Category: IRS

The IRS is Currently Closed

Posted on December 31, 2018 by - government shutdown, IRS, IRS closed, IRS Shutdown, new years eve

The IRS is closed for annual maintenance from now until mid-January.

The IRS noted that taxpayers should continue to file their returns and pay any taxes due as usual.

Here’s a partial list of functions that directly impact taxpayers and would typically be put on hold during a government shutdown:

  • You cannot walk in and fill your 2290
  • Production systems are not operational at this time.
  • No tax refunds issued
  • No processing of non-disaster relief transcripts
  • No processing of forms 1040X, amended returns
  • No non-automated collections
  • No audit or examinations (some exceptions apply)
  • No legal counsel
  • No call center during Non-Filing Season 
    For more information please see the: LAPSED APPROPRIATIONS CONTINGENCY PLAN

    Everything You Need to Know 1099 vs. W2

    Posted on October 2, 2018 by - 2290, affordable care act, ExpressIRSForms, Form 1099-MISC, Form W-2, Form W-9, independent contractor, IRS, obamacare, owner operator, Personal Tax Extension

    Everything You Need to Know 1099 vs. W2

    As a fleet owner should you give your drivers a 1099 or W-2 Form? We hear this question a lot from drivers and fleet managers alike. You might think you have a ton of time before the tax season, however, now is the time to get your documents in order. The last thing you want is the IRS on your case about the classification of your drivers.

    While we do tend to focus on Form 2290, we understand the personal taxes of a professional truck driver can make a huge difference for both companies and drivers.

    Do Your Drivers Need a 1099 or W-2?

    Misclassifications continue to be a subject for concern among both companies and drivers, so it is a point that needs particular attention. So how should your fleet approaches classification?

    When you bring on a new driver, you should determine if they are a full-time employee or an independent contractor. This should be priority number 1!

    This will determine if they will receive a 1099 or W-2. Now, we’ve heard stories from some drivers where companies won’t discuss employee status until tax forms are due, but we suggest clear and open communication with your drivers from the very beginning.

    Some fleets might be tempted to put the burden of taxes on drivers and send them a Form 1099, but that route can only be traveled with specific conditions geared towards independent contractors.

    My point is that treating a full-time employee as an independent contractor will lead the IRS to your front door. Plus, the IRS get their money one way or another. Might as well keep your classifications kosher. 

    Independent Contractor or Company Driver?

    The status of your drivers needs to be determined before the hiring process even starts. There are specific guidelines set by the IRS on what classifies as a contractor and which 1099 to file.

    If you’re an independent contractor, you will have to cover your end of government expenses, but you also have more choice in how you haul.

    Don’t Wait Until The Last Minute

    If you have any questions about your business tax forms, contact our sister product, TaxBandits. It is their mission to help your business save time and money this upcoming tax season. Their bilingual support team is available via phone, live chat, and email. Click here to learn more.

    Learn More About TaxBandits

    3 Reasons Why Your IRS Form 2290 Was Rejected

    Posted on August 25, 2016 by - 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
    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.

    New IRS 2290 for Tax Year 2016 – 2017

    Posted on July 6, 2016 by - 2290 e-file, e-file, e-file 2290, E-file form 2290, expresstrucktax, Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax, Form 2290, Internal Revenue Form 2290, IRS

    New IRS 2290 for Tax Year 2016 - 2017
    New IRS 2290 for Tax Year 2016 – 2017

    You probably didn’t realize that there’s a new IRS Form 2290, did you?

    It’s OK, not much changed, however, you can only use this form to file your Form 2290 for the tax period beginning on July 1, 2016 and ending on June 30, 2017.

    To learn more about this new form, check out the material provided by the IRS.

    Click here to learn more about why Form 2290 has changed, and what it means for your filing.

    And when you have that covered, you can go stand in line with your completed Form 2290.

    But why waste your time trying to figure it out yourself when you have ExpressTruckTax on your side.

    With our interview-style form completion, we’ll help you e-file—yes e-file—your Form 2290 with the IRS.

    That means, no standing in line at the IRS office, no trying to figure out complicated tax jargon by yourself, and no wasting time off the road.

    Create your free account with ExpressTruckTax and start e-filing your 2290, today!

    Form 2290 Due Dates for the Tax Year 2016 – 2017

    Posted on July 5, 2016 by - due date reminder, e-file 2290, E-file due date, efile IRS form 2290, Form 2290, form 2290 due date, form 2290 reminder, HVUT form, Internal Revenue Form 2290, IRS, IRS Form, IRS form 2290, IRS form 2290 due date

    Form 2290 Due Date
    Form 2290 Due Date Reminder

    So you’ve kept track of your paperwork and you’re now ready to file your Form 2290 with the IRS to get your stamped Schedule 1.

    But why wait in that long line at the IRS office, deal with people giving you a hard time and miss out on payable hours driving when you don’t have to?

    That’s right; there’s a completely easier way to do all of this – ExpressTruckTax.

    ExpressTruckTax is designed to help keep you on the road and out of the IRS office.

    We even provide you with valuable information, such as Form 2290 due date for this year, the Form 2290 due date 2016, and the Form 2290 due date for 2017.

    Take look at our easy-to-understand chart that explains exactly when you should file and pay your taxes:

    If, in this period, the vehicle is first used during
    Then, file IRS Form 2290 and make your payment by *
    July, 2016
    August 31, 2016
    August, 2016
    September 30, 2016
    September, 2016
    October 31, 2016
    October, 2016
    November 30, 2016
    November, 2016
    January 3, 2017
    December, 2016
    January 31, 2017
    January, 2017
    February 28, 2017
    February, 2017
    March 31, 2017
    March, 2017
    May 1, 2017
    April, 2017
    May 31, 2017
    May, 2017
    June 30, 2017
    June, 2017
    July 31, 2017

    So you decide – would you rather stand in line at the IRS office and in the comfort of your own truck?

    We’ll be waiting at ExpressTruckTax.com to help you e-file your Form 2290 before your deadline.

    What are the Requirements for IRS Form 2290?

    Posted on June 21, 2016 by - 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
    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 - 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 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!

    New EIN for Your New LLC

    Posted on February 16, 2016 by - EIN change, Employer Identification Number, Form 2290, hvut credit, IRS, limited liability company, LLC, Owner Operators, small fleet owner

    A few weeks ago the East Coast was blanketed in a thick layer of snow. In the middle of this snowmageddon, the IRS got behind on their e-filing. When you combine bad weather, hardware failure, and the subsequent maintenance, it’s no wonder the IRS clogged up on issuing Employer Identification Numbers!

    Now we know this is just frustrating, but who ever thought the government could be behind on something? Not me, no way. Hmm, never heard of that! We know this is an inconvenience – I mean, maybe you had trouble getting your EIN and then had trouble e-filing your 2290s. Or maybe you went out of your way to turn your trucking business into a LLC, only to find out about the EIN delay.

    New Business, New EIN

    While nobody wants to face a lawsuit, the best thing you can do for your growing transportation business is prepare a plan for facing legal issues. Well, one potential path for owner-operators to take is becoming a Limited Liability Company (LLC). By becoming a LLC, your trucking business has the option to become a separate entity with its own Tax Identification Number and bank account, and it can’t be named in a personal lawsuit against you.

    After you transition to a LLC, you may end up with a new EIN! After obtaining a new EIN, you’ll have to file a new 2290 with your new number, and use your old number to claim a HVUT credit.

    Why Should You Become an LLC?

    Do you have one truck? Two trucks? A red truck and a blue truck? Ah, you get what I mean. You can file to become an LLC regardless of how many trucks you have. Should you separate your business from your self, though? That’s honestly up to you, and you need to weigh the pros and cons. First up, you’ll protect your personal assets in case of a lawsuit. What’s the trade-off? How you file your taxes will change, and how you account for finances will have to change, too! Keep that in mind as you head down this road.

    How Do You Know If You Need a New EIN?

    Well, not every new LLC needs a new EIN. But a lot do! If you’re wondering how you know you’ll need a new number, the IRS says you will need a new EIN if any of the following statements are true:

    • You are a new LLC with more than one owner (Multi-member LLC) formed under state law.
    • You are a new LLC with one owner (Single Member LLC) formed under state law and choose to be taxed as a corporation or an S corporation.
    • You are a new LLC with one owner (Single Member LLC) formed under state law, and have an excise tax filing requirement for tax periods beginning on or after January 1, 2008, or an employment tax filing requirement for wages paid on or after January 1, 2009.

    Like we said before, we can’t tell you to become an LLC. But many owner-operators take this path for the added business protections and benefits. After all, you want to protect your livelihood! Have you turned your trucking business into an LLC? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter!

    After you’ve received the EIN for your new LLC, be sure to file your 2290s with ExpressTruckTax! If you have any questions, give us a call at 704.234.6005, reach us on live chat, or shoot us an email!

    IRS Blackout Returns!

    Posted on December 4, 2015 by - IRS, IRS Blackout, IRS e-file maintenance, IRS E-file shutdown

    That’s right Trucking Nation, it’s back! The
    dreaded IRS system blackout returns Saturday, December 26th. Every year the IRS shuts down its MEF (Modernized E-file System) at the year’s end for “maintenance.” They’ve said the blackout will end the first week in January but haven’t indicated an exact date yet.

    What This Means for You

    Ok, don’t panic. If you use ExpressTruckTax, we’ve got all the bases covered for you. You can still prepare your Form 2290 with us during the blackout. We’ll hold your form ready to be transmitted to the IRS as soon as the maintenance ends. The only difference is that you won’t be able to receive your stamped Schedule 1 until after the IRS resumes accepting returns. You’ll receive your Schedule 1 within minutes after the maintenance is over.

    Another important thing to remember is that the IRS won’t be time-stamping e-filed returns during this period. So you’ll need to get your return in by December 26th in order for your return to be considered on time if you are required to file by the December 31st deadline for those with first-used months of November 2015.

    So remember that we’ve got your backs, Trucking Nation. And if you’ve got any questions at all about the blackout, or even about ExpressTruckTax in general, don’t hesitate to call us at 704.234.6005 or email us at support@expresstrucktax.com. We’re available to assist you in English and Spanish with any help you might need.

    Hopefully now the blackout won’t catch you by surprise. ExpressTruckTax always keeps you up-to-date on all things truck tax. And it’s our pleasure to keep doing so.

    Trucking News Update: IRS Offices Now by Appointment Only

    Posted on June 17, 2015 by - Expresstrucktax.com, IRS, Truck Tax, trucking news

    We have breaking news, Trucking Nation!

    On June 12, 2015, the IRS announced that it is making 10% of its offices available by appointment only. This is yet another in a series of moves by the IRS to encourage tax filers to go paperless and start e-filing as it is more efficient and cost-effective for both tax filers and the IRS.

    Prior to this, the IRS also made it mandatory for trucking companies that have more than 25 vehicles to e-file for the same reason, proving only one thing: that e-filing is the future of the tax industry.

    Since the IRS prefers e-filing to paper filing, the tax filing industry will continue to change. This means that here at ExpressTruckTax, as industry leaders in e-filing Truck Taxes, we are now more than ever the best and easiest way for you to file your taxes.

    If you need to go to your local IRS office for any reason, be sure to call ahead and make certain that your IRS office allows walk-in’s, or use that opportunity to make an appointment.

    For your convenience, we have listed below the IRS offices that are now by appointment only:

    • Birmingham, AL; Mobile, AL; Redding, CA; Denver, CO; Hartford, CT; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Atlanta, GA; Des Moins, IA; Boise, ID; Chicago, IL; Muncie, IN; Terre Haute, IN; Louisville, KY; Paducah, KY; Wichita, KS; Monroe, LA; Hyannis, MA; Grand Rapids, MI; Marquette, MI; Kalispell, MT; Wilmington, NC; Norfolk, NE; Cherry Hill, NJ; Albany, NY; Elmira, NY; Washington, PA; York, PA; Rapid City, SD; Nashville, TN; Austin, TX; San Angelo, TX; San Antonio, TX; Seattle, WA; Silversale, WA; Tacoma, WA; Daluth, WI; Madison, WI; Sophia, WV.

    If you need to contact your local IRS office, the IRS lists the numbers by state and city here.

    And don’t forget, if you need any help e-filing or pre-filing, we’re here for you! So if you have questions or concerns, give us a call at 704.234.6005 or send us an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24-hour support in English and Spanish.