Mistakes happen, especially on your taxes. But if you don’t take the time to learn from them, you’re doomed to repeat the same mistakes all over again.
And with just 8 days left to e-file before the deadline, you don’t have much room for error. That’s where we come in! Don’t get rejected, avoid these simple e-filing mistakes and make sure that the IRS will accept your return.
1. Incorrect EIN or VIN
The number one mistake you want to avoid is mixing up some numbers or letters in your EIN, or VIN. Now we know these numbers can be long, and sometimes hard to remember, but you should always check, double check, and triple check to make sure you’ve got it down correctly.
And you should also make sure you register you EIN right away! It takes the IRS up to two weeks in order to make your EIN active. So if you don’t have one yet, unfortunately it’s too late to get it and still e-file on time.
2. Computation Errors
Tax math can be complicated, but we’ve got an
app for that! Not to mention, our automated system automatically calculates what you owe based on a few simple questions about your business and your vehicle. Don’t waste your time doing complicated tax math when we could do all the work for you.
3. Incorrect Filing Status or Filing Year
Sometimes dates and mileage can be tricky, but make sure you know your vehicle well enough to know how to file, and what year to file for.
Your filing status has a lot to do with your vehicle’s mileage. For instance, if you know you’ve travelled under the 5,000 mile limit (7,500 for agricultural vehicles), you should file your vehicle as suspended.
Then you need to make sure you’re selecting the correct year to file for. If you’re filing for the most recent tax year, you’ll select the 2015-16 tax year. We actually select it for you as you move through our program, to make things easier for you. So you only have to select a different filing year if you’re filing for a previous tax season.
4. Incorrect First-Used Month
While this error won’t necessarily get your return rejected, it will cause some issues when it comes time to get your new tags.
The HVUT tax year begins July 1st, which means for all renewals the first-used month is automatically July—even if you’re filing in August. The only time you would choose a later month is if you purchased your Heavy Vehicle after the beginning of the HVUT tax year. For example, if you purchased a new truck in September, that becomes your first-used month.
5. Duplicate Vehicle Information
You don’t want to enter in a single vehicle more than once. This mistake could cost you, literally! If you do accidentally enter your vehicle twice, you can easily remedy the situation by selecting the “remove” button located next to the duplicate vehicle.
So be vigilant, Trucking Nation, make sure you’re checking those returns twice, and thrice if you need to. Avoid errors at all costs, especially these common ones!
But if you find yourself unsure or if you have any questions, we’re here for you! We have a dedicated, year-round support team to help you succeed. So give them a call at 704.234.6005, or send them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support in English and Spanish!
