Tag: 2290 tax form

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!

FAQ Friday: What Are Credits?

What Are Credits In ExpressTruckTax?

Each time someone pays for their return with ExpressTruckTax, they are required to pay a filing fee which depends on how many trucks you are filing for. When filing with ExpressTruckTax, a credit card is required, and entering the information each time can start to get repetitive after a while. By using the wallet feature in ExpressTruckTax, clients can purchase credits in advance and use them to pay for the filing of Form 2290. By purchasing these credits, you will receive a discount for buying them in bulk. 

Who Can Purchase Credits?

Anyone who needs to file Form 2290 has the option to purchase these credits to not only save money but pay in advance for them and not have to worry about paying later. Credits are especially beneficial for CPAs and businesses who file for large amounts of businesses.

The Benefits Of Purchasing Credits In ExpressTruckTax?

The biggest benefit of the credits is that they don’t expire. You can save them in your wallet and use them when you need them. By purchasing these credits users can save 10% or more on filing fees. Buying these credits greatly benefits those who need to file Form 2290 for multiple vehicles or they file for multiple people. They are time-efficient and make your payment process simpler.

What are you waiting for? If you file multiple Form 2290s then purchase credits today and save time and money!

Important Forms And Deadlines Truckers Need To Know

When taking up the occupation of being a truck driver there are many things to consider, including what forms you have to file and when and what tags you need to get for your truck. The dates and names can get a little confusing so the purpose of this helpful guide is to explain the purpose of each form and when they are due. 

Form 2290

What is it?

The Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HUVT).

Who has to file?

If a vehicle is over 55,000 pounds that travels more than 5,000 miles in a year then the Form 2290 has to be filed. If the vehicle travels less than 5,000 miles in a year it is considered suspended. If the vehicle only hauls agriculture and travels less than 7,500 miles in a year it is considered suspended as well. Even if the vehicle is suspended, Form 2290 still needs to be filed. 

When is the deadline? 

The deadline to file your Form 2290 is August 31st each year unless it falls on a weekend or a holiday it is then moved to the next business day, but you are able to prefile for the form starting in May. When you put your truck on the road for the first time also depends on when your 2290 is due. If you put your truck on the road in October you have to file your Form 2290 by the end of November. 

Where to File?

You can use ExpressTruckTax to file your Form 2290 in just a few easy steps! 

IRP

What is it?

The International Registration Plan (IRP), which is the plates on a truck.

Who has to File? 

If a truck is crossing state lines, weighs over 26,000 pounds, and has three or more axles, they qualify to get the IRP.

When is the Deadline?

It depends on the State/base jurisdiction. Some states have set deadlines and in other states the deadline is the same month every year based on the month you first registered. 

Where do you Renew your IRP?

At your local IRP office in your base jurisdiction. 

IFTA

What is it? 

International Fuel Tax Agreement

Who has to File?

Commercial motor vehicles that travel through more than one jurisdiction and purchase fuel in the different jurisdictions are required to file IFTA. 

What is the Timeframe?

The IFTA is actually filed on a quarterly basis. The quarters are as follows:

Quarter 1: January 1 – March 31

Quarter 2: April 1 – June 30

Quarter 3: July 1 –  September 30

Quarter 4: October 1 – December 31

When is the deadline?

Quarter 1: April 30 (May 2, 22)

Quarter 2: July 31

Quarter 3: October 31

Quarter 1: January 31

(This also depends on if the deadlines fall on a weekend or holiday it will be moved to the next business day)

Where do you Report and File your IFTA?

TruckLogics offers IFTA Reporting for $24.95 per report per quarter. You can file your IFTA with your base jurisdiction. 

UCR

What is it?

It Stands for Unified Carrier Registration Program.

Who has to File?

Commercial vehicles carrying cargo over state or international lines have to file.

When is the Deadline?

December 31st

Now that you have learned the different types of forms and tags needed to be a truck driver, write down these dates on your calendar or put them in your phone. They are important and missing them might lead to penalties and fines. File your 2290 with ExpressTruckTax and report your IFTA today with TruckLogics IFTA Only option!

Working Women Wednesday: Celebrating Women in the Trucking Industry With ExpressAmber

As you may know, March is Women’s History Month. Here at ExpressTruckTax, we want to celebrate and highlight the accomplishments of women in the trucking industry. The trucking industry has been thought to be a mostly male-dominated industry, but in recent years more and more women have started trucking, some even going as far as starting their own trucking companies.

Each week in March we will feature different women in the trucking industry and this week we are focusing on our very own expressAmber!

ExpressAmber is the face of ExpressTruckTax. From wacky to serious, she stars in videos that range in topics from starting your own authority, to quarterly and annual reporting/renewals including Form 2290, IFTA, IRP, UCR, and State Renewals, to the hottest topics in the trucking industry. You can tell just by watching any of her videos that she has a lot of fun doing what she does.

When asked to provide a quote about her involvement in the trucking industry, expressAmber had this to say: 

“When I started working in the trucking industry almost 10 years ago, I was unaware of how amazing, strong, and dependable this community is. When you truly understand everything that goes into driving a truck and how truckers keep America going, it hits you differently. There is a poem that I love called, “God Made A Trucker”. If you haven’t heard it, go listen to it and know that there ARE so many people that appreciate what you do day-in-and-day-out!”

The Poem that ExpressAmber loves can be found at God Made A Trucker.

Currently, expressAmber is active on YouTube at expressAmber delivering the latest info about Form2290 and other trucking industry-related topics. She seeks to educate and enlighten people about the tax side of the trucking industry. If you are in the trucking industry and are in need of tax-related knowledge or knowledge on other trucking-related topics check out expressAmber!

Join us in celebrating the many women in the trucking industry this Women’s History Month and help us give these amazing women the recognition they deserve!

Haciendo Su 2290: ¿Qué Tipo De Negocio Es Adecuado Para Usted?

La temporada de impuestos se acerca rápidamente y también lo es la fecha límite para hacer su Formulario 2290. Estos formularios a menudo hacen preguntas que pueden parecer confusas al principio. Una de las preguntas que le hacen cuando se registra para presentar es ¿bajo qué tipo de negocio está presentando? ¿Qué es un tipo de negocio y cómo sabe cuál es el adecuado para su negocio de camiones?

A continuación, encontrará una guía muy útil que explica más sobre cada tipo de negocio para determinar cuál es el mejor para usted.

Propietario único o LLC de un solo miembro

En resumen, un propietario único es el propietario único de un negocio.

S-Corporación de LLC como S-Corp

Las corporaciones S son corporaciones que eligen pasar los ingresos, pérdidas, deducciones y créditos corporativos a través de sus accionistas para propósitos de impuestos federales. Esto permite a las corporaciones S evitar la doble imposición sobre los ingresos corporativos.

C-Corporation o LLC como C-Corp

Corporación C, según la ley federal de impuestos sobre la renta de los Estados Unidos, es cualquier corporación que paga impuestos por separado de sus propietarios. A diferencia de las corporaciones C, las corporaciones S no pagan impuestos por separado.

Sociedad o LLC como Sociedad

Una sociedad es donde dos o más personas son propietarias del negocio.

Fincas

Los bienes son todo el dinero y la propiedad que posee una persona en particular, especialmente al momento de su muerte.

Fideicomisos y fiduciarios

Un fideicomiso es una relación cuando una persona tiene el título de la propiedad. Un fiduciario es una persona u organización que actúa en nombre de otra persona.

Organización Exenta

Para que una organización se considere exenta, debe ser una organización caritativa, una fundación privada u otra organización similar que esté exenta del impuesto federal sobre la renta.

¿Qué sucede si elige el tipo de negocio incorrecto?

No te preocupes, sucede, todos cometemos errores. Simplemente puede hacer clic en su nombre en la esquina superior derecha y luego hacer clic en la flecha desplegable. Luego hará clic en “Mi cuenta”, que lo llevará a una página con múltiples opciones. Desde allí, seleccione la opción titulada “Administrar empresas” haciendo clic en el icono del lápiz.

Cuando vea el nombre de la empresa que desea cambiar, haga clic en el ícono de lápiz a la derecha y lo llevará a la página que le permitirá cambiar el tipo de empresa.

Luego, en tipo de negocio, seleccione el menú desplegable y desde allí puede seleccionar el tipo de negocio que mejor describa su negocio de camiones.

Si tiene alguna pregunta, llame al 704.234.6005.

¡Haga su 2290 hoy!

First Used Month: What Is It And How Does It Relate To Your Form 2290?

*This blog doesn’t reflect the pricing for the 2022-23 filing season

Filing Form 2290 is done when your vehicle weighs over 55,000 pounds. If your vehicle travels less than 5,000 miles a year or 7,500 miles if it is used for agricultural purposes, you still have to file Form 2290 but you don’t have to pay the tax because your vehicle is then considered suspended/exempt. No matter if your vehicle is suspended/exempt or not when you file your Form 2290 you have to enter your first used month. 

What is a First Used Month?

The words “first used month” will appear several times in ExpressTruckTax and when you are filing your Form 2290. What does it mean? The first used month refers to the first month that you put your truck on the road during the specific tax year and does not have to do with the date on your tags. The Form 2290 tax year is July 1 to June 30.  If a truck has been put on the road for the first time in the middle of a tax year then the month you put the truck on the road will be your first used month. If your truck has been on the road for longer, however, your first used month will be July. Your first used month along with the weight of your vehicle is what determines how much your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) will be once you file your Form 2290.

Why Use ExpressTruckTax to file Form 2290?

ExpressTruckTax makes filing your Form 2290 easier. It only takes six simple steps and you are finished. You are not only guaranteed to receive your stamped Schedule 1 in minutes but ExpressTruckTax offers instant error check, free VIN corrections if you filed your original return with us, a free mobile app, and much more! Not only that but our prices start at only $9.90 for a single truck. Have any questions? Our 100% US-based customer service team is here to help!

What are you waiting for? File your Form 2290 with ExpressTruckTax today!

The Most Common IRS Form 2290 Mistakes to Avoid

 

There’s nothing worse than having to file your annual truck taxes twice

Avoid IRS Form 2290 mistakes this year when you e-file 2290 with ExpressTruckTax.

We’ve got a few tips to make the process as painless as possible and save you from any unnecessary corrections.

Filing IRS Form 2290 before the deadline will save you tons of money, but mistakes could keep you from meeting the Form 2290 due date and cost you a sweet penny.

Avoid frustration and confusion by double-checking some information that commonly delays IRS Form 2290 approval.

The Most Common IRS Form 2290 Mistakes to Avoid

5 Common IRS Form 2290 Mistakes

 Here are some things to be extra cautious about when filing your 2290 Form.

How to Check These Areas For Error

  • 1) EIN (Employer Identification Number) or VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)

A unique EIN is assigned to each company operating in the US as a form of identification for tax purposes. Your EIN should be a string of 9 numbers, presented in this format: 12-3456789.

Since this number looks similar to a social security number, filers often confuse the two, causing the IRS to reject the 2290 Tax Form.

Keep in mind that it takes 10 business days for the IRS to update its database with a new EIN. If you’re applying for a new EIN, do so at least a month before you e-file IRS 2290 to avoid delays.

Your VIN should be 17 characters long and include both numbers and letters. Check your VIN before submitting your 2290 Tax Form. If incorrect, your IRS Form 2290 will be rejected.

The best online tax filing is quick. Don’t waste unnecessary time with mistakes. When you e-file 2290, double-check your Form 2290 and ensure that your EIN and VIN are correct.

  • 2) First Used Month or Filing Year

When filing IRS Form 2290, make sure you use the correct filing year.

Note: If you’ve used an online filing service before, the drop-down menu could be set to a previous 2290 Tax Form file year. Double-check!

Secondly, choose an accurate first used month.

The first used month is the month you first used the truck on the highway during the tax period, which runs from July 1 to June 30 of the next year. Your Truck Tax form is due on the last day of the month after your first used month.

This means if you first used your vehicle in July, as most drivers do during the tax season, then you will need to file your IRS 2290 Tax Form by August 31.

  • 3) Gross Taxable Weight

IRS Form 2290 tax calculations can be tricky, but don’t sweat it. At ExpressTruckTax, our system automatically calculates your owed tax amount. Leave all 2290 tax form math to us.

It’s important to find the best online tax filing service to save yourself time and money. ExpressTruckTax can help!

  • 4) Authorized Signatory Details

It’s super easy to sign your IRS 2290 online. All you need is a 5-digit authorized signature code. Still, no matter how simple it sounds, please just… double-check. 

  • 5) Business Name & Address

You’d be surprised at how many returns are rejected for this information being incorrect!

The wrong business name and address is the most common error on the heavy vehicle use tax form 2290. Don’t let it happen to you!

Double-check your business name and address before submitting your IRS Form 2290.

Why is it so Important to Avoid IRS 2290 Mistakes?

Even the simplest mistake on your IRS Form 2290 can cause serious problems. For starters, your 2290 Tax Form will definitely be rejected by the IRS.

This is a huge time waster and may cause you to miss the HVUT 2290 Tax Form Deadline.

If this happens and you miss the deadline, you’ll need to correct your Form 2290 and file again, attaching an explanation to show reasonable cause for the delay of your heavy vehicle use tax.

There’s no guaranteeing that your statement will be accepted by the IRS, and if it’s not, you’ll face heavy IRS 2290 Tax Form penalties.

The penalty for failing to file IRS Form 2290 by August 31st is 4.5% of the total tax amount owed. Plus, you still have to pay the base HVUT 2290 amount you owe.

In addition, this penalty will increase monthly for up to 5 months, with an additional .54% interest added for each month that it remains unpaid.

Save yourself while you can and double-check your Form 2290 before you e-file 2290 online.

The Best Online Tax Filing Service to Use

ExpressTruckTax makes filing easy. When it comes down to it, we simply don’t believe that filing IRS Form 2290 should be so difficult.

We include an instant error check to help catch any mistakes hidden in your 2290 Tax Form. We also have a 100% US-based customer support team ready to help you every step of the way.

With features like bulk upload, free VIN corrections, and a mobile app, we’re committed to hosting your best filing experience yet.

Sign up for a free account today and you’ll agree that ExpressTruckTax is the best online tax filing option for Form 2290.