Tax Form 2290 FAQs

What qualifies as a “highway motor vehicle”?
The IRS says a highway motor vehicle is any self-propelled vehicle designed to carry a load over public highways, whether or not that vehicle is also designed to perform other functions. Examples include trucks, buses and truck tractors. For the most part, vans and pickup trucks are not subject to this tax because their taxable gross weight is usually less than 55,000 pounds.

What qualifies as a “public highway”?
Any rod in the United States that is not a private roadway. That includes federal, state, county and city roads.

Are there any vehicles exempt from filing Form 2290?
Yes. Vehicles operated by:
-The Federal Government
-The District of Columbia
-A state or local government
-The American National Red Cross
-A nonprofit volunteer fire department, ambulance association , or rescue squad
-An Indian tribal government but only if the vehicle’s use involves the exercise of an essential tribal government function
-A mass transportation authority created under a statute that gives it certain powers normally exercised by the state
-A qualified blood collector vehicle
-Mobile machinery that meets the specifications for a chassis

Who files when a vehicle is dual registered?
If a taxable vehicle is dual registered to an owner and another person, the owner is liable for the tax and must file Form 2290.

What is the Taxable Gross Weight?
The taxable gross weight of a vehicle (except buses) is the total of
-The actual unloaded weight of the vehicle fully equipped for service
-The actual unloaded weight of any trailers equipped for service usually used with the vehicle
-The weight of the maximum load usually carried on the vehicle and on any trailers usually used with the vehicle.

What is the Taxable Gross Weight for buses?
It’s the bus’ actual unloaded weight fully equipped for service plus 150 pounds for each seat provided for passengers and driver.

Can I pay my tax online?
Yes. If you’re filing electronically, you can pay the IRS using Electronic Funds Withdrawal, or with the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System