Heavy Vehicle Use Tax(Internal Revenue Service Form 2290)

HVUT refers to the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax, which is a fee imposed on heavy highway vehicles operating on public roads.  A vehicle is required to file HVUT, if it has a registered gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more.  This amount is the gross taxable weight, which is calculated by adding the following amounts:

• The unloaded weight of a vehicle that is fully equipped for service
• The weight of any unloaded trailers, equipped for service, and typically used with the vehicle
• The maximum weight of the load customarily carried on the vehicle and on any trailers customarily used with the vehicle.

The official definition, according to the IRS,of a taxable Highway Motor Vehicle is any self-propelled vehicle that is designed to carry a load over public highways.  Examples of such vehicles include trucks, truck tractors, and buses.  The IRS does not usually consider vehicles such as vans, pickup trucks, panel trucks, or other similar vehicles because they do not typically weigh 55,000 pounds or more.  

HVUT rates are broken down into three categories for these vehicles.  Vehicles under 55,000 pounds have no HVUT because they do not fit the qualifications of a heavy vehicle.  Vehicles between 55,000 and 75,000 pounds owe $100, plus $22 per 1,000 pounds over 55,000 pounds.  Thirdly, if a vehicle is over 75,000 pounds, the maximum HVUT is $550 per year.