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.

ExpressTruckTax.com makes filing truck taxes easy. With step-by-step help and an excellent USA based support team, an IRS Form 2290 or 8849 can be filed in minutes.

ExpressTruckTax.com is now accepting the IRS Form 2290, Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Return (HVUT), for the 2011-2012 tax years. Their fast and intuitive system is as powerful as it is versatile. Whether it’s a one-man trucking company, or a national corporation with multiple fleets, everyone can get far when they’re rolling with Express Truck Tax.
Here are some of the services that Express Truck Tax has to offer:
Easy-to-Use System
-Contextual help and video guides with clear instructions appear throughout the process. They’ve done everything possible to make taxes less taxing.
Real-Time Notifications
-Get notifications about the status of a tax return through emails, text messages and even fax! The Schedule 1 can be emailed or faxed automatically to a trucking or leasing company.
Quick Credits http://www.expresstrucktax.com/
-While filing Form 2290, the system can identify credits and help users quickly and easily file Form 8849, so users get their money back from the IRS faster. An IRS Form 8849 is automatically generated when tax credits exceed the amount of tax due.
Bulk Upload
-Companies with more than 25 trucks are required by the IRS to e-file Form 2290. Instead of entering each truck one by one, entire fleets can be uploaded using an Excel spreadsheet.
Express Truck Tax is offering the greatest value in the industry for HVUT e-filing; there are also dozens of prices and packages to suit any company in any situation. Tax professionals can take advantage of deep price discounts and special packages for their clients. The tax system is so fast; a stamped Schedule 1 from the IRS can be received in a matter of minutes.
Express Truck Tax helps you file applications for amendments and free VIN corrections in a few easy steps. The system performs a free internal audit of tax information to check for errors before it is submitted. If additional help is still needed, the experienced Express Truck Tax Team is available anytime in English and Spanish from their USA-based customer support center in Rock Hill, SC.
Express Truck Tax has close ties to the trucking industry. They are exclusively recommended and endorsed by several major state trucking associations. Through these partnerships, Express Truck Tax is able to provide continuing support to those within the trucking industry.
There’s really no better combination of affordable prices and knowledgeable professionalism in the industry. To get started now, visit ExpressTruckTax.com

Why e-File Form 2290 with Express Truck Tax?
May be the more appropriate question would be, why wouldn’t you use Express Truck Tax to file Form 2290 or Form 8849 or IFTA? We don’t mean to brag, but we do have the lowest prices, the most experience, the best customer support and the most user friendly software to e-File Form 2290 in the industry.

We’re really good at what we do, and what we do is make taxes easier for you.

IRS Approved
We’re an IRS authorized e-file provider. That means we’ve worked closely with the IRS to provide you with a safe, secure, accurate process that will save you time and money.

Experienced
Our technical and support team is the most experienced team in the industry. We were around when the IRS mandated e-filing for Form 2290. We helped the first customers file online years ago. We know the ins and outs of the filing process better than anyone else.

Safe and Secure
We have taken every possible step to make sure Express Truck Tax is safe and secure. Our site is encrypted and is HackerProof and COMODO certified. Your information goes to the IRS, and no one else.

Expert Help
We made Express Truck Tax as easy to use as possible. You’ll find contextual help bubbles and support text all over the place, guiding you through the process step by step. We also have some helpful video guides if you feel like kicking back and watching how it’s done. If you get stuck, you can always email us, or give us a call.

Power to the Pros
We support tax professionals, our competitors don’t. If you’re a tax professional, you can use Express Truck Tax for your clients–all of them–and take advantage of tax professional discounts.

The Right Price
We know we’re not the only ones providing this service, but we do know we’re the only ones doing it at this price with this level of quality. You won’t find a better combination of tax savvy professionalism and value-based pricing anywhere.

The Process of Filing IRS Form 2290 and getting a stamped Schedule 1 can be rather complicated.

The First Step to Receive a Stamped Schedule 1 for your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) is to fill out IRS Form 2290. The Schedule 1 is included in this Form. This can be done either by hand or online.

This Form then needs to be taken to the nearest IRS Office along with a proof of payment or proof of EFTPS Payment. Or it can be mailed to the nearest IRS office
The Problem with this is that both options are very time consuming.
If the form is actually taken to the IRS, the nearest office may be many miles away. There can also be very long waiting period at the IRS office of up to several hours.
If the form is mailed to the IRS, it can take 4-6 weeks before it is processed.
The IRS will then review your Form 2290 and when it is verified, they will stamp it and return a portion of it to the taxpayer.

The Stamped Schedule 1 is required in order to register a vehicle. So it can be very stressful to wait until the last minute to register your vehicle because you are waiting for the IRS to send you a stamped schedule 1.

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

When to File?
A Form 2290 must be filed annually, for each taxable vehicle that is used on public highways during the current period. The Current Period is from July 1, and ends on June 30. A Form 2290 must also be filed once a vehicle is placed in service. The due date for each month is the last day of the following month. For example: if a vehicle is placed in service on October 3rd, the Form 2290 will be due on November 30th.

How to File?
Although it is possible to paper file, E-Filing is required for each return containing at least 25 vehicles. The IRS does encourage everyone to file electronically due to its security and speed. This is highly recommended for Form 2290 in particular because the filing due dates are always only one month away.

There are several e-file 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 your Truck Tax Needs.

Featured Blogger Benjamin Bellville

If you are running a small trucking company and are large enough that you are needing to hire one or more trucking dispatchers then you really need to consider that a former driver can fill the position better than anyone else. Allow me to point out my reasoning here and by the time you have finished reading this I am sure you will agree with my reasoning.

Depending on the size of your company and how you approach your freight logistics you may have a need for trucking dispatchers who are able to also book freight with brokers and perform sales to obtain direct freight customers as well. While you may be able to find someone with sales experience they often will not have a firm understanding of what it realistically takes to transport the freight.

I’ve had dispatchers with no driving experience before and all they could do was look at things from an on paper best scenario viewpoint. These types will drive your drivers away quicker than anything because they tend to talk down to drivers and make them feel like dirt in general. It’s an attitude that will fester through your company and hurt you in the long run. While it would be difficult to teach these types what being out on the road is really like, it would be much easier to teach a former driver the freight logistics aspect of the trucking company.

A former driver can relate to the trials the current truck drivers face on a daily basis and they know what is possible to do legally, they will make your employees feel more at ease sort of like they have someone on their side in the grand scheme of things. Happier drivers will be more productive drivers as a result. Less stress will also lead to healthier truck drivers.

Using former drivers as trucking dispatchers can also save you money in the long run as they will know better how to handle emergency situations as more than likely they have probably experienced it themselves while out on the road. They will also have a basic knowledge of most other operations within the company and can be turned into the ultimate multitasking machine over time.

As you can see it just makes sense as a strong business decision that will provide a strong inner working to your trucking company for years to come. The same way that doing business a truck tax company like Express2290 will be a smart choice to benefit your bottom line.

Featured Blogger Benjamin Bellville

Today I would like to point out some key things to look for in the setup process with freight brokers. This of course being when you will have to fill out an information packet and fax it back to a broker before they will allow you to haul their freight. I’m going to talk about the type of information you will receive from them and it’s relevance, the information and forms you will need to send back to them and the little things you should look for in the packet that if not followed correctly may cost you a bundle.

What type of info will a freight broker include about themselves?

With every freight broker setup packet you will receive many pages of information about that broker. These are not pages that you need to send back, but they are pages that you should save and staple together with the finished packet after you have faxed back what was required. This information at a minimum will include the following:

   1. All of the freight brokers contact information.
   2. Their freight brokers authority page (MC#)
   3. Their Insurance carrier information.
   4. The brokers surety bond.
   5. A reference page. (showing companies they have brokered freight to)

This is all information that you could find out just by knowing their MC#, but it’s just easier to have it on hand should they decide to stiff you on a payment and you need to make a claim against them.

What type of info will they require from me?

This is going to depend on the freight broker you are dealing with,some have very short packets (you will be thankful when you get that lucky!) and some will expect you to fill out an encyclopedia worth of what is sometimes pointless it would seem. following are the main things you will be asked to return every time guaranteed.

   1. A copy of your authority (MC#)
   2. Copy of your insurance.
   3. A current W-9.
   4. A carrier profile page.
   5. The contract with each page initialed and dated as well as properly signed.

For this reason it would be a great idea to have copies of the first 3 on your computer easily accessible if you are using an email fax server. After you have seen a few carrier profile pages it would also be a good idea to make one of your own as every now and then you will come across a broker who wants one, but fails to send you a form.

Things to look for in the setup process with freight brokers!

Some of this information will also be included in fine print on the load rate confirmation, which is the actual contract that a freight broker and trucking company enter into on a load by load basis. What you want to watch for is their policies that need to be followed that in many cases if not followed will garner a fine for your company. These may include the following stipulations:

   1. Fines for not being on time to a pickup or delivery.
   2. Fines for being reported as being uncooperative with their customers.
   3. Fines for damaged freight.
   4. Fines for not contacting them with load movement updates on their schedule.
   5. Payment information pertaining to what they will or won’t cover for things such as tolls, lumper fees,detention and layover.

Once you get the hang of the things to look for it’s best to just ask the broker any questions you may have about these things before you have them fax you a setup pack. Their will be some brokers who are too demanding and who are sticklers for all fines they say may be levied against you regardless of the circumstances. It’s a learning process every time you do business with a new broker, but if you pay attention to details you should have no problem at all.

Now that you’ve learned all about the setup process with freight brokers go on over and check out how easy the folks here at Express 2290 can make filing for your Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes which are required to be paid and proof shown before you can get your I.R.P.