Although the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax is imposed annually, it is also mandatory for vehicles to file for this using the IRS form 2290 after the first use month. The typical tax year for heavy vehicles begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. For vehicles that are first used during the tax year, a prorated tax must be paid for the months that the vehicle was in use. This can be done with the IRS Form 2290 and the easiest way to file the 2290 is through ExpressTruckTax.com
When a new vehicle is placed in service, the Form 2290 must be filed by the last day of the following month. For Example, vehicles that were placed in service during the month of March will need to file HVUT using the 2290 by April 30. The tax will be calculated based on the number of months the vehicle will have been used during the tax year. Remember that the tax year for Heavy Highway Vehicles is from July to June. If a vehicle was used during any part of a month, the tax will be calculated for that month as a whole. For Example, if a vehicle was used on March 28th, It will be taxed as though it was used the entire month.
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 District of Columbia
• The Federal Government
• state or local government
• Mass Transportation Authority (Only if granted certain powers normally exercised by the state)
• 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)
• American National Red Cross
• Mobile Machinery that meets specifications for a chassis
• Qualified Blood Collector Vehicles