Category: Vehicle first use month

Don’t Get Rejected: Simple E-filing Mistakes to Avoid

Posted on August 24, 2015 by - Employer Identification Number, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, Truck Tax, Vehicle first use month


Mistakes happen, especially on your taxes. But if you don’t take the time to learn from them, you’re doomed to repeat the same mistakes all over again.

And with just 8 days left to e-file before the deadline, you don’t have much room for error. That’s where we come in! Don’t get rejected, avoid these simple e-filing mistakes and make sure that the IRS will accept your return. 

1. Incorrect EIN or VIN

The number one mistake you want to avoid is mixing up some numbers or letters in your EIN, or VIN. Now we know these numbers can be long, and sometimes hard to remember, but you should always check, double check, and triple check to make sure you’ve got it down correctly. 

And you should also make sure you register you EIN right away! It takes the IRS up to two weeks in order to make your EIN active. So if you don’t have one yet, unfortunately it’s too late to get it and still e-file on time.

2. Computation Errors

Tax math can be complicated, but we’ve got an app for that! Not to mention, our automated system automatically calculates what you owe based on a few simple questions about your business and your vehicle. Don’t waste your time doing complicated tax math when we could do all the work for you.

3. Incorrect Filing Status or Filing Year

Sometimes dates and mileage can be tricky, but make sure you know your vehicle well enough to know how to file, and what year to file for. 

Your filing status has a lot to do with your vehicle’s mileage. For instance, if you know you’ve travelled under the 5,000 mile limit (7,500 for agricultural vehicles), you should file your vehicle as suspended. 

Then you need to make sure you’re selecting the correct year to file for. If you’re filing for the most recent tax year, you’ll select the 2015-16 tax year. We actually select it for you as you move through our program, to make things easier for you. So you only have to select a different filing year if you’re filing for a previous tax season.

4. Incorrect First-Used Month

While this error won’t necessarily get your return rejected, it will cause some issues when it comes time to get your new tags.

The HVUT tax year begins July 1st, which means for all renewals the first-used month is automatically July—even if you’re filing in August. The only time you would choose a later month is if you purchased your Heavy Vehicle after the beginning of the HVUT tax year. For example, if you purchased a new truck in September, that becomes your first-used month.

5. Duplicate Vehicle Information

You don’t want to enter in a single vehicle more than once. This mistake could cost you, literally! If you do accidentally enter your vehicle twice, you can easily remedy the situation by selecting the “remove” button located next to the duplicate vehicle.

So be vigilant, Trucking Nation, make sure you’re checking those returns twice, and thrice if you need to. Avoid errors at all costs, especially these common ones!

But if you find yourself unsure or if you have any questions, we’re here for you! We have a dedicated, year-round support team to help you succeed. So give them a call at 704.234.6005, or send them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support in English and Spanish!

Don’t Wait or You’ll Be Late: E-File by the May 31st Deadline

Posted on May 21, 2015 by - 2290 deadline, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, form 2290 credit vehicle, HVUT, Schedule 1, Vehicle first use month

Although the start of the 2015-16 tax year is right around the corner, there are still reasons for many of you to file for the 2014-15 tax year, today. If you’ve been waiting until the last minute to take care of your HVUT, then it’s officially your time to shine. However, there are many other reasons besides procrastination that warrant filing, so let’s see who should be E-filing today.

Who Needs to E-file NOW:

1. Those With a First Used Month of April 2015

For all new vehicles, you have until the end of the month following the vehicle’s first use month to file your 2290. For example, if you purchased a vehicle and first put it on the road in April of 2015, then you have until May 31, 2015 to file the 2290 for that vehicle without incurring late penalties.

2. Those Who Haven’t Already Filed for the 2014-15 Tax Year
If you have not already filed your 2290 for trucks that have been used throughout the 2014-15 tax year running from July 1, 2014 through June 31, 2015, you should E-file immediately. All those E-filing for the 2014-15 tax year for trucks used before April of 2015 are already late and will incur penalties. But the sooner you file, the lower the penalty, so get on it asap!

3. Those Who Sold, Traded In, or Lost the Vehicle They Filed for This Tax Year
If you had a vehicle that was sold, stolen, traded in, or lost that you already filed taxes on for the 2014-15 tax year, then you will need to file a credit vehicle on your 2290. Some refer to this as “Transferring a 2290” from an old vehicle to a new one. Filing with a credit vehicle allows you to receive tax credits on taxes already paid for the 2014-15 tax year on the old vehicle. This way, you won’t end up paying any extra tax to get that Schedule 1 for your new ride. For more information about this process, you can visit our blog post that explains exactly how to E-file your 2290 with a credit vehicle.


I’m Late… Now What?

The IRS imposes a penalty of 4.5 percent of the total tax due, assessed on a monthly basis for up to five months. In addition to this penalty, interest will accrue on the total amount at .54 percent per month, and the IRS can also impose an additional monthly penalty equal to .5 percent of the total tax due.

Also note that International Roadcheck 2015 will be taking place from June 2, 2015 through June 4, 2015, so now is as good a time as ever to ensure that your vehicle is on the road legally by renewing its tags and registration. At the end of May and June brings the registration deadline for several different states, including Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Missouri, West Virginia, and Maine.

If you are a driver in any of these states then you need to E-file as soon as possible, if you haven’t already. At ExpressTruckTax, we are the fastest and most reliable way to get you the stamped Schedule 1 you need, so be sure and E-file today to get your new registration and tags so you can avoid the hassle during International Roadcheck.

As you can see, it can be rather costly not to file those 2290’s on time, and the longer you wait the more it’s going to cost. So stop wasting time, and start saving your money today by filing with us at ExpressTruckTax. We have made the filing process quicker and simpler than ever, and offer the best value in the industry for E-filing your 2290.

If you have any questions, our US-based support team is available through phone, email, and even live chat. To reach us, call 704.234.6005, or email us at support@expresstrucktax.com, and we’ll be happy to assist you in any way that we can.

More Answers to Your Frequently Asked HVUT Questions!

Posted on March 30, 2015 by - 2290 Amendment, EFTPS, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, Form 8849, HVUT, Taxable gross vehicle weight, Vehicle first use month

It’s time for some much-needed Monday Morning brain stimulation!

Whether you’ve been scratching your head over the same HVUT questions, or you’re just looking to learn some random facts to freshen your Trivia Game prowess, then this blog is for you!

1. Is my HVUT renewal due the same time my vehicle registration renewal is due?

No. Although you need a current stamped Schedule 1 to renew your tags, they are not necessarily due at the same time.

Every year the HVUT renewal period opens July 1st and closes at the end of August. All renewals must be filed and taxes paid during this period, regardless of when your vehicle registration is due. If you wait to file your renewal until you need your tags, you will owe additional late fees on top of the heavy vehicle tax. When filling out your Form 2290 for your renewal, your first-used month is automatically July.

2. My taxable gross weight has increased. Do I need to file a new Form 2290?

No, but you may need to file a Form 2290 Amendment, which can also be easily E-filed through ExpressTruckTax.

If your gross vehicle weight has increased enough to bump you up into a higher weight category, then you can E-file a 2290 Amendment and only pay the difference. For a step-by-step guide to E-filing an Amendment for a Weight Increase, check out this blog.

3. My credits are greater than the tax due. How do I get this money back?

If the IRS owes you more than you owe them, then our system will automatically generate a completed Form 8849 for a refund. It’s just one more way we go the extra mile to try to make your life easier!

4. Can I pay my HVUT with a debit or credit card?

No, the IRS no longer accepts tax payments in the form of a debit or credit card. However, you may pay our E-filing fee with either.

The IRS only accepts payments from Direct Debit (Electronic Funds Withdrawal), EFTPS, or by Check or Money order. When paying by check or money order, be sure to attach a 2290-V payment voucher. If you E-file with us, we’ll automatically create a completed payment voucher for you! 

5. Where is your Support Team located, and how can I reach them?

Our Support Team is proudly located in the USA at our headquarters in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Not only are we USA-based, but we offer support in English and Spanish, all year long. We don’t just hire one or two people to provide seasonal tax support during the renewal period. Instead, we have a dedicated team that does nothing but provide HVUT support every day of the year.

We take great pride in being immersed in the transportation industry and talking to truckers, fleet owners, farmers, and CPA’s every day. We know this gives us an understanding of the industry that can’t be replicated, and it helps us to continue offering you the support experience of a lifetime.

You can reach us via phone Monday through Friday from 8am-6pm EST at 704.234.6005. You can also shoot us a message via live online chat, or email us at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/7 emergency assistance.

Become an E-filing Genius! Check out More Frequently Asked Questions and Answers!

–Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions- Form 2290 Style!

Deadline Reminder: Vehicles First Used In February

Posted on March 31, 2014 by - E-file from 2290, IRS 2290 Deadline, Vehicle first use month

Today is deadline to file IRS Form 2290 HVUT for vehicles first used in February. The amount will be prorated for just the months left in the 2013-2014 HVUT tax calendar.

What is the IRS Form 2290?
This form is used to figure and pay the tax due on a highway motor vehicle that 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 tax period and the vehicle has a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more.
What is required to E-file?
To e-file you need your business details – business name (sole proprietor can use their legal name) and address, Employer Identification Number (EIN), details of the authorized signatory. Please note: you must have an EIN to file Form 2290. If you do not have one yet, you can visit IRS Online EIN Application to apply for one.
You need the details of your vehicle – Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and Gross Weight of the vehicle.
If you choose to pay the IRS by direct debit, have the routing number and the account number ready. 
Once you transmit your 2290 to the IRS, you will receive your Stamped Schedule 1 within minutes. Your Stamped Schedule 1 is your receipt and proof of payments for your From 2290.
What if I can’t get to a computer to e-file?
If you are on the road and unable to get to a computer, you can create an account and e-file directly from your phone using our mobile site – http://m.expresstrucktax.com 
Your tax due will be prorated based on the number of months the vehicle will have been used during the current tax year. So vehicles that were put in service during the month of February will need to file IRS Form 2290 by midnight tonight, and the tax will be based on 5 months instead of the full year.  
For more information or to get started e-filing your 2290 today, visit ExpressTruckTax.com. If you have any questions contact our US-based Express Tax Support Center located in Rock Hill, SC via phone: 704.234.6005 email: support@expresstrucktax.com. We provide support in both English and Spanish.

Determining First Use Month

Posted on February 7, 2014 by - 2290 online, 2290 tax, E-file form 2290, easy 2290, Federal Heavy Highway Use tax, heavy vehicle use tax, highway motor vehicle, HVUT, Vehicle first use month

When E-Filing Form 2290 with ExpressTruckTax, you will be asked to provide the first use date for the vehicle. This dates refers to the time when the vehicle was placed in service during the tax period.  If the vehicle has been placed in service for  previous years and will continue to be in service this year, the first use month will be July.  This is because the tax period for Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes begins in July and ends in June.


If a new vehicle is placed in service during the tax period, the first use month will be the month in which the vehicle was first used. If a vehicle was only used for part of the tax period, the tax will be prorated based on the number of months the vehicle was actually used. For example, if a vehicle was used on January 27th, it will be taxed as though it was used the entire month, regardless of the fact it was only used for a couple of days, and the tax will be based on 6 months, instead of the full year.


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!

What Is Form 2290?

Posted on August 19, 2013 by - 2290 online, 2290 tax, E-file form 2290, easy 2290, Federal Heavy Highway Use tax, heavy vehicle use tax, highway motor vehicle, HVUT, Prorated 2290 tax, Vehicle first use month

 

The IRS Form 2290 is used to file Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes, or HVUT as it is commonly known. The Form 2290 must be filed on an annual basis for every Heavy vehicle weighing at least 55,000 pounds.
All you need to E-File is your:

  • Basic Vehicle information
  • Vehicle Identification Number or VIN
  • Gross Vehicle Weight.

The best way to file IRS form 2290 is through ExpressTruckTax – the IRS Approved E-file Provider.

With ExpressTruckTax, you can e-file form 2290 in less than 10 minutes. 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!

Form 2290 First Use Month

Posted on July 18, 2013 by - 2290 online, 2290 tax, E-file form 2290, easy 2290, Federal Heavy Highway Use tax, Form 2290 Deadline, heavy vehicle use tax, highway motor vehicle, HVUT, Vehicle first use month

When E-Filing Form 2290 with ExpressTruckTax, you will be asked to provide the first use date for the vehicle. This dates refers to the time when the vehicle was placed in service during the tax period.  If the vehicle has been placed in service for  previous years and will continue to be in service this year, the first use month will be July.  This is because the tax period for Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes begins in July and ends in June.

If a new vehicle is placed in service during the tax period, the first use month will be the month in which the vehicle was first used. If a vehicle was only used for part of the tax period, the tax will be prorated based on the number of months the vehicle was actually used. For example, if a vehicle was used on May 27th, it will be taxed as though it was used the entire month, regardless of the fact it was only used for a couple of days, and the tax will be based on 2 months, instead of the full year.

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!

New 2013-2014 Form 2290 Tax Year Is One Week Away

Posted on June 24, 2013 by - 2013-2014 2290 Tax Year, 2290 online, 2290 tax, E-file form 2290, easy 2290, Federal Heavy Highway Use tax, heavy vehicle use tax, highway motor vehicle, HVUT, Prorated 2290 tax, Vehicle first use month

The new Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) year begins July 1, 2013 and runs through June 30, 2014.  The Form 2290 filing deadline for all taxable vehicles for the new tax year is August 31, 2013.  All tax must be paid in full by the deadline to avoid penalties.

The tax is based on the gross vehicle weight and ranges from $100 to $550 per year per vehicle.  For vehicles first used during any other month than July during the tax period, the tax is prorated and due by the last day of the month following the month first used.  For example, if a vehicle will be first used in December, the Form 2290 would have to be filed by January 31, 2013.  There is no tax due for any vehicle used than 5,000 (7,500 agricultural) miles during a tax period.  The Form 2290 return would still need to be filed, but the vehicle would be classified as a suspended vehicle, so no tax would be due.  There are other circumstances where a vehicle is classified as suspended, but ExpressTruckTax enables you to identify those vehicles.

States require a stamped Schedule 1 as proof of payment for the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax in order to register the vehicle.  With ExpressTruckTax you will receive your stamped Schedule 1 within minutes, so you no longer have to wait to register or renew your vehicles.

For more information 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!

How To File Form 2290 with ExpressTruckTax

Posted on June 13, 2013 by - 2290 online, 2290 tax, E-file form 2290, easy 2290, Federal Heavy Highway Use tax, heavy vehicle use tax, highway motor vehicle, HVUT, Prorated 2290 tax, Vehicle first use month

When E-Filing Form 2290 with ExpressTruckTax, you will be asked to provide the first use date for the vehicle. This dates refers to the time when the vehicle was placed in service during the tax period.  If the vehicle has been placed in service for  previous years and will continue to be in service this year, the first use month will be July.  This is because the tax period for Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes begins in July and ends in June.

If a new vehicle is placed in service during the tax period, the first use month will be the month in which the vehicle was first used. If a vehicle was only used for part of the tax period, the tax will be prorated based on the number of months the vehicle was actually used. For example, if a vehicle was used on May 27th, it will be taxed as though it was used the entire month, regardless of the fact it was only used for a couple of days, and the tax will be based on 2 months, instead of the full year.

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!

What is My First Use Month?

Posted on April 8, 2013 by - 2290 online, 2290 tax, E-file form 2290, easy 2290, Federal Heavy Highway Use tax, heavy vehicle use tax, highway motor vehicle, HVUT, Vehicle first use month

When E-Filing Form 2290 with ExpressTruckTax, you will be asked to provide the first use date for the vehicle. This dates refers to the time when the vehicle was placed in service during the tax period.  If the vehicle has been placed in service for  previous years and will continue to be in service this year, the first use month will be July.  This is because the tax period for Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes begins in July and ends in June.

If a new vehicle is placed in service during the tax period, the first use month will be the month in which the vehicle was first used. If a vehicle was only used for part of the tax period, the tax will be prorated.

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!