trucking reform that is attached would be subject to intense review during the committee process.

We want to hear from you! Click here to share. Let us know your thoughts on the DOT bill!

For more trucking news and information click here.

You Need to Know About The Possible ELD Exemption for Small Carriers

Posted on June 7, 2018 by - eld exemptions, ELD Mandate, eld mandate exemptions, ELDs, electronic driver logs, electronic logging devices, electronic logs, electronic logs mandate exemptions, elogbook, express truck tax, expresstrucktax





You Need to Know About The Possible ELD Exemption for Small Carriers
(Update August 1, 2018)

On Wednesday the Senate passed a bill that exempts livestock haulers from ELD compliance until September 2019. The current legislation has two months to finalize 2019 appropriation packages.

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A bill filed in the U.S. House of Representatives on May 23, 2018, may bring ELD exemption for small carriers. If passed, carriers with 10 or fewer trucks will be exempt from the Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) electronic logging device mandate permanently. Here is what you need to know about the possible ELD exemption for small carriers.

You Need to Know About The Possible ELD Exemption for Small Carriers

The Small Carrier Electronic Logging Device Exemption Act of 2018 is sponsored by Representatives Collin Peterson (Dem-Minnesota) and Greg Glanforte (Rep-Montana). This is the first attempt to exempt small carriers and owner-operators from the ELD mandate specifically.

The Small Carrier Electronic Logging Device Exemption Act of 2018 would allow carriers with 10 or fewer trucks to use paper logs instead of the mandated electronic logging devices. For this piece of legislation to pass it will need to be approved by the House, Senate, and President Trump.



You Need to Know About The Possible ELD Exemption for Small CarriersRepresentatives Collin Peterson and Greg Glanforte also introduced a bill that would exempt drivers hauling agricultural commodities from the ELD mandate. Livestock drivers have received an ELD exemption until the end of September but will need to comply after this date. Agricultural truckers have only until June 19th to switch from paper to an electronic logbook.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) petitioned FMCSA in November to allow small business truckers to continue using paper logs until December 2022. However, the FMCSA has yet to issue a decision on the topic.

As this issue continues to develop, we will continue to deliver you the latest news and information in the trucking industry. Click here for additional blog content.

The DOT Blitz 2018: Roadcheck Starts Today!

Posted on June 5, 2018 by - CDL pre-trip inspection, Commercial vehicle out of service criteria, Commercial vehicle safety, CVS inspection, CVSA inspection, CVSA-certified inspectors, express truck tax, expresstrucktax

CVSA certified inspector checking a heavy Use vehicle


The Commerical Vehicles Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) 31st annual International Roadcheck starts today! This 72-hour inspection period will include trucks and buses across North America. This year’s focus will be on hours-of-service compliance since this is the first Roadcheck since the ELD mandate.

CVSA certified inspectors will perform full Level I inspections on heavy use vehicles during the DOT blitz 2018. You and your vehicle will undergo a thorough 37-point inspection. During this time you will be required to provide your motor carrier registration and commercial driver’s license.

All drivers on the road during the DOT blitz 2018 should be prepared with their AORBD or ELD for inspection. It is highly recommended that you also have troubleshooting guides on hand and at least eight days worth of blank paper logs just in case.

During Roadcheck 2017 15,000 vehicles and/or drivers were placed out-of-service. Be prepared and stay safe while driving during the DOT blitz 2018.

For more trucking news and information click HERE.

The IRS Form 2290 Filing Season is Now Here

Posted on June 1, 2018 by - 2290 Form 2018, 2290 online, 2290 tax, 2290 tax form, e-file 2290, express truck tax, expresstrucktax, File 2290 online, Form 2290, form 2290 due date, Form 2290 Online, irs 2290, IRS form 2290, pay 2290

The IRS Form 2290 Filing Season is Now HereAttention all truckers IRS Form 2290 filing season is officially here at ExpressTruckTax! Whether you are a loyal ExpressTruckTax customer or just now hearing of us, we understand how important your business is to you and we are here to make the 2290 filing process simple and quick. Instead of waiting for the IRS to open July 1st, you can take advantage of the many benefits of e-filing IRS Form 2290 today with ExpressTruckTax.

The IRS Form 2290 Filing Season is Now Here
How to E-File Form 2290 Online?

After signing up for your free ExpressTruckTax account, you will enter the necessary information for your business like the name, address, and EIN (Employer Identification Number).

You will need information about your heavy vehicles to complete your IRS Form 2290, such as its WIN or Vehicle Identification Number and taxable gross weight. Remember that suspended vehicles must be included.

A suspended vehicle is one that is exempt from HVUT taxes for the current tax season. Vehicles with less than 5,000 miles are exempt, along with agricultural vehicles with less than 7,500 miles. When you’ve finished entering your information we will automatically calculate the amount of HVUT you owe, and you can pay the IRS with credit/debit, direct debit, electronic funds withdrawal, EFTP, check, or money order.

Then you will be presented with a summary of your IRS Form 2290 to make sure you have entered everything correctly, and we will perform an instant error check. Once you have corrected any mistakes, your IRS Form 2290 will be ready for submission. It will remain in our encrypted system until it is transmitted to the IRS on July 1st.

As soon as the IRS approves your IRS Form 2290, you will receive your stamped Schedule 1 via email.

File HVUT 2290 Over the Phone

If you need an even simpler way to file then contact our sister product, TSNAmerica. Their outstanding team will file Form 2290 while you’re on the phone. The process is a straightforward 5-minute phone call, and as a result, you’ll receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 via email.

TSNAmerica: 803.386.0320

Need Help Filing HVUT 2290 Online?

Our dedicated ExpressTruckTax support team is available via phone, live chat, and email. These US-based representatives are HVUT experts and will take the time to answer all of our questions and will even walk you through the entire filing process.

File Form 2290 Online Today!

Now is The Time! Cool Off With This IGLOO® Cooler Giveaway

Posted on June 1, 2018 by - 2290 Form 2018, 2290 online, 2290 tax, 2290 tax form, e-file 2290, express truck tax, expresstrucktax, File 2290 online, Form 2290, form 2290 due date, Form 2290 Online, irs 2290, IRS form 2290

Now is The Time! Cool Off With This IGLOO® Cooler GiveawayAhh, summer is here. A season of fun in the sun, barbeque, warm nights, and of course taxes. Well, that is for those of us in the trucking industry. With this in mind, we thought we would take the drudgery out of filing IRS Form 2290 by adding an awesome incentive. 

File Your 2018-19 IRS Form 2290

As an IRS-authorized e-file provider for all things trucking, ExpressTruckTax is automatically entering everyone who files their IRS Form 2290 between 6/1/2018 – 6/30/2018 in a giveaway to win an IGLOO® IMX Cooler. The giveaway starts today; don’t miss your chance to be entered to win so you can keep your drinks and snacks fresh while you’re on the road this summer.

On July 2nd, 2018, we will announce the winner via a live Facebook party! Don’t miss out! File your 2018 – 2019 IRS Form 2290 before 6/30/2018 to automatically be entered to win our IGLOO® IMX Cooler giveaway.

File My Form 2290 Today

ExpressTruckTax Giveaway Terms & Conditions

The filing & payment to transmit a Form 2290 is necessary to enter to win.
By entering an ExpressTruckTax Giveaway (each, a “Sweepstakes”), you will be bound by these Terms & Conditions and you acknowledge that you satisfy all eligibility requirements. “ExpressTruckTax” means Span Enterprises LLC or any of its affiliates.

Eligibility. Open to individual legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia who have an ExpressTruckTax account and are 18 years of age or the legal age of majority in their state of residence prior to the date of entry. Employees of ExpressTruckTax, its affiliates, and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate.

Prize(s) and Winner Selection Method. The Sponsor will award a prize to one or more individuals who file their 2018-19 Form 2290 on ExpressTruckTax.com between 6/1/2018-6/30/2018 Potential winner(s) will be selected at random from among all eligible entries received. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. If you are a winner, an e-mail notification will be sent to you.

You must have an ExpressTruckTax account and have filed a 2018-19 Form 2290 before June 30, 2018, in order to enter or receive a prize. Limit one entry per person and household using only one ExpressTruckTax.com account per Sweepstakes. Prize(s) will be fulfilled by the Sponsor. Prize(s) will be delivered by ExpressTruckTax.com.

Each prize will be awarded “as is” and without warranty of any kind, express or implied (including, without limitation, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose). If you win a prize, you may not transfer, assign, or redeem the prize for cash. ExpressTruckTax may substitute a prize with a prize of equal or greater value.

How to Enter. You will automatically be entered to win a prize upon the transmission of a 2018-19 Form 2290. If you do not wish to automatically be entered into the sweepstakes, you must notify us by email at support@expresstrucktax.com or call us at 704.234.6005. If you choose to promote your entry (including that you filed your Form 2290) via social media or other channels, you should disclose your connection to the Sweepstakes. For example, it may be sufficient to include a statement such as #ExpressTruckTaxGiveaway.

This giveaway is not associated with igloocoolers.com, Facebook.com, or Twitter.com.
Other Sweepstakes. Additional Terms. Sponsor, together with ExpressTruckTax, reserves the right to modify or cancel a Sweepstakes at any time. Sponsor and ExpressTruckTax and its affiliates are not responsible for: (a) lost, misdirected, late, or incomplete entries or for inaccurate entry information; (b) any operation or transmission error, theft, unauthorized access to, or alteration of, entries; or (c) damage to any computer or device resulting from downloading Sweepstakes materials. Sponsor, together with ExpressTruckTax, may disqualify any individual found to be: (x) tampering with a Sweepstakes; (y) violating these Terms & Conditions; or (z) acting in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner or with intent to threaten or harass any person. Incomplete and robotic, automatic, programmed or similar entries will be disqualified. The authorized subscriber of the account used to enter a Sweepstakes at the actual time of entry will be deemed to be the participant and must comply with these Terms & Conditions in the event of a dispute as to entries submitted by multiple users having the same e-mail account.

No greater than the number of prizes stated on the Sweepstakes Landing Page will be awarded. If any errors occur in the selection of a potential winner, or if more prizes are claimed than specified, Sponsor or ExpressTruckTax may award the prize(s) by random drawing from among all eligible claimants. All prizes made available for a Sweepstakes may not be awarded in the event Sponsor or ExpressTruckTax does not receive a sufficient number of qualified and eligible entries for an applicable Sweepstakes.

Miscellaneous. Each Sweepstakes is governed by the laws of the United States. By entering a Sweepstakes, you agree (for yourself and your heirs) that Sponsor, ExpressTruckTax, and each of their respective affiliates and agents, and any entity involved in any aspect of the Sweepstakes (all aforementioned parties are collective, the “Released Parties”) will have no liability, and will be held harmless from and against liability, loss, injury or damage to property or person, including death, and reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs, due in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by reason of the acceptance, possession, use or misuse of a prize or participation in the Sweepstakes, even if caused or contributed to by the negligence of any of the Released Parties.

You agree that Sponsor’s decisions related to each Sweepstakes and all distribution of prizes are final. Each winner agrees that, by participating in a Sweepstakes, Sponsor, ExpressTruckTax, and their respective affiliates may use the winner’s name in any manner and in any medium for its promotional purposes without additional compensation, including posting in a winner’s list, except where prohibited by law, and Sponsor, ExpressTruckTax, and their respective affiliates may be required to disclose the winner’s address to state regulatory authorities.

Privacy Notice: All information submitted in connection with this Sweepstakes will be treated in accordance with these Terms & Conditions, ExpressTruckTax’ Privacy Policy.

What You Need to Know About Driving in Severe Weather

Posted on May 29, 2018 by - Alberto path, Alberto update, express truck tax, expresstrucktax, extreme weather, severe thunderstorm warning, storm Alberto, tornado warning, tropical storm, tropical storm Alberto, weather alerts

This is a guest post by Ariel Black of TruckLogics; TruckLogics is a cloud-based trucking business management solution.



A spring storm safety refresher is essential whether you are a seasoned veteran or a rookie. During this time of year, you run a higher risk of severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and more while on the road. Here is what you need to know about driving in severe weather this spring. 

What Truckers Need to Know About Driving in Severe Weather

The most important thing you can do during this time of year is to stay up to date on weather conditions in the areas you will be driving through. Watch the weather channel, listen to local stations, or check the weather conditions on your phone. Being informed of severe weather will help you plan the safest route possible.

Avoid Severe Weather When Possible

Plan your route accordingly and avoid potentially dangerous weather when at all possible. If your destination is in the path of the storm, you should consider leaving early or waiting out the storm. However, this is not always possible, but avoiding hazardous conditions altogether is still the best solution during storms and possible tornadoes.

Overpass Death Trap

The myth of hiding under an overpass is not only a lie, but it could cost you your life. Never hide out a storm under an overpass. Truckers used to believe that this was one of the best places to wait out a storm. During a severe thunderstorm or tornado, an overpass can become a wind tunnel creating powerful winds.

Staying in The Truck vs. Getting Out

There is much debate on whether to remain in your cab or to get low to the ground in a ditch or valley. This decision wholly depends on the individual situation. Sometimes it will be safer to leave your cab while others will call for you to remain in your truck for shelter.

However, seeking shelter in a building is always the better option than hiding in a ditch or remaining in your cab.

Staying in The Truck

Inside your truck, you are protected from flying debris, lightning, and hail. If you remain in your cab keep your seatbelt fastened. If the wind is too severe, your vehicle may overturn. If there is loose debris crouch below the windshield to protect yourself.

Ditch The Truck

Literally! Get out fast and get in a ditch to get below the wind and out of the path of debris. If the wind is strong enough to overturn your vehicle, you will be thankful not to be inside. However, you need to be far enough away from your truck so if it does overturn you won’t end up underneath it.

Stay Safe Truckers

You are now armed with the information you need to combat severe spring weather. It is also a good idea to go over safety with your family before hitting the road on your next route. Making sure your family is safe at home will give you peace of mind while you are away.

For more trucking related information click here.

It’s Time to File Your IRS Form 2290 HVUT

Posted on May 24, 2018 by - 2290 Form 2018, 2290 logging truck, express truck tax, expresstrucktax, Form 2290 instructions, HVUT Logging Vehicle, IRS form 2290, Logger, Logging, Logging Vehicle, Taxable Heavy Vehicle, taxable vehicle

It's Time to File Your IRS Form 2290 HVUTAre you ready to file your Form 2290? We begin accepting 2290 e-filing starting in 6 days. Unfortunately, taxes can’t be avoided forever. No matter how fast you run or how hard you fight tax deadlines still slowly creep towards you. The only way to make it out unscathed is to file your IRS Form 2290.

Luckily for the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) deadline, ExpressTruckTax provides a quick and convenient e-filing method so you can file your 2290 hassle free. Check out why ExpressTruckTax is the market leader in the 2290 e-filing industry.

It’s Almost Time to File Your IRS Form 2290 HVUT

Using ExpressTruckTax saves you time. Instead of having to go wait in a long line at an IRS office, you can quickly e-file online with ExpressTruckTax. Plus, the e-filing process is incredibly easy. All you have to do is follow the step-by-step guide to complete your form in just a few minutes and transmit it directly to the IRS.

This year, starting on 6/1/2018, we’re excited to share with you a few new features that will make your life easier. If you filed with us previously then you can copy your information from a previously accepted return to your current one. This way you don’t have to spend time re-entering your information.

With the bulk upload feature, you can quickly upload all of the information for your vehicles at once, helping those with multiple vehicles save time because they won’t have to enter their trucks in one by one. Use our Excel template or your own file to upload all of your vehicles at the same time.

File Your HVUT Tax Over The Phone

If you want an even easier way to file then contact our sister product, TSNAmerica at 803.386.0320. Their outstanding team will file Form 2290 in less than 5 minutes while you’re on the phone. The process is as easy as a 5-minute phone call, and as a result, you’ll receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 via email.

If you need any assistance, call the dedicated ExpressTruckTax support team Monday- Friday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM EST at 704.234.6005. These US-based representatives are HVUT experts and will take the time to answer all of your questions and will even walk you through the entire filing process. We also offer live chat, so you can instant message a support representative while filing, and 24/7 email support at support@expresstrucktax.com.

File Form 2290 Today!

How to Transfer Your 2290 to a New Truck?

Posted on May 22, 2018 by - 2290 online, e-file 2290, express truck tax, expresstrucktax, File 2290 online, Form 2290 online filing, Heavy highway use tax, Heavy highway Vehicle use tax, IRS form 2290, Schedule 1 form 2290

Owner-Operator truck driver looking at buy a new vehicle and he will need to transfer his 2290 to his new truckWe have come across this particular question from our owner-operators and self-employed drivers on almost a daily basis. So here we will go in-depth on how to transfer your 2290 to a new truck.

How to Transfer Your 2290 to a New Truck?

When you replace your old vehicle, you will use Form 2290 to adjust the credits. You will report your new vehicle for a pro-rated tax period based on when you first used the vehicle. If you need to file a Form 2290 refund claim, you will use Form 8849 Schedule 6. This is to request a refund from the IRS. The IRS will mail you a refund check within 4 to 6 weeks once your claim is accepted.

2290 Tax Transfer Instructions:

1. E-file a new Form 2290
2. Claim a Credit Vehicle on that form
3. Receive your new Stamped Schedule 1 via email instantly

Step 1:

Login or create an account (it’s free!). If you’re new to ExpressTruckTax, quickly enter your name, business info, and EIN before you begin e-filing. Finally, click “Start New Return,” choose a Form 2290, and then enter your first-used month (the month in which you purchased the new vehicle).

Step 2:

Now to enter your taxable vehicle information (for the new truck). Input the VIN, gross weight, and select whether this is a logging vehicle.

Step 3:

Owner-Operator driving his new truck after transferring his 2290 from his old truck

Enter Credit Vehicle details. Click “+ Add a Credit Vehicle,” enter the VIN & gross weight, then enter details of the “loss event.” Enter the date on which the vehicle was sold, lost, or destroyed. You will also upload any required evidence, like a bill of sale, or police statement.

Input your payment method, and then hit ‘transmit.’

The IRS will have reviewed your return, and if accepted you will receive your new stamped Schedule 1 via email.

Bonus Round: More Ways to Save!

If your previous truck was sold, stolen, or destroyed, and you are choosing not to replace it, then you can still get a prorated refund of the HVUT tax you paid! The procedure is different from the “transfer” process. To claim a prorated refund, you will need to e-file a Form 8849.

If your business name or EIN has changed, then you can also get a prorated refund for the taxes paid under the previous name/EIN. E-file a new Form 2290 for all vehicles under this new name or EIN. Then e-file a Form 8849 under the old name/EIN to receive your HUVT tax refund.

E-File IRS Form 2290

What You Need to Know About EINs And 2290 Form 2019

Posted on May 17, 2018 by - 2290 Form 2019, EIN Number, express truck tax, expresstrucktax, Federal Tax Identification Number, FEIN Number, Form 2290 due dates, Form 2290 instructions 2019, Form 2290 Online

Attention all truckers! The Heavy Vehicle Use Tax season is barreling at us at full speed! No use trying to jump out of the way. Your only option to avoid being run over by the IRS is to file your HVUT 2290 before the deadline. Here is what you need to know about EINs and 2290 Form 2019.

What You Need to Know About EINs And 2290 Form 2019

Before we get into pre-filing or filing your IRS Form 2290, let’s go over a critical piece of information you will need to have. As an owner-operator, you are required to have an employer identification number, or more commonly known as an EIN. It is used by the IRS to identify your trucking business. EINs are assigned to companies operating in the United States to identify them for tax reporting purposes.

What is an EIN Number?

Your trucking business’s EIN will be a string of nine digits, similar to your Social Security Number, but they can be easily distinguished because of their format (EIN: 12-3456789 SSN:123-456-789). Although this number is labeled as identification for “employers,” your trucking business is still required to have one.

An EIN number can also be referred to as a Federal Tax Identification Number or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN Number).

What is the Use of an EIN Number?

You will use an EIN or Tax Identification Number on trucking licenses, permits, and tax returns, as well as any other forms or applications that require you to file under your trucking business’s IRS number. You will also need an EIN to open a trucking business bank account. I highly suggest this so you can keep your personal and business account separate.

How do I Apply for an EIN?

If you are transitioning from a company driver to an Owner-Operator, applying for an EIN number is a relatively simple process. It will take you less than 10 minutes to request your EIN number over the phone with our sister product, TSNAmerica.

However, once you apply, please keep in mind, it will take approximately two weeks for it to be active in the IRS database.

Your EIN Number is a unique code that never expires. However, you may need a new EIN if you declare bankruptcy, take on new partners, or if you purchase or inherit another existing business.

IRS Form 2290 And Your EIN Number

When it comes to the information on your IRS Form 2290 such as your business name and address, it will need to match what the IRS has on file, or it could be rejected. You can see if your information matches what the IRS has on file by contacting the IRS directly. IRS Customer Service Phone Number: (800)829-4933

How to File 2290 Online?

Why wait when you can go ahead and knock out your 2290 Form 2019 today? Go ahead and file 2290 online with ExpressTruckTax now. Simply follow our step-by-step filing guide to complete your IRS 2290 Form instantly. As a result, your IRS Form 2290 will be transmitted directly to the IRS and you will get your Stamped Schedule 1 when the IRS starts accepting returns on July 1st.

If you are currently on the run and don’t have the time to go online to file, you can file over the phone with our sister product, TSNAmerica. Give them a call and an outstanding US-based representative will file your 2290 Form 2019 for you! No need to pay when you file just to be sure to do so before August 31st.

File Today And Be Set Until July 2019!

 
 
 
 

For IRS Form 2290 Is my Rig an Agricultural Vehicle?

Posted on May 15, 2018 by - 2290 Form 2018, agricultural vehicle, express truck tax, expresstrucktax, Form 2290 due dates, Form 2290 instructions 2018, Form 2290 Online, Taxable Heavy Vehicle, taxable vehicle

For IRS Form 2290 Is my Rig an Agricultural Vehicle?One question we often run into is “What is an agricultural vehicle for IRS Form 2290?” That is because when you file IRS Form 2290, you are asked to indicate whether your taxable vehicle is used for agricultural purposes.

For IRS Form 2290 Is my Rig an Agricultural Vehicle?

Depending on your vehicle type and how you use it, the tax rates and filing requirements vary. This is just one reason why it’s so important to categorize your taxable vehicle correctly when filing your HVUT Form 2290.

We recently discussed the different requirements for logging vehicles, which are vehicles used solely for the transport of forested materials. Logging vehicles are taxed at a lower rate than typical heavy vehicles, so if you drive a logging truck, be sure to check “used for logging” to be taxed at the lower rate!

Another type of taxable vehicle with special requirements is the agricultural vehicle.

Agricultural Vehicles & Higher Mileage Limits

Vehicles typically required to file HVUT are those with a taxable gross weight over 55,000 lbs and that travel over 5,000 miles on public highways throughout the tax period.

BUT to give farmers a break, the IRS made the requirements a bit more lenient for vehicles used in agriculture. Agricultural vehicles, regardless of their weight, are allowed to drive up to 7,500 miles on public highways each year before having to pay any tax at all!

Just to clarify, this does not mean that you don’t have to file HVUT at all. If your gross vehicle weight is over 55,000 pounds, you must still file HVUT and receive a stamped Schedule 1. However, if your agricultural vehicle will drive fewer than 7,500 miles throughout the tax year, you will owe zero tax when you file! This is known as filing a Category W or a Suspended/Low Mileage Vehicle. 

Does My Vehicle Qualify as an Agricultural Vehicle?

To ensure that your vehicle qualifies as an “agricultural” vehicle according to IRS standards, here are the two requirements your vehicle must meet:

  • 1. The vehicle is used primarily for farming purposes throughout the tax year. But what does the IRS consider “primarily for farming purposes”? It’s actually quite simple. More than half of the vehicle’s total mileage for the year must be used for farming purposes. 
  • And a farming purpose, according to the IRS, is any activity that contributes to the conduct of a farm. This can include activities such as transporting goods to and from a farm (goods like livestock, produce, animal feed, fertilizer, etc), direct use in agricultural production, or just performing work around the farm like repairing fences, building irrigation ditches, clearing land, etc. 

-AND-

  • 2. The vehicle is registered as an agricultural vehicle in your state. Although your vehicle must be registered as such, no special license plates or tags marked “agriculture” are required to maintain your status as an agricultural vehicle.
  • If your vehicle meets both of these requirements above, then you can file as an agricultural vehicle with a higher mileage limit!!

To file as a suspended agriculture vehicle, skip the first “Taxable Vehicle” section of 2290, and instead enter your vehicle’s information under the “Low Mileage/Suspended Vehicle” section. And be sure you check the box “Used for Agriculture.” 

Exceeding the Mileage Limit

Occasionally, agriculture vehicles will be filed as Suspended (Category W) at the beginning of the tax period, but then exceed the 7,500-mile limit during the year.

If your vehicle goes over, you must file a Form 2290 Amendment for a Mileage Increase. The amendment is due by the end of the month following the month in which you exceeded the limit. This means that if you went over 7,500 in January, then the amendment must be filed by the last day of February.

When filing the mileage increase amendment, the IRS will prorate your HVUT for the remaining months of the tax year (which runs from July 1st to June 30th each year). This means that even though you will owe some tax, it will not be the full amount you would’ve owed if you had filed as a non-suspended vehicle initially. Hooray, for lower tax!

Year-Round Support For Farmers!

If anyone deserves a break, it’s farmers! That’s why we’re always here to assist you 24/7, 365. Pre-file today with ExpressTruckTax and be set until July 2019. Our e-filing process is the fastest and easiest way to receive your stamped Schedule 1.

If you have questions about pre-filing your HVUT 2290 contact our US-based support team via call, live chat, or 24/7 email support.

Pre-File Your HVUT Today!