What is HVUT?
HVUT or Heavy Vehicle Use Tax is the fee imposed by the IRS annually on heavy vehicles that operate on public highways at registered gross weights equal to or exceeding 55,000 pounds.

The taxable gross weight of a vehicle is determined by adding the following:
• The actual unloaded weight of the vehicle, when it is fully equipped for service
• The actual unloaded weight of any trailers or semitrailers fully equipped for service normally used in addition to the vehicle
• The weight of the maximum load that can be carried on the vehicle and on any trailers or semitrailers typically used with the vehicle
• For Buses, The taxable gross weight is its actual unloaded weight fully equipped for service in addition to 150 pounds for each seat provided for passengers and driver.

The Tax Calculations:
The tax year for Form 2290 starts in July and ends in June of the next year. If the gross taxable weight is from 55,000 to 75,000 pounds, the HVUT is $100, plus $22 per thousand pounds over 55,000 pounds. For over 75,000 pound vehicles, the maximum HVUT is $550/ year. The taxes are lower for logging vehicles. Logging Vehicles are vehicles which are primarily used for transporting products harvested from the forest and is registered with a state agency as such.

Taxes are prorated for any vehicles placed into service after the month of July.

HVUT Exemptions:
There are a number of groups that receive exemptions from HVUT. Such as:
• Federal Government
• Indian tribal governments (for vehicles used in essential tribal functions)
• State & Local governments, including the District of Columbia
• Mass transportation authorities
• The American Red Cross
• Nonprofit volunteer fire departments, ambulance associations or rescue squads

There are also a number of vehicles exempted from the HVUT:
• Any vehicle not considered to be a highway motor vehicle — e.g., mobile machinery for non-transportation functions, vehicles specifically designed for off-highway use, and non-transportation trailers and semi-trailers
• Qualified blood collecting vehicles used by qualified blood collector organizations
• Mobile machinery that is used for non-transportation purposes

Exempt carriers may be required to file tax forms with the IRS or notify the local department of motor vehicles (DMV) of their exempt status

there are other vehicles that are exempt based on the number of miles it is driven:
• Commercial Vehicles traveling less than 5,000 miles annually
• Agriculture Vehicles traveling less than 7,500 miles annually

The above vehicles are called Suspended Vehicles, but must be reported to the IRS.

What is the Purpose of HVUT?
The HVUT is a significant source of transportation funding in the U.S. In 2006 alone, the HVUT generated more than $1.4 Billion in Federal Highway Trust Fund (HTF) revenue.

The Federal HTF protects America’s investment in its transportation infrastructure. In 2007 alone, Federal HTF receipts were $39.9 Billion, with $34.9 Billion dedicated to the HTF’s Highway Account. The Federal HTF finances a wide spectrum of transportation investments which include:
• Highway improvements (e.g., land acquisition, other right-of-way costs, preliminary and construction engineering, construction and reconstruction, resurfacing and restoration costs of roadways and bridges)
• Highway and bridge maintenance
• Highway law enforcement
• Safety programs (e.g., driver education and training, vehicle inspection programs, enforcement of vehicle size and weight limits)
• Congestion relief projects
• Administrative costs (e.g., research, engineering)
Investment in our nation’s highway infrastructure helps:
• Save money, time, & lives
• Reduce the amount and severity of crashes for all kinds of vehicles
• Enhance the ability of emergency responders
• Lower fuel and insurance costs
• Decrease energy consumption
• Ease congestion
• Boost air quality
• Increase mobility
• Improve the efficiency of the movement of goods
• Raise business productivity
• Strengthen the nation’s economic productivity

Since the vast majority of all funds contributed by states to the Federal HTF are returned through highway improvements, this is a direct incentive for state agencies to take necessary measures to enhance HVUT compliance.

If you were to ask anyone who has been involved in the Trucking industry for a few years or more, they will be the first to tell you that there are many more business and economic responsibilities for truckers and Owner Operators besides simply getting something delivered at the right time and place. Heavy Vehicle Use Tax, or HVUT, is one of the most common taxes that the IRS imposes 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 the following points:

• 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 IRS form 2290. It can also lead to time in prison.
• IRS Penalties
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 penalties, but if you end up in court over the matter it will lead to the court costs as well as heavy fines.
• Paying Taxes help improve 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.
• Stay focused on your Trucking 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.
• It’s So Easy to e-file form 2290
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.

When you E-file IRS form 2290 with expresstrucktax.com there is no reason that it would not be on time as long as you submit it before the deadline. This year it is even more important to be sure to file on time because the Form 2290 must be filed within the month of November. With this close time frame, it is best to E-File instead of risking it getting lost in the mail. It’s made as easy as 1-2-3 to e-file truck tax with Form 2290 and get IRS stamped Schedule 1 in few minutes. Avoid IRS penalties and Audits by keeping your 2290 records with express truck tax. E-file IRS 2290 VIN Corrections for free of cost.

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.

When filing an IRS Form 2290 online, Express Truck Tax makes it easy by providing the best additional services on top of the easiest E-filing program for filing Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Taxes. When you file a Form 2290 with Express Truck Tax, you also have many more options than the typical e-filing service would provide. These great services include, but are not limited to: Free VIN Corrections, Automatically Notifying a Contracting or Leasing Company, and also sending automated emails to additional contacts.

Express Truck Tax was the first in the industry to provide Free VIN corrections. If you were so unfortunate when filing your IRS Form 2290 to incorrectly record the VIN number of your heavy vehicle, there is still hope for you! Thanks to the Good Folks at Express Truck Tax, you can E-File an IRS Form 2290 VIN Correction absolutely free!

Another great service that Express Truck Tax provides is the option to instantly notify your Contracting, Leasing, or Trucking, etc. Company the Schedule 1 as soon as it is accepted by the IRS. This process helps eliminate steps for the person filing. Many Trucking Companies require some kind of proof that their driver filed their Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes properly.

On the Proof of Payment Notification page, you can select to send your Schedule 1 to any contract or leasing company automatically as soon as your schedule 1 is received from the IRS. Simply check the box labeled “Send proof of payment to contracting leasing company and enter the requested contact information. As soon as your 2290 has been processed, Express Truck Tax will email and/or fax a copy to the company free of charge.

Another Great tool offered by the Express Truck Tax team is the ability to send text message or fax notifications the moment your Schedule 1 has been processed and stamped by the IRS. These can be sent to yourself or any other cell phone or fax number and serve as a great way to keep people informed. A similar service provided through Express Truck Tax allows the filing party to send email notifications to additional email addresses. This would allow the person filing to have the schedule 1 sent to his accountant, business manager, financial advisor, etc.

Earlier in the year, The Internal Revenue Service announced that they will not be mailing Form 2290 to taxpayers this year. This step was taken due to the increase in electronic filing. Although the IRS Requires Trucking Companies with 25 or more Heavy Vehicles to e-file, the IRS actively encourages everyone needing to file the Form 2290 to e-file. The IRS has legitimate reason to do this because filing electronically is the quickest, easiest, and safest way to file tax returns.

Fortunately, it has become incredibly simple to file Form 2290 or other Tax forms associated with the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) such as Form 8849. All you have to do is go to www.ExpressTruckTax.com and start filing. You can file your Schedule 1 for Form 2290, Form 8849, A VIN Correction, and Fuel Tax (IFTA).

The easy-to-use system created by the Express Truck Tax team allows the user to walk through the process at their own speed and asks questions in plain English, not confusing tax jargon. There are even special deals for Owner-Operators who need to file for multiple vehicles. Tax Professionals may also benefit from special pricing for multiple filings.

What is IRS Form 2290?
The 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
As mentioned earlier, the ideal e-file provider for this service is www.ExpressTruckTax.com. They provide a very excellent service for all Truck Tax Needs. And since the current tax year has been delayed due to slow congressional action, the filing period for this tax will be November 1 – November 30. Due to this shorter filing season, it is even more beneficial to file online in order to be sure that your return is accepted before the deadline.