FAQs (e-File Form 2290 and Form 8849)

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Why do you only charge $9.90 for a single vehicle when everyone else charges so much more?

We get asked this question all the time and we love it! We can’t say why the other companies charge so much but we can certainly explain why we keep our prices so low. The short answer is value and customer loyalty.

As a single vehicle owner-operator, we understand how important it is to manage your time and money. We’re here to help. We believe very strongly in solid, long-term customer relationships. Our business model is founded on providing more features and better services for less than the other guys - a lot less. For just $9.90 you still e-File Form 2290, get all the great services and features that we provide to every one of our customers.

We believe that this approach helps establish long term customer relationships, repeat business, and customer referrals. We’re in this for the long haul and we hope you are too.

What services and features are included for the $9.90 price?

The $9.90 price includes e-Filing Form 2290 and ALL of the great services and features we offer with the larger packages. We don’t believe in reduced service. For more information on what’s included, please visit our Owner Operator page.

What is form 2290 suspended vehicle?video

A suspended vehicle is any taxable vehicle that is expected to be used 5,000 miles or less (7,500 mile for agricultural vehicles) during the tax period.

A "suspended" vehicle must be filed for but will not be subject to taxation. If the "suspended" vehicle exceeds the mileage use limit, the tax becomes due.

How long does it take to get my Form 2290 Schedule 1 (proof of payment)?video

Once you transmit your return to the IRS, it takes only minutes to receive your IRS stamped Form 2290 Schedule 1, Guaranteed.

Can I pay my IRS taxes with a credit card?video

The IRS currently does not accept credit cards for HVUT (Form 2290) tax payments. You may pay the taxes using: (1) Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW), (2) Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or (3) mail a check or money order. Regardless of the payment option you choose, you will still receive your IRS e-File stamped Form 2290 Schedule 1 within minutes.

When is the Form 2290 due?

Form 2290 must be filed by the last day of the month following the month of first use. For example, if you purchase and first use a vehicle in January, you must file a Form 2290 by the end of February.

Annual renewal of your Form 2290 for a new tax period must be completed by August 31.

What happens if I forgot to file Form 2290?

A Form 2290 can be filed at any time after the deadline has passed but the tax due may be subject to penalties and interest. The penalty for failing to file IRS Form 2290 in a timely manner is equal to 4.5 percent of the total tax due, assessed on a monthly basis up to five months. Late filers not making an HVUT (Form 2290) payment also face an additional monthly penalty equal to 0.5 percent of total tax due. Additional interest charges of 0.54 percent per month accrue as well.

I drove my truck less than 5000 miles last year. Can I get a refund or credit for the taxes I paid last year?

Absolutely! If you paid HVUT (Form 2290) taxes last year on a vehicle that traveled 5000 miles or less (7500 miles for agricultural vehicles) then you qualify for a refund of the taxes paid. You may either file a Form 8849 to apply for the refund or apply the earned tax credit directly to the current year tax due. Whichever method you choose, you can do it directly from our system.

I own my truck but drive for a carrier or leasing company. Whose name do I file under?

The Form 2290 should be filed under the owner of the vehicle.

Do I need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) number to file? video

Yes. The IRS requires taxpayers to use an EIN when filing a Form 2290. A Social Security Number may not be used. If you do not have an EIN, you may apply for one online at www.irs.gov/businesses/small or by phone at 1-800-829-4933.

What is Form 2290 Schedule 1?video

Once you have submitted your Form 2290, the IRS will stamp your Schedule 1 as proof of payment. When E-Filing, the IRS will apply a digital watermark to your Form 2290 Schedule 1. This digitally "stamped" Schedule 1 serves as your HVUT proof of payment.

I bought a used truck this year. Do I still need to pay taxes or did the previous owner handle that for me?

The heavy vehicle use taxes do not transfer from one owner to another. You will be required to file a Form 2290 and pay HVUT taxes on any qualifying taxable vehicle.

There are additional tax implications if the previous owner claimed a tax suspension on the vehicle for the current tax period. For more information, please see FAQ "What is the tax liability for buying/selling a suspended vehicle?"

Will my information be saved in my account for next year?

Absolutely! Your information is stored securely in our database and can be access at any time. Renewing your Form 2290 next year takes only minutes because all of your business and vehicle information is already complete.

Why do you ask if my truck is used for logging?video

A vehicle used exclusively for logging is subject to lower tax rates than other heavy vehicles on public highways. We ask to ensure you don’t pay more than you are required.

A vehicle is considered a logging vehicle if it is used exclusively for the transportation of products harvested from the forested site, or it exclusively transports the products harvested from the forested site to and from locations on a forested site. Additionally, your vehicle must be registered as a vehicle used exclusively for logging under applicable vehicle registration laws in your respective state.

Is there any penalty for late filing?

The law provides penalties for failing to file form 2290 tax returns or pay taxes when due. There are also penalties for filing false or fraudulent returns. These penalties are in addition to the interest charge on late payments. The penalty for filing a return late or paying the tax late will not be imposed if you can show reasonable cause for not filing (or paying) on time. If you file after the due date (including extensions), attach an explanation to the return to show reasonable cause.

The penalty for failing to file IRS Form 2290 by August 31 is equal to 4.5 percent of the total tax due, assessed on a monthly basis up to five months. Late filers not making an HVUT payment also face an additional monthly penalty equal to 0.5 percent of total tax due. Additional interest charges of 0.54 percent per month accrue as well.

My DMV won’t accept my Schedule 1 as proof of payment. What do I do?

When you E-File your Form 2290, the IRS will apply a digital watermark to your Schedule 1. This electronic Schedule 1 is your official proof of payment. If a state or local DMV won’t accept this digital Schedule 1, please contact the IRS Excise Hotline at 1-866-699-4096 and provide the IRS with a brief description of the issue and the contact information of your local DMV. The IRS will be able to assist and ensure that your DMV accepts your electronic Schedule 1.

I put my vehicle on the road after July. Do I have to pay the full tax?

No. Your tax liability is determined by your first use month during the tax period. If you begin using your vehicle during any month other than July you are liable for a prorated tax amount during that tax period. Our system will automatically calculate your tax based on your vehicle weight and first use month.

How much will the heavy vehicle use tax be?

Heavy vehicle use taxes are determined by the taxable gross weight and first use month of the vehicle. Vehicles used for logging are subject to lower taxes. Our system can quickly and accurately calculate your form 2290 taxes before you have to pay.

What is an agricultural vehicle?

An agricultural vehicle is any highway motor vehicle that is:
  • Used (or expected to be used) primarily for farming purposes, and
  • Registered (under state laws) as a highway motor vehicle used for farming purpose for the entire period.
A vehicle is used primarily for farming purposes if more than half of the vehicle’s use (based on mileage) during the period is for farming purposes.

A special tag or license plate identifying the vehicle as used for farming is not required for it to be considered an agricultural vehicle.

What is a third-party designee?

A third-party designee is any person or business with which you permit the IRS to discuss your Form 2290. Examples of a third party may be an employee, return preparer, or relative.

Can I E-File a Form 2290 VIN correction? video

Yes! Found exclusively at ExpressTruckTax.com, Form 2290 VIN corrections can now be E-Filed with the IRS. Regardless of how you originally filed your return, you can E-File your VIN correction with ExpressTruckTax.com for FREE.

I made a mistake on my Form 2290. Can I fix it online?

Absolutely. You may file Form 2290 Amendments and VIN corrections directly through our system.

What is a Form 8453-EX?video

Also known as the "Excise Tax Declaration for an IRS E-File Return", the 8453-EX is a declaration by a taxpayer to authenticate an electronic Form 2290 and authorize an intermediate service provider to transmit your return using a third-party transmitter.

A taxpayer e-filing directly with ExpressTruckTax.com is not required to file an 8453-EX. However, if an accountant or other service provider files on your behalf, you are required to sign an 8453-EX to authorize the transmission. The 8453-EX will be e-filed along with your Form 2290.

What is a Form 8849? video

Form 8849 is the “Claim for Refund of Excise Taxes” form. The Form 8849 Schedule 6 can be filed to claim a refund or credit of heavy vehicle use taxes previously paid. If you paid HVUT (Form 2290) taxes last year but did not exceed the mileage use limit, we can automatically generate a Form 8849 or even apply a credit directly to any taxes due during the current tax period.

My Taxable Gross Weight increased. How do I update my Form 2290? video

You can update your taxable gross weight category quickly and easily by E-Filing a Form 2290 Amendment.

Can I use my Social Security Number as an EIN?

No. The IRS does not permit the use of Social Security Numbers in place of an EIN to e-File Form 2290 or Form 8849. If you do not have an EIN, you may apply for one online at www.irs.gov/businesses/small or by phone at 1-800-829-4933.

Can I register my vehicle without filing a Form 2290?

Generally, states will require verification of payment of the HVUT for any taxable vehicle before they will register the vehicle. For some states, no proof of payment is required for a newly purchased vehicle, if you present to the state a copy of the bill of sale showing that the vehicle was purchased within the last 60 days.

I traded my truck for another truck. Can I transfer my taxes?

No. The heavy vehicle use taxes do not transfer between vehicles or owners. But IRS allows you to claim the credit back. ExpressTruckTax.com allows you to claim the credit when you efile Form 2290 for the new truck.

What is the IRS phone number for excise taxes?

The IRS Excise Tax Hotline number is 1-866-699-4096. The hours of service are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern time.

I live in Canada or Mexico. Can I still use your service?

Absolutely! We have built our system to easily accept addresses outside the United States. Please note, the IRS is unable to accept an Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW) for financial institutions outside of the U.S. You can still efile Form 2290 and get your Schedule 1 (proof of payment) within minutes and send the HVUT taxes using Check or Money Order option.

Can you notify my carrier or trucking company with proof of payment?

Of course - and we’ll do it for free! This free service is found exclusively at ExpressTruckTax.com.

How do I send my HVUT (Form 2290) taxes to IRS?

You may pay the heavy vehicle use taxes directly through our system using: (1) Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW), (2) Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or (3) mail a check or money order. Regardless of the payment option you choose, you will still receive your IRS stamped Form 2290 Schedule 1 within minutes.

If I choose to mail my check, can I still get my Schedule 1 today?

Absolutely. If E-Filing your Form 2290, the IRS will provide you with a stamped Schedule 1 even though they have not yet received your payment.

What is a text or fax alert?

We offer a free e-mail alert to notify you when the IRS accepts your filing and your Schedule 1 is ready..We can also send an alert to additional emails, cell phone via text, or fax machine when your Schedule 1 is ready.

Where is your customer support located?

All of our customer service is based in Rock Hill, SC.

The IRS rejected my return. How do I correct my return? video

Occasionally, the IRS may reject a return for various reasons. If your return is rejected, our system will list the specific reason for rejection and provide and clearly display how the error can be fixed. Once fixed, you may retransmit your return for no additional charge.

Is there a fee to retransmit my return?

No. If your return has been rejected by the IRS for any reason, you may retransmit your return absolutely FREE.

Can I file over the phone?

Absolutely. If you are unable to access a computer we will gladly assist you over the phone.

My credits are greater than the taxes due. What should I do?

If your tax credits are greater than the current taxes due, our system will automatically generate a Form 8849 to ensure that you receive your excise tax refund.

How do I sign my return?

When E-Filing your Form 2290 or Form 8849, you “sign” your return using a personal identification number (PIN) that you create during the filing process.

Is my information safe on your website?

Our servers, data centers and customer support center are based right here in the USA, and not outside the country like most other Form 2290 providers. Our application is certified and verified to be HackerProof by Commodo. The application is hosted on redundant servers guaranteeing 24x7 availability and backed up every 30 seconds.

If I elect to pay my taxes using an Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW), how long does it take for the money to be withdrawn?

Funds are typically withdrawn from an account within 24-48 hours. If payments are initialed on or near weekends or federal holidays, fund withdrawal may be slightly delayed.

What is the tax liability when buying or selling a suspended vehicle?

There are specific tax implications regarding the sale of suspended vehicles.

If you sell a vehicle while under suspension, a statement must be given to the buyer and must show your:
  • name, address, and EIN,
  • VIN Number,
  • date of the sale,
  • odometer reading at the beginning of the period,
  • odometer reading at the time of sale, and
  • buyer's name, address, and EIN.
The buyer must attach this statement to Form 2290 and file the return by the last day of the month following the month the vehicle was purchased.

If, after the sale, the use of the vehicle exceeds the mileage use limit (including the highway mileage recorded on the vehicle by the former owner) for the period, and the former owner has provided the required statement, the new owner is liable for the tax on the vehicle. If the former owner has not furnished the required statement to the new owner, the former owner is also liable for the tax for that period.

How does the IRS "stamp" my Schedule 1?

When you E-File your Form 2290, the IRS will apply a digital watermark with the E-File logo to your Schedule 1. This electronic Schedule 1 is your official proof of payment from the IRS.

What is an EFTPS?

EFTPS, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, is a tax payment system provided free by the U.S. Department of Treasury. Taxpayers can use an EFTPS account to pay federal taxes electronically via the Internet or phone 24/7. Visit EFTPS to enroll.

Can you really get my Form 2290 Schedule 1 in minutes?

Yes, we really can get your Schedule 1 in minutes. From the moment you transmit your return through our application, it typically takes less than 5 minutes for the IRS to return your stamped Schedule 1.

Please note, the IRS will not process your return on weekends or Federal holidays if you have chosen the Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW) option for paying your taxes.

IFTA - fuel tax

Do I need an IFTA license?

An interstate motor carrier operating "qualified motor vehicles" between at least 2 IFTA jurisdictions must have an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) license and decals issued by their base jurisdiction. The license and decals must be renewed annually and quarterly reports must be filed to maintain valid IFTA credentials.

Please note, the IRS will not process your return on weekends or Federal holidays if you have chosen the Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW) option for paying your taxes.

Trip Permits

In lieu of motor fuel tax licensing under IFTA, users may elect to satisfy motor fuels use tax obligations on a trip-by-trip basis using trip permits.

What is a qualified motor vehicle?

IFTA defines a "qualified motor vehicle" as "a motor vehicle used, designed, or maintained for transportation of persons or property and:

Having two axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds or 11,797 kilograms; or

Having three or more axles regardless of weight; or

Is used in combination, when the weight of such combination exceeds 26,000 pounds or 11,797 kilograms gross vehicle or registered gross vehicle weight. Qualified motor vehicle does not include recreational vehicles.

Am I subject to interest or penalties if I fail to file or fail to timely file an IFTA fuel tax return?

Base jurisdictions may assess the licensee a penalty of $50.00 or 10 percent of delinquent taxes, whichever is greater, for failing to file a tax return, filing a late tax return, and/or underpaying taxes due. Base jurisdictions reserve the right to impose additional penalties based on the laws of the jurisdiction.

Additionally, base jurisdictions shall assess interest on all delinquent taxes due each jurisdiction except taxes collected directly by other jurisdictions. For US jurisdictions, interest shall accrue at the rate of 1% per month. For Canadian jurisdictions, interest shall accrue at the rate equal to the Canadian Federal Treasury Bill rate plus two percent and adjusted every calendar quarter.

Interest is not charged on the net amount of tax due on the return but is calculated on the amount of tax due to each jurisdiction.

I am based in a Non-IFTA jurisdiction. Can I still get an IFTA license?

Yes. An applicant not based in a member jurisdiction may make application for licensing to any member jurisdiction in which it operates. The jurisdiction receiving such application may accept or reject it.

I am an INDEPENDENT DRIVER for a contract carrier/leasing company. Who is responsible for filing quarterly IFTA returns and paying quarterly fuel taxes?

In the absence of a written agreement or contract between lessee and lessor, the responsible party is determined by the operating authority under which the vehicle is being operated. For instance, if the vehicle is operated under the lessee’s (carrier) operating authority, the lessee (carrier) is responsible for filing the return. Consequently, the base jurisdiction reported on the return shall be the base jurisdiction of the lessee (carrier), regardless of the jurisdiction in which the qualified motor vehicle is registered by the lessor or lessee.

Can I transfer IFTA decals between vehicles?

Decals shall not be transferred between motor vehicles without authorization from the base jurisdiction.

What happens if I don’t have a copy of my license with me?

Failure to possess a copy of the license in the vehicle may subject the vehicle operator to the purchase of a trip permit, a citation, or both.

What happens if I don’t display my decal properly?

Failure to display the identification decals in the required locations or to carry a temporary permit may subject the vehicle operator to the purchase of a trip permit, a citation, or both.

Do I have to maintain mileage and fuel records?

Every licensee shall maintain records to substantiate information reported on the tax returns. Operational records shall be maintained or be made available for audit in the base jurisdiction. Recordkeeping requirements can be found in the IFTA Procedures Manual and with your base jurisdiction.

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