Category: irs 2290

What are the Requirements for IRS Form 2290?

Requirements for IRS Form 2290 E File
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

Pre-File Your 2290 from Mobile App
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
E Filing Form 2290

  1. Create your account. 
  2. Enter your business and truck information. 
  3. Transmit to the IRS. 
  4. 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!

Form 2290 HVUT Requirements

The heavy vehicle use tax or HVUT is an annual fee assessed on heavy vehicles operating on public highways at registered gross weights equal to or exceeding 55,000 pounds. The gross taxable weight of a vehicle is determined by adding the unloaded weight of the motor vehicle and any trailers together with the maximum load customarily carried on-road by the truck-trailer combination. IRS Form 2290 is filed annually to pay the HVUT due on the taxable vehicle and proof of payment is the Stamped Schedule 1. The monies collected are used to offset the cost for road repairs and maintenance.


Suspended vehicles (Category W) are still required to file a Form 2290, even though there is no tax due.  A vehicle is considered suspended if the motor vehicle does not exceed 5,000 miles or 7,500 miles for agricultural vehicles during the tax period, regardless of owners.

An agricultural vehicle is any highway motor vehicle that is:
  • Used (or expected to be used) primarily for farming purposes, and
  • Registered (under state laws) as a highway motor vehicle used for farming purposes for the entire period. A special tag or license plate identifying the vehicle as used for farming is not required for it to be considered an agricultural vehicle.

Also note that logging vehicles are taxed at a reduced rate.

There are some vehicles that are exempt from the tax and are not required to file Form 2290. They are:
  • The Federal Government,
  • The District of Columbia,
  • A state or local government,
  • The American National Red Cross,
  • A nonprofit volunteer fire department, ambulance association, or rescue squad,
  • An Indian tribal government but only if the vehicle’s use involves the exercise of an essential tribal government function,
  • A mass transportation authority if it is created under a statute that gives it certain powers normally exercised by the state,
  • Qualified blood collector vehicles (see below) used by qualified blood collector organizations, or
  • Mobile machinery that meets the specifications for a chassis
For more information on exempt vehicles, go to irs.gov/trucker.

The IRS has simplified the process of filing Form 2290 and paying your HVUT taxes with the ability to E-File.  Anyone who is filing a return with 25 or more vehicles is required to file electronically, but everyone is now encouraged to E-File.  Through an IRS Authorized E-File Provider, like ExpressTruckTax.com, you can file your Form 2290, pay your HVUT taxes owed to the IRS and receive your Stamped Schedule 1 within minutes.  Your Schedule 1 serves as proof of payment for your HVUT and when you file by the deadline you will avoid any IRS penalties.

To get started today, visit ExpressTruckTax.com or contact our Express Tax Support Center in Rock Hill, SC at 704-234-6005 or email us at support@ExpressTruckTax.com.  We have Spanish Support too!


Trucking Spotlight


– David Elliott
– 2001 Peterbilt – 550 6NZ
– 1,418,000 Miles
– Bought it new in Dec. 2010
– This truck will out-pull the new ones out there. Love the old girl!

If you would like to share photos of your truck, we would love to feature them on our blog. Photos can be submitted after E-Filing the IRS Form 2290 at ExpressTruckTax.com

Happy Trucking!

FAQ’s For Truckers Who E-File Form 2290

For truckers who are new to the E-Filing process, it may seem a bit intimidating; but rest assured, it is a quick and easy process.  Below are some common questions from the IRS site that may help:

Who is required to E-File Form 2290?
Those reporting 25 or more vehicles for any taxable period, are required to E-File through an IRS-approved software provider; however everyone is encouraged to E-File.  Electronic filing save you time and postage, and helps to reduce preparation and processing errors.

Why do I need an Employer Identification Number to e-file?
The EIN along with your name provides a unique identifier for each taxpayer, which protects your privacy.

What is my name control?
Your name control is assigned at the time the IRS approves your application for an Employer Identification Number. The name control consists of up to four alpha or numeric characters. Before the IRS can validate your electronically filed return, you must provide your name control and it must match what the IRS has in their records.

Can I still file my return electronically if I just received my EIN?
Yes, you may file your return electronically. However, you should wait two weeks from the date your EIN was assigned to allow your name control to be established in the IRS computer system. Your return will be rejected if you try to file your return electronically before your EIN is fully established.

When are my Form 2290 taxes due?
You must file Form 2290 by the last day of the month following the month the vehicle was first used on public highways. These due date rules apply whether you are paying the tax or reporting the suspension of tax. It is important to file and pay all your 2290 taxes on time to avoid paying interest and penalties.

How will I know the IRS has received my return?
You will receive an electronic version of the Schedule 1 containing a watermark of the E-File logo in the background. The Schedule 1 can be printed from your own computer.

How do I make corrections to my e-filed return?
You would need to file an amendment to the 2290.

If I buy another truck after I have e-filed my 2290 for the current tax period, should I e-file my original 2290 again and simply add the new vehicle to the Schedule 1?
You must file a new Form 2290 listing only the new vehicles. You may e-file that 2290 anytime before the last day of the month following the month the new vehicle was first used.

May I file one 2290 for two trucks that I place on the road in two consecutive months?
The amount of tax you owe depends on the month when you first placed your trucks on the road, so you would need to file a separate 2290 for each truck stating the month it was first used.

What should I do if my e-filed return is rejected by the IRS for duplication?
Make sure the correct VIN are listed and are not duplications from a previous filing; correct any duplication and re-submit the return.

What is a duplicate filing error?
The system detects when you have filed a return under the same EIN, for the same tax period, for the same vehicle(s) and/or the same VIN category. Check to make sure you are reporting new vehicles only and that the other information is correct.

How do I claim a refund electronically for a vehicle that was sold, destroyed or stolen during the tax period?
You can claim a credit using Form 8849, Schedule 6, Other Claims. The refund amount will depend on when the vehicle was sold, destroyed or stolen.

How do I claim a refund electronically for a vehicle I used less than 5,000 miles during the tax period?
If you already paid the tax on a vehicle you used for less than 5,000 miles, you can claim a credit using Form 8849, Schedule 6, Other Claims. However, a credit or claim for this refund cannot be filed until the next tax period.

For help with these questions and more,  or to E-File the Form 2290 online now, go to ExpressTruckTax.com or contact our Express Tax Support Center in Rock Hill, SC at 704-234-6005 or email us at support@ExpressTruckTax.com.  We have Spanish Support too!

Your HVUT Responsibilities

What is HUVT?
HVUT is the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax that is a fee assessed annually on heavy vehicles operating on public highways at registered gross weights equal to or exceeding 55,000 pounds. The gross taxable weight of a vehicle is determined by adding the unloaded weight of the motor vehicle and any trailers together with the maximum load customarily carried on-road by the truck-trailer combination.

Who Must File?
You must file Form 2290 for the tax period beginning on July 1, 2013, and ending on June 30, 2014, if a taxable highway motor vehicle is registered, or required to be registered, in your name under state, District of Columbia, Canadian, or Mexican law at the time of its first use during the period and the vehicle has a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more.  The deadline to file is August 31, 2013.

What is Required?
You need the details of your business – Business Name (Sole proprietor can use their legal name) and address, EIN (Employer Identification Number) , details of the authorized signatory.
You need the details of your vehicle – Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and Gross weight of the Vehicle

If you are going to pay the IRS by direct debit (we strongly recommend it), keep the routing number and the account number ready.

When to File?
Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes must be filed using the Form 2290 on an annual basis. The Tax period for Heavy Vehicles begins on July 1st and ends on June 30th of the following year. The annual renewal of your Form 2290 for a new tax period IS DUE BY August 31st each year.

For new vehicles placed in service, the IRS Form 2290 must be filed by the last day of the month following the month of first use. For example, if you purchase and first use a vehicle in October, you must file a Form 2290 by the end of November.

How to File?
Electronically.  File Form 2290 electronically through any electronic return originator (ERO), transmitter, and/or intermediate service provider (ISP) participating in the IRS e-file program for excise taxes, such as ExpressTruckTax.com. E-Filing is required by the IRS, if you are reporting 25 or more trucks on a return. For more information on e-file, visit the IRS Trucking Tax Center.

Paper.  Mail Form 2290 to the address shown under Where To File. If you did not pay the tax using the Electronic Funds Transfer or Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), mail Form 2290-V and your check or money order with Form 2290.

For more information or to get started today, visit ExpressTruckTax.com or contact our friendly US Based Express Tax Support Center in Rock Hill, SC at 704-234-6005 or email us at support@ExpressTruckTax.com.  We have Spanish Support too!

What is HVUT?

HVUT is the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax that is a fee assessed annually on heavy vehicles operating on public highways at registered gross weights equal to or exceeding 55,000 pounds. The gross taxable weight of a vehicle is determined by adding the unloaded weight of the motor vehicle and any trailers together with the maximum load customarily carried on-road by the truck-trailer combination.

Who Must File?
 
You must file Form 2290 and Schedule 1 for the tax period beginning on July 1, 2013, and ending on June 30, 2014, if a taxable highway motor vehicle (defined below) is registered, or required to be registered, in your name under state, District of Columbia, Canadian, or Mexican law at the time of its first use during the period and the vehicle has a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more.

What is Required?
 
You need the details of your business – Business Name (Sole proprietor can use their legal name) and address, EIN (Employer Identification Number) , details of the authorized signatory.

You need the details of your vehicle – Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and Gross weight of the Vehicle

If you are going to pay the IRS by direct debit (we strongly recommend it), keep the routing number and the account number ready.

When to File?
 
Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes must be filed using the Form 2290 on an annual basis. The Tax period for Heavy Vehicles begins on July 1st and ends on June 30th. The Annual renewal of your Form 2290 for a new tax period IS DUE BY August 31st each year.

For New Vehicles placed in service, the IRS Form 2290 must be filed by the last day of the month following the month of first use. For example, if you purchase and first use a vehicle in January, you must file a Form 2290 by the end of February.

How to File Electronically?

File Form 2290 electronically through any electronic return originator (ERO), transmitter, and/or intermediate service provider (ISP) participating in the IRS e-file program for excise taxes, such as ExpressTruckTax.com. For more information, visit the IRS Trucking Tax Center.

Paper.  Mail Form 2290 to the address shown under Where To File. If you did not pay the tax using the Electronic Funds Transfer or Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), mail Form 2290-V and your check or money order with Form 2290.
For more information or to get started today, visit ExpressTruckTax.com or contact our Express Tax Support Center in Rock Hill, SC at 704-234-6005 or email us at support@ExpressTruckTax.com.  We have Spanish Support too!