All About IRS Form 2290 (Truck Taxes)

What Is IRS Form 2290?
IRS Form 2290 exists as a way to pay Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes, or HVUT, which must be filed with the IRS for any highway motor vehicle that exceeds a gross weight of 55,000 pounds. IRS Form 2290 also includes what is known as a Schedule 1, which is used to report all vehicles for which you are reporting tax (including an increase in taxable gross weight) and those that you are reporting suspension of the tax by category and vehicle identification number (VIN). The Schedule 1 may also be used as proof of payment to register your vehicle in any state. Use the stamped Schedule 1 that was returned to you by the IRS for this purpose.

Who Must File?
You must file a Form 2290 and Schedule 1 for the tax period beginning on July 1st, and ending on June 30th, if a highway motor vehicle 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 period and the vehicle has a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more.  Any type of business entity may file a Form 2290 with the IRS.

How much is the Tax?
There are three different categories for HVUT rates for these vehicles. Vehicles Below 55,000 pounds do not have HVUT because they do not qualify as a heavy vehicle. Vehicles between 55,000 and 75,000 pounds owe $100, plus $22 per 1,000 pounds over 55,000 pounds. Finally, for vehicles that are over 75,000 pounds the maximum HVUT is $550 per year.

The gross taxable weight is calculated by adding the following:

• Unloaded weight of vehicle, fully equipped for service.
• Unloaded weight of any trailers equipped for service and customarily used in combination with the vehicle
• Weight of the maximum load customarily carried on the vehicle and on any trailers customarily used in combination with the vehicle.

Who is Exempt?
Although it is rare, some Vehicles that fit the above description may be exempt from the HVUT and Filing requirements of Form 2290. To officially be exempt from filing Form 2290, the vehicle must be owned and operated by the following:

• The Federal Government
• The District of Columbia
• state or local government
• American National Red Cross
• Non-Profit Volunteer Fire Department, Ambulance Association, or Rescue Squad
• Indian Tribe Government (Only if the Vehicle is Used for essential Tribe or Government Function)
• Mass Transportation Authority (Only if granted certain powers normally exercised by the state)
• Qualified Blood Collector Vehicles
• Mobile Machinery that meets specifications for a chassis

There are several providers of services that can help you E-File Form 2290 with the IRS, one such provider is www.expresstrucktax.com. They provide a very excellent service for all Truck Tax Needs.  

Filing HVUT with Form 2290 in 2011

As anyone in the Transportation Industry will already know, the filing process for Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes (HVUT) will be a little bit different than normal this year. The Schedule 1 of the Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT), which is part of the IRS Form 2290, has been extended to November 30 of 2011. It is also not possible to receive a receipt for the Form 2290 until after November 1st. This means that the majority of those filing this tax will not do so until November.

Since a stamped Schedule 1 is required to register a vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles, they will be accepting the HVUT proof of payment for the previous tax year of July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011, to make things go as smoothly as possible this year. The IRS has informed taxpayers of the Form 2290 delay and the available options for payment once the form is available.

The following items may be accepted by the DMV as proof of HVUT payment until November 30, 2011:

• Original or copy of a Stamped Schedule 1 from the Form 2290 (electronically watermarked or manually stamped) for the previous tax year of July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011.
• A copy of the IRS Form 2290 from the previous tax year, filed with the IRS as well as a copy of the front and back of the check to the IRS for the entire HVUT payment.
• Original or copy of an IRS Form 2290 (electronically watermarked or manually stamped), listing the vehicle as a “Credit Vehicle” for the previous tax year.

Once the IRS begins issuing the Form 2290 again, the process will revert to the normal procedures. The proof of HVUT payment will then be able to be sent to the DMV for any applications requiring HVUT verification.

This tax that the IRS collects is an annual tax on commercial motor vehicles that weigh
55,000 pounds or more. This is referred to as the taxable gross weight of a vehicle. Congress is in the process of extending the tax, and the previously mentioned due date exists as a temporary regulation that postpones the due date until November 30, 2011.

Although it is still not possible to file Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes with Form 2290 yet, the Truck Tax experts at Express Truck Tax will be available to answer any questions as well as help drivers and trucking companies file those taxes. For more information, visit the Express Truck Tax website or give the Truck Tax experts a phone call at 704-234-6005. You can also email any questions to support@ExpressTruckTax.com.  

Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes (IRS Form 2290) for Commercial Vehicles

A vehicle is considered to be commercial vehicle in the United States if it is titled or registered to a company. This all-encompassing definition includes vehicles in a fleet, company cars, as well as other vehicles used for business. Vehicles that are designed to carry more than 16 passengers are also considered to be a commercial vehicle.

Here are the qualifications for commercial vehicles

• A company or corporation owns the title of the vehicle.
• The vehicle is used for business purposes.
• The vehicle is a leased vehicle and in the name of the financial institution that owns it.
• The vehicle exceeds a certain weight and is therefore “classified” as commercial even though it may not be commercially used or commercially owned. A weight of 26,001 pounds or more is always considered to be commercial.
• The vehicle is used to transport hazardous materials.

Commercial trucks are classified into different classes according to their gross weight:

1.    Class 1- GVWR:  from 0 to 6,000 pounds (0 to 2,722 kg)
2.   Class 2- GVWR:  from 6,001 to 10,000 pounds (2,722 to 4,536 kg)
3.   Class 3- GVWR:  from 10,001 to 14,000 pounds (4,536 to 6,350 kg)
4.   Class 4- GVWR:  from 14,001 to 16,000 pounds (6,351 to 7,257 kg)
5.   Class 5- GVWR:  from 16,001 to 19,500 pounds (7,258 to 8,845 kg).
6.   Class 6- GVWR:  from 19,501 to 26,000 pounds (8,846 to 11,793 kg)
7.   Class 7- GVWR:  from 26,001 to 33,000 pounds (11,794 to 14,969 kg)
8.   Class 8- GVWR:  above 33,000 pounds (14,969 kg)

If a Class 8 commercial vehicle weighs more than 55,000 lbs, it is subject to heavy vehicle use taxes. The tax is paid to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) using the IRS Form 2290. Heavy Vehicle Use Tax is a federal tax.  Individual states do not collect the tax. However, in order to properly register your vehicle with the state, you must present a Stamped Schedule 1 from the Form 2290 to the local DMV when registering the vehicle.

The official qualifications to be liable for heavy vehicle use taxes stipulate that a vehicle must have a gross weight 55,000 lbs or more. The IRS defines taxable gross weight as the sum of:

• 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.

ExpressTruckTax.com is an IRS authorized E-File provider who can help you file form 2290 as well as keep secure online records of previously filed form 2290’s. For more information on the 2290 filing process, heavy vehicle use tax, IRS payment methods, etc visit the Express Truck Tax website or call our Truck Tax experts at 704-234-6005. You can also email any questions to support@ExpressTruckTax.com.

President Barack Obama Pushes for the Renewal of Transportation Bills

On Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at the Rose Garden, President Barack Obama spoke about the pending Transportation Bill currently in Congress to a large gathering of highway workers. He was joined by Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, as well as Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO, and also David Chavern, the chief operating officer of the Chamber of Commerce.

Among other things, the main focus of President Obama’s speech revolved around the necessity of renewing the Transportation Bill that is currently set to expire September 30. The primary arguments for extending the bill were that not extending it would cost up to a million jobs of hard working highway workers and extending the bill would also bring much needed tax revenue to fund road repairs and maintenance.

“Now is the time for Congress to extend the transportation bill, and keep our workers on the job. Now is the time to put our country before party and give certainty to the people who are trying to get by. There’s work to done. There are workers ready to do it. That’s why I expect Congress to act immediately.” said the President.

Video Link: http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/ExtensionofTr

What is HVUT Form 2290 (Heavy Vehicle Use Tax)?

Although it is many things, HVUT is first and foremost, an acronym standing for Heavy Vehicle Use Tax. This federal highway use tax is to be paid annually to the federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on vehicles that operate on public highways that also have a gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more. The federal government then distributes this revenue back to the state departments for highway construction and maintenance projects.

All carriers are required to send the proof of payment of the HVUT to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) along with their registration renewal in order to successfully register their Heavy Vehicle. Proof of this can be either a copy of a received Schedule 1 (from IRS form 2290) with a copy of the electronic receipt of Schedule 1 showing the dated e-file watermark, or a copy of the IRS form 2290 with a copy of the electronic IRS payment confirmation screen.

To clarify, the IRS Form 2290 is the official form that trucking companies and owner operators have to file to correctly pay their Heavy Vehicle Use Tax. The Schedule 1 is a part of that form. The easiest way to file this form is through an IRS Authorized E-File provider like Express Truck Tax. ExpressTruckTax.com makes this process incredibly simple so that filing this form only takes a few minutes.

For vehicles that are exempt from the heavy vehicle use tax payment by the IRS, a statement of exemption must be submitted by the carrier with their registration renewal. These vehicles are commonly referred to as “Credit Vehicles.” A carrier must send a copy of the IRS form 2290 showing their request for suspension from the HVUT payment with their registration renewal for vehicles that qualify for suspension. These vehicles can also be filed online from Express Truck Tax.

The relatively recent ability to file these taxes online also makes it possible to file VIN corrections online as well.  It is understandable that some mistakes may be made on tax returns from time to time.  Express Truck Tax understands this, and that is why they were the first to introduce Free VIN Corrections as part of their basic service. This should help to give peace of mind to anyone filing their tax return online. Since the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a complicated combination of letters and numbers, it is one of the easiest places to make a mistake on the Form 2290.

The best part about filing Form 2290 with Express Truck Tax is that they offer a terrific customer support team to assist with any questions people may have. They are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM EST at (704)234-6005 or anytime by email at support@ExpressTruckTax.com

Trucking Industry Supports President Obama’s Push for Highway Funding

On Wednesday, August 31, 2011, President Barack Obama was joined by Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, as well as Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO, and also David Chavern, the chief operating officer of the Chamber of Commerce as he made a speech to a gathering of Highway Workers regarding the Transportation Bill currently in Congress. His speech mainly focused on the jobs that would be lost if Congress failed to pass the bill by September 30th (the current transportation legislation is set to expire on Sept. 30).  According to his speech, nearly one million highway workers would be out of a job if the current legislation expired without enacting new legislation.  

The current transportation legislation “The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users” expired in 2009, but Congress has kept adding extensions to the legislation. The most recent one expires at the end of September. If it is not extended, or if new legislation is not enacted to replace it, the transportation industry will experience a shutdown similar to what the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) experienced earlier this year.

If there is no immediate solution, the Transportation department will experience about 4,000 jobs to be furloughed without pay, and up to one million jobs if the delay is any longer. These are jobs for the people who build our roads and keep them safe. It would be detrimental and irresponsible to our highway system if this legislation is not kept in place.  

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) came out in support of President Obama stating that Congress needed to quickly act on another extension, but  more extensions are no replacement for a long-term highway solution.  The ATA also urged the administration to use caution when using private sector funding for public infrastructure.   

Soon after, The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials also released a statement in agreement with the ATA. Another organization that supported President Obama’s push for new legislation came as a surprise was OOIDA (Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association). This was a bit surprising because OOIDA and the ATA have had a history of having a different opinion than the ATA.  But as to this issue they have a similar viewpoint.  They also agree that the government should try to avoid private sector funding for public transit.

This delay in the typical tax year for those filing Truck Taxes has affected an entire industry.  Once an extension is passed or new legislation is enacted, those Truck Taxes will be able to be filed with Express Truck Tax at www.ExpressTruckTax.com. You can use this service to quickly E-File your Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes with Form 2290, 8849, IFTA and more!  It only takes minutes to complete. If there are any questions, you can send them to (704)234-6005 or support@ExpressTruckTax.com. 

Be Ready to File Form 2290 for Heavy Highway Vehicles

As the month of November moves closer and closer, you will want to be able to get your Form 2290 taken care of as swiftly as possible once it is made available. It is unfortunate enough that the filing process was delayed, but to avoid any future confusion about the issue, it would be beneficial to be ready to file once the form is available.

In order to make the filing process easier with the IRS using Form 2290, it is very important that you keep accurate records, just like you would when filing any other type of tax return. It is crucial for anyone filing form 2290 to maintain their records for at least 3 years prior to the filing date for any taxable highway vehicles registered to them. For fleet owners and small trucking companies who have filed form 2290 in the past, it is wise to always keep the 2290 records on hand, as one never knows when IRS inspection may take place. It is even important to save these returns if they are only for a part of a year. In the case of a suspended vehicle (public highway use was less than 5,000 miles/year) it is still necessary to keep records of Form 2290’s filed for them as well.

You will need to gather the following information before filing form 2290 to accelerate the filing process. You will need a description of all vehicles for which you are filing as well as a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) for each one. You will also need to know the gross taxable weight of the vehicle.  It is also necessary to report the date the vehicle was acquired, as well as the name and address of the previous owner. The first use month for the taxable period is also required for reporting. If a vehicle is considered to be suspended, keep a record of actual highway mileage. If the vehicle is an agricultural vehicle, then keep accurate records of the number of miles it is driven on a farm or field. Keeping proper records of your 2290 information will be a great help to you in the unfortunate event of an audit.  It will also make the task of filing this form much easier.

ExpressTruckTax.com is an IRS authorized E-File provider who can help you file form 2290 as well as keep secure online records of previously filed form 2290’s. For more information on the 2290 filing process, heavy vehicle use tax, IRS payment methods, etc visit the Express Truck Tax website or call our Truck Tax experts at 704-234-6005. You can also email any questions to support@ExpressTruckTax.com.

Pay Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (IRS form 2290) On Time with expresstrucktax.com

As anyone who is a veteran of the Trucking Industry will tell you, there are many more business and economic responsibilities other than simply getting something delivered at the right time and place. Heavy Vehicle Use Tax, or HVUT, is one of the most common taxes on heavy highway vehicles in the United States. Paying this tax properly involves filing the IRS Form 2290. This Form is so easy to E-File online, and thanks to Express Truck Tax, there is no reason to be late, as evidenced by these points:

• IRS Fines
• Unless you enjoy IRS Audits and spending time in courtrooms, it is a terrible to not pay your taxes. The IRS can add all kinds of interest and late fees, but if you end up in court over the matter it will lead to the court costs as well as heavy fines.
• Not filing or not paying is a felony
• Fines are bad enough, but it could be worse. Going to court can lead to criminal charges. The IRS & state governments could prosecute anyone who purposely cheats to avoid paying the truck tax. It can also lead to time in prison.
• Stay focused on your business
• If these are not paid in a timely manner, the previously mentioned fines, court appearances, and possible jail time could seriously put a halt on your business. The time and energy spent worrying about IRS Audits, Fines, and Court Dates is not worth it. Especially when the taxes are not typically very high.
• Taxes help improve public roads
• Paying taxes is never a joyful experience, but you should get some gratification in the fact that much of the taxes paid for HVUT go back into the cost of roads and highway expenses. It just makes sense; if you enjoy using something, you shouldn’t mind paying for it.
• It’s So Easy
• With Express Truck Tax, their team of Truck Tax experts will guide you through the process. All you need to do is login to www.ExpressTruckTax.com and start entering the vehicles that you need to file for. If there are any questions, you can call them at 704.234.6005 or send an email to support@ExpressTrucktax.com

Pay Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (IRS form 2290) On Time with expresstrucktax.com

As anyone who is a veteran of the Trucking Industry will tell you, there are many more business and economic responsibilities other than simply getting something delivered at the right time and place. Heavy Vehicle Use Tax, or HVUT, is one of the most common taxes on heavy highway vehicles in the United States. Paying this tax properly involves filing the IRS Form 2290. This Form is so easy to E-File online, and thanks to Express Truck Tax, there is no reason to be late, as evidenced by these points:

• IRS Fines
• Unless you enjoy IRS Audits and spending time in courtrooms, it is a terrible to not pay your taxes. The IRS can add all kinds of interest and late fees, but if you end up in court over the matter it will lead to the court costs as well as heavy fines.
• Not filing or not paying is a felony
• Fines are bad enough, but it could be worse. Going to court can lead to criminal charges. The IRS & state governments could prosecute anyone who purposely cheats to avoid paying the truck tax. It can also lead to time in prison.
• Stay focused on your business
• If these are not paid in a timely manner, the previously mentioned fines, court appearances, and possible jail time could seriously put a halt on your business. The time and energy spent worrying about IRS Audits, Fines, and Court Dates is not worth it. Especially when the taxes are not typically very high.
• Taxes help improve public roads
• Paying taxes is never a joyful experience, but you should get some gratification in the fact that much of the taxes paid for HVUT go back into the cost of roads and highway expenses. It just makes sense; if you enjoy using something, you shouldn’t mind paying for it.
• It’s So Easy
• With Express Truck Tax, their team of Truck Tax experts will guide you through the process. All you need to do is login to www.ExpressTruckTax.com and start entering the vehicles that you need to file for. If there are any questions, you can call them at 704.234.6005 or send an email to support@ExpressTrucktax.com