Category: Heavy highway Vehicle use tax

What Every Truck Driver Should Know About The Heavy Vehicle Use Tax

Posted on August 7, 2023 by - Heavy highway Vehicle use tax

Every year, truck drivers across the country pay the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT). But what exactly is the HVUT, and how does it work?

We answer these questions and more in our detailed look at highway use tax. Read on to learn more about what every truck driver should know before paying their HVUT.

What is Heavy Vehicle Use Tax?

The Heavy Vehicle Use Tax is an IRS tax based on the weight of your vehicle. It specifies that if you have a vehicle with a gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more and you drive it on public roadways, you must pay the HVUT. This is done by filing Form 2290 annually.

But what’s the point of highway use tax anyway? Essentially, it’s a way for owner-operators to pay a bit more for the upkeep of the national highway system. It evens the playing field since heavy trucks add more wear and tear to the roadways than other vehicles.

Calculating Heavy Vehicle Use Tax 

To calculate your HVUT, you must first determine your taxable gross weight.

What is Taxable Gross Weight?

Your taxable gross weight is the combination of:

  • The actual unloaded weight of your motor vehicle fully equipped for service
  • The actual unloaded weight of trailers or semi-trailers fully equipped for service that are typically used with the vehicle
  • The weight of the maximum load typically carried on the vehicle and on the trailers or semi-trailers

Taxable gross weight categories

The HVUT varies based on your taxable gross weight category. For example, the HVUT payment for a vehicle with a gross weight between 55,000 to 75,000 pounds is $100. If your truck is over 55,000 pounds, you’ll need to add $22 for every 1,000 pounds that your vehicle weighs (with a cap at 75,000 pounds).

However, if your vehicle has a gross weight of over 75,000 pounds, the maximum HVUT payment you’ll make is $550.

A breakdown of tax rates

Vehicles below 55,000 poundsNo tax
Vehicles 55,000 pounds$100
Vehicles over 75,000 pounds$550
Vehicles between 55,000 and 75,000 pounds$100 plus $22 for every1,000 pounds over 55,000

Penalties for non-compliance 

If you miss filing Form 2290 and making your HVUT payment on time, you could be penalized 4.5% of the total HVUT taxes due — this penalty can accrue for up to five months.

If you fail to pay the full amount of HVUT taxes due, you could also face a penalty of 0.5% of the unpaid tax per month, with a maximum penalty of 25%.

Tax Compliance for Heavy Vehicle Use Tax

To avoid IRS penalties, file Form 2290 and pay your taxes on time. You can do this by either e-filing or mailing Form 2290.

When to file Form 2290

The deadline to file Form 2290 and pay your HVUT is the last day of the month following the “first used month” of the vehicle. (For example, if you get a new truck in December and put it on the road, you must file your 2290 tax form by January 31st).

However, if you  continue to operate your truck on public highways, you’ll file following the fiscal year. Since the tax year begins on July 1st and ends on June 30th, the deadline to file Form 2290 for most truckers is August 31st.

How to e-file Form 2290

E-filing is the easiest way to pay your HVUT. It’s also the only method the IRS will allow if you’re filing 2290 forms for more than 24 vehicles.

When you e-file, your return will be processed quickly, you’ll get your stamped Schedule 1 in a matter of minutes, and you’ll get your refund faster — usually within three weeks of the IRS receiving your tax return.

To e-file Form 2290 and pay your HVUT, you’ll need to do the following:

How to paper file Form 2290

If you paper file your Form 2290, you’ll need to print the return, fill it out, and mail it to the IRS, along with your check. This usually takes the IRS four to six weeks to accept your return.

If you’re sending Form 2290 with a full payment that is not drawn from an international financial institution, mail it to the Internal Revenue Service, P.O. Box 932500, Louisville, KY 40293-2500.

Amendments and Corrections to Form 2290

Form 2290 amendments should be filed when the information for the filed vehicle changes in these three ways:

  • There’s an increase in taxable gross weight
  • The mileage use has exceeded its limit
  • The VIN is incorrect

With ExpressTruckTax, we make it easy to file your 2290 amendments by accurately calculating the taxes due to the IRS so that you can get your updated Schedule 1 within minutes.

ExpressTruckTax can quickly file the increase in taxable gross weight and report the tax due for vehicles that exceed the mileage use limit. We also offer free VIN corrections to anyone who filed their original 2290 with us. Get started today with ExpressTruckTax.

Related Questions

Q: How does HVUT work? 

A: The HVUT is an IRS tax that’s based on the weight of your vehicle. It’s paid by filing Form 2290 each year.

Q: What is the minimum weight requirement for HVUT?

A: If you have a vehicle with a gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more and you drive it on public roadways, you must pay the HVUT.

Q: Is HVUT the same as IFTA? 

A: No, the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) is separate and is not related to HVUT and Form 2290. 

Q: What happens if I don’t pay HVUT? 

A: If you miss the deadline to file your Form 2290 returns or don’t pay your HVUT taxes, you could face significant IRS penalties and interest charges.

Q: Who is exempt from paying HVUT? 

A: Vehicles exempt from paying the HVUT include commercial vehicles that drive fewer than 5,000 miles a year, agricultural vehicles that drive fewer than 7,500 miles a year, vehicles not considered highway motor vehicles, and vehicles used for the collection of blood.

The Best Tips For Filing 2290 Form 2019 Quickly

Posted on August 13, 2019 by - 2290 deadline, 2290 filing, 2290 Form 2019, express truck tax, expresstrucktax, Heavy highway Vehicle use tax, highway tax 2290, HVUT, Hvut 2290, irs 2290, IRS form 2290

The IRS Form 2290 deadline is almost here!

This year, the IRS 2290 filing deadline is September 3rd since the usual August 31st date falls on a weekend.

We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know to file IRS 2290 Form 2019 as fast as possible to avoid IRS penalties.

Let’s get started.

How To File 2290 Form 2019 Fast

Getting Started

Before you begin your 2290 filing, here’s some information you’ll want to collect to speed up the 2290 filing process.

– Your EIN (Employer Identification Number)

You must have an EIN to file. If you need an EIN, apply online with the IRS, or call TSNAmerica at (803) 386-0320.

– Your business name and business address
Enter business information at the beginning of the 2290 filing process.

– Your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
This number should be 17 characters, including both numbers and letters.

– Authorized signatory details

Sign your IRS Form 2290 online with a unique 5-digit signature PIN.

– Your vehicle’s gross taxable weight

The weight of your vehicle when fully equipped for service, minus the weight of you and the load. Find this number on your cab card or a sticker inside the door of your cab. (The number on the door may be outdated, so use the cab card number if you have it.)

– Payment information

ExpressTruckTax offers multiple HVUT 2290 payment options, including credit card, direct debit, EFW (Electronic Funds Withdrawal), and EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System).

You can also mail the IRS your highway tax 2290 payment via check or money order.

Form 2290 Filing Tips

Filing 2290 Form 2019 doesn’t have to be a hassle. In fact, with ExpressTruckTax, you can file IRS 2290 in under 20 minutes.

However, if an IRS 2290 mistake is made, the IRS will reject your form, forcing you to re-file.

To avoid this, ExpressTruckTax will run an instant error check on your highway tax 2290 before filing.

Also, if you’ve filed with us before, your information will be saved, further reducing the chance of error.

If you do end up making a mistake, ExpressTruckTax offers free VIN corrections and IRS 2290 amendments.

Can’t pay your HVUT (heavy highway vehicle use tax) amount right now? Don’t worry. The penalty for failing to pay your highway tax 2290 is lower than the penalty for failing file. File now, pay HVUT 2290 later.

IRS 2290 Filing Steps

IRS Form 2290 online filing has changed the game for highway tax 2290, making the process faster and easier.

ExpressTruckTax is an IRS-authorized, e-file provider, dedicated to simplifying the online IRS 2290 filing process. Our secure, cloud-based software ensures safe HVUT 2290 payment and 2290 Form 2019 filing.

Simply follow these steps to file 2290 Form 2019:

1. Sign up for your FREE ExpressTruckTax account
2. Select “start new return”
3. Enter vehicle information and details
4. Calculate tax (ExpressTruckTax will do this for you with our IRS 2290 Tax Calculator)
5. Undergo an instant error check

6. Transmit your form and pay HVUT 2290
Once these steps are completed, you’ll receive your stamped Schedule 1 in minutes!

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

Free Services from Express Truck Tax (2011 form 2290)

Posted on October 28, 2011 by - 2011 form 2290, 2290 efile, 2290 form, efile 2290, Efile IRS 2290, express form 2290, Form 2290, Heavy highway Vehicle use tax, irs 2290, IRS form 2290, VIN corrections FREE

When selecting an E-File provider for filing Truck Taxes with the IRS Form 2290 for Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes, it is important to consider what you are getting. The price of this service varies dramatically between providers, but you may be surprised to hear what is included with some of them. There are some companies that charge exorbitant amounts, but only provide a bare minimum level of service. You will not find a better combination of price and value as ExpressTruckTax.com.
To err is human. You would think that most companies would understand and adapt to this. Unfortunately some people even make mistakes on their Tax Returns. If You were so unfortunate when filing your IRS Form 2290 to incorrectly record the VIN number of your heavy vehicle, there is still hope for you! Thanks to the Good Folks at Express Truck Tax, you can E-File an IRS Form 2290 VIN Correction absolutely free! Unlike other services that would charge you for another filing, the good folks on the Truck Tax team for ExpressTruckTax.com provide VIN Corrections at no extra charge.
Another Free service that Express Truck Tax is offering is the ability to send a copy of the Stamped Schedule 1 directly to their Contracting, Leasing, or Trucking Company as soon as it is processed via email. You can also send a copy to your Accountant, Tax Preparer, or Business Manager as well. That way everyone can be kept in the loop as far as your taxes are concerned.
The filing process for this only takes a few minutes and the best part of it all is that these additional services 100% FREE. To Clarify, Express Truck Tax allows anyone to correct the VIN Number on any previously filed IRS Form 2290 as well as email a copy of the Stamped schedule 1 to anyone once it has been accepted. The filer will then receive their new IRS Stamped Schedule 1 in only minutes.
With this incredibly helpful service, you will be able to get your truck taxes taken care of quickly, so that you can get back on the road in no time! Express Truck Tax realizes that your time on the road is valuable and that you need to spend as little time as possible worrying about the little things. That’s why Express Truck Tax is making this process much simple for Truck Drivers everywhere.

IRS Form 2290 (HVUT) Payment Page Video

Posted on October 24, 2011 by - 2011 form 2290, 2290, 2290 form, changes for HVUT, efile form 2290 for 2011, EFTPS Payment, Form 2290, Heavy highway Vehicle use tax, irs 2290, IRS form 2290 Via eftps.gov

If you owe taxes, there are several payment methods currently accepted by the IRS.
These include: Electronic Funds Withdrawal, EFTPS, or Check or Money Order
If You choose to pay by Electronic Funds Withdrawal, you may pay using either a checking or Savings Account.
You will need to enter the US Bank Account Number and Routing Number in order for the IRS to process the payment. This information is typically listed on a check.
EFTPS, or Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, is a government website that allows taxpayers to schedule Federal Tax Payments electronically.
In order to make payments using EFTPS.gov you must complete the EFTPS registration process, which can take 5-7 business days.
Lastly, you may pay by mailing a check or money order to the IRS. If mailing your payment, you must include the 2290V, or payment voucher, with your payment. You may download a completed 2290V, including mailing instructions, directly from your ExpressTruckTax account.