Tag: 2290 tax

The Ultimate Guide to Filing 2290 Forms

Form 2290 is an IRS federal form used to calculate and report Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes (HVUT) every year. The money from this tax is then distributed back into the states for highway maintenance.

But who needs to file 2290 forms? And what’s the easiest way to do it? Online? In the mail? For answers to these questions and more, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to filing your 2290 forms.

Who Needs to File the 2290 Form?

If you have a vehicle with a gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more and are using it on public roads, you must file Form 2290.

For example, trucks, truck tractors, and buses designed to carry a load over public highways will have to file 2290 forms. However, smaller trucks, like vans, pickup trucks, and panel trucks likely will not have to file a Form 2290.

How is Form 2290 enforced? 

You have to file your 2290 forms to get back a stamped Schedule 1. This paper is what you need to renew your tags. If you are leased with a company, they’ll also want to see that you have a stamped Schedule 1.

Pro tip: Keep a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 in the cab of your truck in case you get pulled over or need to show it to the Department of Transportation (DOT).

What is the HVUT & Why is it Important?

The Heavy Vehicle Use Tax is an annual truck tax that the IRS imposes based on the weight of your vehicle. It is a significant part of funding the upkeep of roadways in the U.S. Since heavy trucks add more wear and tear to the nation’s highways than other motorists, the HVUT evens the playing field. Owner-operators of heavy vehicles pay a little more for the upkeep of the national highway system through the HVUT.

Who has to pay the HVUT?

You must pay the HVUT if:

  • The vehicle is registered in your name
  • Your vehicle has a gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more
  • Your vehicle is being used on public roadways/highways

What is the taxable gross weight of a vehicle?

The taxable gross weight of a vehicle is determined by adding these three things:

  • 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

What does ‘actual unloaded weight’ mean? 

The actual unloaded weight of a truck is simply the empty weight of the vehicle. If your truck is equipped to tow a trailer or a semi-trailer, the weight will be the truck and trailer combined.

What does ‘fully equipped for service’ mean? 

To add the weight of a truck fully equipped for service, you will include the body of the vehicle, all accessories, and the equipment attached to or carried by the truck. You’ll also include the truck’s entire supply of fuel, oil, and water.

However, fully equipped for service does not include the driver or the equipment used in handling, protecting, or preserving cargo. It also does not count any special equipment like an air compressor or crane.

How to calculate and make HVUT payments 

The HVUT varies based on the 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. And, 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).

So, if you have a truck that weighs 60,000 pounds, your HVUT payment would be $210 ($100 + $22 x 5).

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

HVUT Payment Breakdown

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

When Should You File the 2290 Form?

Form 2290 is an annual truck tax that you will have to file every year. The deadline to file is the last day of the month following the “first used month” of the vehicle. This means you have a two-month window to file for all of your trucks over 55,000 pounds.

For example, if you get a new truck in December and put it on the road, you must file your 2290 tax form by Jan. 31. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, you will file by the next business day.

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

How to File the 2290 Form

You can either e-file or mail your 2290 forms. No matter which method you choose, you’ll need to gather the following information:

  • Your Employee Identification Number (EIN
  • Your name  – this must match the name on your EIN
  • The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of each vehicle
  • The taxable gross weight of each vehicle 

Note: If you don’t have an EIN, you need to apply for one since you can’t use your social security number to file Form 2290. Keep in mind that you’ll need to allow four weeks for your new EIN to be established in the system before filing your 2290 forms.

How to e-file Form 2290

E-filing is the most common and easiest way to file your Form 2290. It’s also the only method the IRS will allow if you’re filing for more than 24 vehicles.

Not to mention that when you e-file, your return will be processed quickly. This means 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 (even sooner if you have your refund directly deposited into your banking account).

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

What are the Penalties for Non-Compliance?

If you miss the deadline to file your Form 2290 returns or pay your HVUT taxes, you could be hit with significant IRS penalties and interest charges.

For example, if you fail to file your Form 2290 returns by the due date, 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%.

So if your unpaid HVUT liability was originally $500, it would increase to over $700 by the end of the five-month period.

Not only do these penalties quickly add up, but the registrations of your vehicles will also be suspended. And, in a worst-case scenario, the IRS could seize your assets to make up for your tax debt.

How to claim tax exemptions

There are several vehicles exempt from paying the HVUT. These vehicles include the following:

  • Commercial vehicles (including suspended vehicles) that clock fewer than 5,000 miles for the year
  • Agricultural vehicles that drive fewer than 7,500 miles for the year
  • Vehicles that are not considered highway motor vehicles (i.e. vehicles specifically for off-highway transportation)
  • Vehicles used for the collection of blood

Not sure whether you’re exempt from paying the HVUT? Our support team at ExpressTruckTax can answer any questions you have about filing Form 2290. As the market-leading e-file provider for Form 2290, we ensure you have all the information you need to file your return on time. In fact, with ExpressTruckTax, you can file your Form 2290 return instantly with the IRS and get your stamped Schedule 1 in minutes.

Related Questions

Q: How do I file Form 2290 online? 

A: The only way to file Form 2290 online is through an IRS-approved e-file provider, like ExpressTruckTax. You cannot file Form 2290 on irs.gov.

Q: When is the deadline to file Form 2290? 

A: The deadline to file Form 2290 is the last day of the month following the “first used month” of the vehicle. If you have been operating your vehicle throughout the fiscal year, your deadline will likely be Aug. 31.

Q: What is the penalty for late filing Form 2290?

A: If you are late to file Form 2290, you could be penalized 4.5% of the total HVUT taxes due for up to five months. If you fail to pay the full amount of the HVUT payments you owe, you could also face a penalty of 0.5% of the unpaid tax per month (maxed at 25%).

Q: Can I make HVUT payments with a credit card? 

A: You can pay your taxes by credit card or debit card, via an electronic funds withdrawal, or through the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).

Q: How do I claim a tax exemption for my logging truck?

A: You must file Form 2290 through an approved e-file provider to claim a tax exemption for your logging truck.

Q: What is the difference between Form 2290 and Form 8849? 

A: Form 2290 is for reporting and paying your HVUT. It must be filed every year by Aug. 31. Form 8849, on the other hand, is for claiming a refund or credit for HVUT that was overpaid or paid for a vehicle sold or destroyed before June 30. It can be filed at any time during the tax year.

Q: Can I amend my Form 2290 after filing it? 

A: An amendment to Form 2290 should be made for the following vehicle changes: an increase in taxable gross weight, mileage use limit exceeded, and an incorrect VIN.

Pre-Filing For Form 2290 For 2022-2023 Is Now Available!

It’s that time of year again! Time to file Form 2290. With ExpressTruckTax you can file early and beat the rush of everyone trying to file at one time. By filing early your form will be one of the first to get accepted so that you can get your stamped Schedule 1 as quickly as possible. E-File with ExpressTruckTax and you can file Form 2290 before anyone else!

What is Form 2290?

Form 2290 must be filed if a vehicle weighs 55,000 pounds or more and drives more than 5,000 miles a year, (or 7,500 miles if it is used for agricultural purposes). 

Why File Form 2290 Early?

While the IRS doesn’t start accepting Form 2290 for the new tax year until July 1st, there are many people who usually file around that time. If you wait to file then, there is a chance that it will take longer for your Form 2290 to be processed by the IRS and you will not receive your Schedule 1 for several days. 

If you file early with ExpressTruckTax however, your return will be transmitted to the IRS as soon as they start accepting them. That way you are able to beat the rush of filing season by filing early and receive your 2290 Schedule 1 as soon as possible. 

You can also file now and pay later. File now with ExpressTruckTax and your tax payment does not need to be paid until August 31st. Depending on the payment method that is selected will determine when you will pay. If you choose check or money order, EFTPS, or credit or debit card, you may submit your payment as soon as the IRS begins accepting them on July 1st and you have until August 31st to pay it. If you select electronic funds withdrawal your payment will be taken as soon as the IRS accepts the form.

Important Pricing Information

We want to take an opportunity to thank all of our loyal customers for choosing us year after year. We have an important update going into this tax season that we want to make sure you are aware of. ExpressTruckTax has been filing Form 2290 for hundreds of thousands of truckers for over 10 years and throughout our history, we have kept our prices the same. Because of the current economic climate and the rising cost of doing business, we have made the decision to change our prices to continue improving our services and features. 

We offer amazing live support via phone, email, and chat and our support team is here to answer any questions you may have about your Form 2290. 

With ExpressTruckTax you can file early and receive your Schedule 1 ahead of everyone else. We still offer the lowest price to file Form 2290 on the market. What are you waiting for? File Form 2290 today and get your Schedule 1 as soon as the IRS starts accepting Form 2290!

ExpressTruckTax: Forma 2290 De Gran Calidad A Precios Increíbles!

* Este artículo no refleja el precio para declarar por la temporada 2022-23

Como propietario de un negocio, sabemos y entendemos que su resultado final es importante para usted. Hay varias razones por las que ExpressTruckTax es el principal proveedor de archivos electrónicos del IRS para la forma 2290, como nuestra reputación, la disponibilidad de soporte y, por supuesto, los precios.

¡ExpresstruckTax no juega con los precios! ¡Lo que ves es lo que obtienes, no hay costos ocultos y no hay necesidad de cupones! Desde 2010, ExpressTruckTax no ha aumentado el costo de hacer la Forma 2290 electrónicamente, ¡Que es de solo $9.90 por un solo camión! ¡El mismo excelente precio con el mismo excelente servicio al cliente!

¿No nos crees? Echemos un vistazo a algunos precios de la competencia para presentar un solo vehículo:

Este competidor también ofrece un cupón de 20% de descuento.

Hagamos los cálculos aquí juntos. Este sitio le cobra $ 48.99 por un solo camión. Incluso con un cupón de 20% de descuento, TODAVÍA estás pagando $39.19. Eso es casi 4 veces más caro que cuando hace su Forma 2290 con ExpressTruckTax. Nuevamente, ¡todavía cuesta solo $ 9.90 por un solo camión!

¿Entonces, Qué esperas? ¡Haz tu Forma 2290 con ExpressTruckTax y no gastes más dinero del necesario!

How To Understand The First Use Month On The Form 2290

The IRS Form 2290 (otherwise known as the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax or HVUT), like all federal tax forms, can be very confusing to understand and file correctly.

For instance, the yearly Form 2290 filing season begins on July 1, and ends on June 30 and the final deadline to file Form 2290 is August 31.

But if you purchased and started using a new truck at any point this year, the Form 2290 due date for that new truck would be the end of the month after you started using it.

Let’s cover how the HVUT 2290 tax works.

What is the 2290 tax?

The Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) helps fund infrastructure maintenance across the United States. 

HVUT 2290 filing is a requirement for all vehicles weighing more than 55,000 pounds that drive 5,000 or more miles a year.

This includes specialized heavy vehicles like big rigs and commercial coaches that put more stress on roadways than regular motor vehicles. 

Trucker using truck for IRS Form 2290 first use month

IRS form 2290 first use month

In the simplest terms, the first use month policy means that if you started using a new truck in January of 2020, your Form 2290 due date would be February 28, 2020. And if you starting using a truck in September, your Form 2290 due date would be October, 31.

Obviously, if you bought a new truck and didn’t actually start using it on public highways, you would not need to file your 2290 yet. You would wait until the end of the month after you actually began using it.

What this means is that your Form 2290 due date will probably be different than that of many other drivers.

But since the 2290 HVUT calendar year runs from July 30 through July 1, many drivers start using their trucks in July and their Form 2290 due date is August, 31.

File your 2290 today!

With ExpressTruckTax, the 2290 filing process is simple, affordable, and you get your Stamped Schedule 1 in minutes!