Author: Marcela De Vivo

ExpressTruckTax Clientele Spotlight: Women’s History Month

It is officially March, meaning that spring is around the corner. This also means that it is officially Women’s History Month. While women make up only around 7% of drivers in the trucking industry, they make a big impact on the industry as a whole. Many women also work in trucking businesses on the administrative side and their roles are just as important. Here at ExpressTrucktax, we are dedicated to making sure truckers and trucking companies have the best Form 2290 filing experience possible. We also appreciate all the hard work women in the trucking industry do and have done in the past. 

Historically there were many women that had major contributions to the transportation industry. One of these women included Mary Fields. Born into slavery, she was the second woman to be hired by the U.S. Postal service in 1895 and navigated dangerous routes to deliver mail earning her the nickname Stagecoach Mary. She paved the way not only for women but for African-Americans in the transportation industry.

Another woman who played an important role in the transportation industry was Luella Bates, the first woman to be issued a commercial driving license in 1920 after driving for the Four Wheel Drive Auto Company during WWI. She was one of many women hired to take over jobs that had been performed by men before the war. She was chosen as one of the first employees to test and demonstrate the company’s commercial trucks. Even after the war ended Bates stayed in her position and continued on as a demonstrator and a driver.

In the 1970s, another woman played a major role in the transportation industry. Adriesue “Bitsy” Gomez founded the Coalition of Women Truck Drivers in order to fight hiring discrimination, sexism, and sexual harassment in the trucking industry. Their first mission included a push for female bathrooms at truck stops and it didn’t stop there. Her work paved the way for many women entering the trucking industry and many women-centered trucking organizations such as Women in Trucking and REAL Women in Trucking. 

In the 1980s, the United States congress officially recognized March as Women’s History Month to dedicate an entire month to honor the achievements and accomplishments of women. More and more women are contributing to the trucking industry each year. In order to prevent harassment during driver training, many companies have women train and empower other women so that they can succeed in the industry and not be deterred from their pursuits. 

Here at ExpressTruckTax we value and honor our women clients and all the work and effort they put into helping deliver goods across the country. We know it can be challenging to balance a full-time driving job, having a family, and being successful in an industry where men make up the majority. We want to thank you for everything you do for us and strive to provide you with the best and most stress-free Form 2290 filing experience possible. 

We want to take the time to highlight some of our amazing women clientele and business owners that have generated the 2290 Form or 8849 Form with us. We want to hear about your filing experiences!

If you would like your business featured, or want to give a shout-out to a woman-owned trucking company you love, reach out to support@expresstrucktax.com.

We will feature these businesses through a Facebook post upon your approval.

FAQ Friday: How Can You Get A Copy Of Your Form 2290 Stamped Schedule 1?

What is a Stamped Schedule 1?

Vehicles weighing 55,000 pounds or more must have a Stamped Schedule 1 to get tags and the registration. In order to obtain a Stamped Schedule 1 you must first file Form 2290 for the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax. This form must be filed annually with the IRS. 

Receiving Your Stamped Schedule 1

If you want to receive your Stamped Schedule 1 as quickly as possible, e-file your Form 2290 with ExpressTruckTax. This entire process takes only a few minutes. Once all of your business, vehicle, and payment information is entered, transmit your form. Once your Form 2290 is accepted, you will receive your Stamp Schedule 1 via the email your ExpressTruckTax account was registered with, within minutes. You also have the option to receive your Stamped Schedule 1 via fax or mail at an additional fee. You also have the option to log in to your ExpressTruckTax account and download a copy of your Stamped Schedule 1. You can do this by going to your dashboard to the list of returns that you filed. Click “Download” under the “Schedule 1/Acceptance Letter” column for any return you need the Stamped Schedule 1 for. 

You are also able to paper file Form 2290 with the IRS, however, the entire process takes a long time. Once you file your form, you will not know if your form has been accepted for several weeks. If it is rejected you will have to file it again and wait another few weeks before you get a response. In order to get your Stamped Schedule 1 after paper filing Form 2290, you can either get it via fax or through the mail. 

File Form 2290 with ExpressTruckTax Today

Do you need to get your tags and vehicle registration for your vehicle weighing 55,000 pounds or more and need your Stamped Schedule 1 as soon as possible? If you e-file your Form 2290 with ExpressTruckTax today, you will receive your Stamped Schedule 1 within minutes of it being accepted. What are you waiting for? E-file your Form 2290 with ExpressTruckTax today to get your Stamped Schedule 1 as soon as possible.

Trucking Industry Trivia with ExpressTruckTax!

Do you think you know everything about the trucking industry? Whether you have been driving a truck for years now or just getting started, it’s time to test your knowledge about trucking. Who knows, you might learn a few facts about trucking that you didn’t know before.

Q: How long does a typical semi-truck engine last?

A: A semi-truck engine can last up to around one million miles, while a typical car engine usually only lasts around 200,000 miles.

Q: What does the word “semi” actually refer to?

A: The word “semi” actually refers to the trailer pulled by trucks. This is because it only has wheels on one end. Semi-truck refers to the truck and the trailer combined. 

Q: What is the distance it takes for a semi-truck to come to a complete stop?

A: The distance it takes for a semi-truck to come to a complete stop is around 720 feet, which equals the length of two football fields. 

Q: True or False? Semi-trucks get into fewer accidents on the road than regular cars?

A: True. Semi-trucks get into three times fewer accidents than regular noncommercial vehicles. 

Q: How long is the average truck and trailer?

A: The average truck and trailer are around 75 feet long.

Q: How much does a semi-truck cost?

A: The average semi-truck can cost anywhere between $80,000 and $200,000 depending on the brand and if you are buying it new or used.  

Q: What average speed should a truck drive to save fuel?

A: If you drive your truck at speeds of around 65 miles an hour, you will consume over twenty-five percent compared to if you were to drive around 75 miles an hour. This is good to know especially with fuel costs being high.

Q: How many miles does the average trucker travel in a year?

A: On average, a truck driver travels around 100,000 miles in a year. 

Q: True or false: Interstate highways that run East-West have even numbers and those that run North-South have odd numbers?

A: True. If an interstate has an even number (Example: I-80) it will run East-West and if it has an odd number it will run North-South (Example: I-85). 

Q: How much has emission from heavy trucks been reduced since the 1980s?

A: Emission from heavy trucks has been reduced by around 95% since the 1980s. Clean diesel technology has made it possible for around 60 modern-day trucks to put out the amount of emission equivalent to one truck in the 1980s.

How many of these questions did you know the answer to already? Even if you didn’t know many of these answers, there’s always something new to learn about the trucking industry. ExpressTruckTax is here to help drivers in the trucking industry file Form 2290 for their Heavy Vehicle Use Tax. This must be filed by drivers of trucks weighing 55,000 pounds or more annually to the IRS. Hopefully, you knew that already. If not, it is not too late to file your Form 2290 and avoid any additional penalties. What are you waiting for? File your Form 2290 today and who knows, maybe learn even more about the trucking industry from us in the future!

Why Truckers Love ExpressTruckTax?

Valentine’s day was just a few days ago but that doesn’t mean love is no longer in the air. ExpressTruckTax is here to provide an easy and stress-free Form 2290 e-filing experience with a multitude of amazing features that you will fall in love with! 

Quick and Easy Filing

If you drive a truck weighing 55,000 pounds or more you are required to file Form 2290. If your primary occupation involves driving a truck, there is a good chance that a lot of your time is spent behind the wheel. This leaves little time for other things, especially filing tax forms. At ExpressTruckTax we know filing forms is probably something you don’t look forward to because it can take a long time to complete the filing process. Rest assured, however, with ExpressTruckTax, the entire Form 2290 e-filing process takes only a few minutes to complete. This way you can get back on the road as soon as possible. 

Receive Your Stamped Schedule 1 in Minutes

Once you file with ExpressTruckTax and your Form 2290 is accepted by the IRS, you will receive your Stamped Schedule 1 within minutes. Having a Stamped Schedule 1 is important because it allows you to get the tags and vehicle registration for a vehicle of a qualifying weight. 

Carrier Notification

If you are required to send your Stamped Schedule 1 to your carrier once you file, why go through the trouble of sending it to them yourself? ExpressTruckTax gives you the option to send it directly to your carrier after e-filing so you don’t have to. Simply select your carrier from a list of carriers upon filing. If you do not see your carrier, you are able to enter the email address where you want your Schedule 1 sent. You can also opt-in to have your schedule 1 faxed to your carrier for an additional cost. 

Bulk Upload

Need to file for multiple trucks? With the bulk upload feature, you can use our excel template to easily enter and upload your trucks into ExpressTruckTax and file for all of them at the same time instead of entering the data for them into ExpressTruckTax individually. 

Ready Return

Have you filed a return with ExpressTruckTax before and need to file again? If your vehicle and business information is the same, you are able to utilize the ready-return feature. This allows you to have an already filled-out Form 2290 using the information from your previous filing. Simply check and make sure all of the information is still correct and up to date and then transmit your form. 

Amendments and Form 8849

Have you made a mistake on your Form 2290 and need to correct it? ExpressTruckTax lets you file Form 2290 Amendments quickly and easily. If you entered an incorrect VIN in your form and it is only off by a few characters you can file a Form 2290 VIN correction amendment. If you filed your original return with ExpressTruckTax, you can submit a VIN correction amendment at no additional cost. However, if you entered your VIN incorrectly by more than just a few characters, or the entire VIN is incorrect, you will have to file a new Form 2290 with the correct VIN and then a Form 8849 to request a refund for the tax amount paid on the original Form 2290. 

If your vehicle weighing 55,000 pounds or more travels 5,000 miles or less in a year, or 7,500 miles or less if it is used for agricultural purposes, your vehicle is considered suspended by the IRS. You still have to file Form 2290 for this vehicle if this is the case, but no tax will be owed. If you end up filing the vehicle as suspended and it ends up exceeding the mileage limit, you must file a Form 2290 mileage exceeded amendment. You will then have to pay the tax amount for the full tax year to the IRS. If you file Form 2290 and pay the tax but don’t end up exceeding the mileage limit, you will have to file Form 8849 to get a refund for the tax amount paid.

If the weight of your vehicle increases or the weight was filed incorrectly, you will have to file a Form 2290 weight increase amendment and pay the tax amount that is owed to the IRS.

All of this may sound complicated, but ExpressTruckTax makes filing Form 2290 Amendments and Form 8849 fast and easy.

Free Mobile App

To make things even easier for truckers on the go, ExpressTruckTax has a convenient mobile app that allows you to E-file Form 2290 from anywhere. 

Pay your tax directly through ExpressTruckTax

If you want to pay your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax at the same time as filing your Form 2290, now you can with ExpressTruckTax. You can pay your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax alongside your filing fee so that you do not forget to pay your tax later.

What are you waiting for?

Now you see why truckers love to file with ExpressTruckTax. We offer some pretty amazing features to make the entire Form 2290 filing process fast and stress-free! What are you waiting for? File Form 2290 with ExpressTruckTax today!

FAQ Friday: Form 2290 and EINs

What is Form 2290?

Form 2290 is an IRS tax form that must be filed annually for vehicles weighing 55,000 pounds or more for the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax. 

What is an EIN?

EIN stands for Employer Identification Number. It is a unique nine-digit number that the IRS assigns to businesses operating in the United States for the purpose of identification and keeping track of business tax records.  

Do you need an EIN to e-file Form 2290?

In order to e-file Form 2290, you need to provide your EIN number. You are unable to e-file Form 2290 with an SSN (Social Security Number).

What should you do if you do not have an EIN?

If you do not have an EIN number and need to e-file Form 2290 you are able to apply for one online or over the phone by contacting the IRS. Once the IRS processes your request, you will receive your EIN. Please note that since the COVID-19 pandemic, it may take up to 2 to 4 weeks for your EIN to become active in the IRS e-filing system. You are also able to apply for an EIN by contacting our sister product ExpressTruckTax Plus over the phone at 877-520-8640. The IRS will reject your Form 2290 if your EIN doesn’t match IRS records or if it is not yet active in the e-filing system. If your Form 2290 is rejected because your EIN is new, you are able to retransmit your Form 2290 once a day until it is accepted at no additional cost. 

What if you have multiple EINs?

Each business is assigned one EIN number. Make sure to check the documents provided by the IRS when you applied for your EIN in order to find the correct EIN that corresponds with the business you are filing for. If your EIN is wrong, your Form 2290 will be rejected by the IRS.

What if you e-filed Form 2290 with the wrong EIN?

If you e-file Form 2290 and make any mistakes when entering your EIN, the IRS will reject your return. You can then retransmit your EIN with the correct EIN. If you handle multiple businesses however and use the EIN for a different business by mistake, there is a chance the IRS will not reject your Form 2290. In this case, you will need to e-file a new Form 2290 with the correct EIN and then e-file Form 8849. You will need to provide a detailed explanation as to why you are filing Form 8849 so that you can get a refund for the original filing.

Why e-file with ExpressTax?

ExpressTruckTax is an easy-to-use Form 2290 IRS-approved e-file provider. You are able to e-file your Form 2290 in just a few minutes by providing your EIN, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), credit vehicles you plan to claim if any, and your payment information. You are also able to pay your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax directly alongside your filing fee with ExpressTruckTax. ExpressTruckTax is here to help if you have any questions about your filing and if you need a new EIN, don’t hesitate to contact our sister company ExpressTruckTax Plus. What are you waiting for? E-file your Form 2290 with ExpressTruckTax now for a stress-free and easy filing experience! 

FAQ Friday: Tax Professionals and Form 2290

Are you a tax professional that needs to file Form 2290 for clients or businesses? If so, it is always important to know what you are doing and what is needed before you start filing Form 2290. Below you will find useful information that will help answer any questions you may have in regard to the Form 2290 filing process. 

What is Form 2290?

Form 2290 must be filed for vehicles weighing 55,000 pounds or more to the IRS for the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax. Drivers can file this form themselves though it can also be filed by tax professionals. The tax year for Form 2290 is from July 1st to June 30th of the following year. 

When is Form 2290 due?

The deadline to file Form 2290 is August 31st for vehicles that have been on the road for a year or more or are being put on the road for the first time in July. If the vehicle has been on the road for less than a year the month it is put on the road for the first time is known as the vehicle’s First Used Month (FUM). Form 2290 needs to be filed by the last day of the month following the vehicle’s First Used Month and the tax amount due will be a prorated amount for the remaining months in the tax year. 

What is Form 8453-EX?

The technical term for Form 8453-EX is “Excise Tax Declaration for an IRS e-file Return”, which is a declaration by the taxpayer to authenticate an electronic Form 2290 and authorize a service provider to transmit your return using a third-party transmitter. If a paid tax preparer e-files a client’s tax return, this form needs to be filed and signed to allow the paid preparer to file the tax return on the taxpayer’s behalf. ExpressTruckTax allows Form 8453-EX to be sent directly from ExpressTruckTax to the client in order to get it signed electronically. 

What if Tax Professionals have to file returns for multiple businesses?

When you file with ExpressTruckTax, you are able to utilize the bulk upload feature for users to add multiple businesses at a time. Filing for each business individually can take a long time, and in order to save you time, ExpressTruckTax allows you to upload multiple businesses at once by following the steps below:

  1. Create an account with ExpressTruckTax or log into your existing account.
  2. Click “Bulk Upload businesses”.
  3. Download the ExpressTruckTax excel template and save it. 
  4. Edit the document and begin entering the information for each business you need to file for. 
  5. Make sure you do not change the name of the file of the column headers. 
  6. Once you have entered all of the information for each business in the template, upload the document into your ExpressTruckTax account to start filing for multiple businesses within your account. 

If you need the multiple business bulk upload template, click here

How can ExpressTruckTax help Tax Professionals file Form 2290?

ExpressTruckTax offers a multitude of convenient options to help tax professionals e-file Form 2290. These options are designed to help save you time regardless if you are a new or returning user. New and returning users have the option to bulk-upload business and vehicle information. If there are no credit vehicles being reported for businesses you are filing for, you are able to take advantage of the Express Filing option, which presents vehicle details and payment options all on a single page. If you do need to report credit vehicles, you are able to select “Multiple Vehicles” under “Start New Return” to report any vehicles whether they are taxable, suspended, credit, or prior year suspended. These credits, if any, can be deducted from the total tax owed. If you are a returning user that has had IRS accepted returns for a business in previous filings, you are able to copy the vehicle details when filing for the current tax year. ExpressTruckTax also offers Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) to clients who are tax professionals. 

Are you a tax professional and need to file Form 2290 for clients or businesses this tax year? Look no further than ExpressTruckTax. You will get access to a number of helpful features and are even able to purchase filing credits at a discounted rate for multiple filings. What are you waiting for? File your client’s Form 2290 with ExpressTruckTax today.

FAQ Friday: Do you need Form 2290 to register your vehicle?

Do you need Form 2290 to register your vehicle?

It is important that you file Form 2290 for vehicles weighing 55,000 pounds or more in order for it to be registered. By filing Form 2290, you will receive a Stamped Schedule 1 upon its acceptance. This will serve as proof of filing Form 2290 for the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) and needs to be presented in order to receive the registration and tags for the vehicle. When filing Form 2290 there are some important factors to consider so that you do not receive fines.

Taxable Gross Weight

When filing Form 2290, you must indicate a vehicle’s Taxable Gross Weight. A vehicle’s taxable gross weight is the weight of the truck, the trailer, and the maximum weight of the load it can carry. A vehicle’s weight classification affects the amount of tax owed for the vehicle. If the wrong weight class is reported on Form 2290 and you are found to have reported the wrong weight, this may result in fines for failing to provide correct information on your vehicle especially if the amount you pay ends up being less than what is actually owed for the vehicle’s correct weight class. If you file for the wrong weight class, ExpressTruckTax offers convenient ways for resolving this type of mistake. If the weight is actually more than was reported you must file a weight increase amendment. If the weight of the vehicle is less than what was reported, you can file Form 8849 to get a refund on the form and then file a new Form 2290 for the correct weight. 

Is your vehicle suspended?

Does your vehicle weigh 55,000 pounds or more and drive less than 5,000 miles in a year? If it is used for agricultural purposes, does it drive less than 7,500 miles a year? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then your vehicle is considered suspended by the IRS. If your vehicle is suspended, you still have to file Form 2290 but no tax will be owed for this vehicle. If you file your Form 2290 and report your vehicle as suspended and it ends up going over the mileage limit, and you are caught, this could result in fines. In order to fix this you can file a mileage exceeded amendment with ExpressTruckTax and pay the tax owed for the full tax year. If you file Form 2290 and pay the tax for the full tax year but you end up not exceeding the mileage limit, you can file Form 8849 to receive a refund for the tax amount paid. 

Filing by the deadline

Filing Form 2290 late can result in fines and if you are caught not having filed Form 2290 by the deadline you will be fined and need to file the form. If your vehicle has been on the road for a year or more or you are putting it on the road for the first time in July, the deadline to file Form 2290 is August 31st. If you are putting a vehicle on the road for the first time during any other month in the year, the deadline to file Form 2290 will be the last day of the month following your vehicle’s First Used Month. Failing to file by the deadline will result in fines and you will not be able to obtain the tags or registration for your vehicle. 

Why File with ExpressTruckTax?

If you are worried about getting the registration for your vehicle, don’t be. ExpressTruckTax makes the entire Form 2290 filing process a breeze. It will only take you a few minutes to complete the filing, and once the IRS accepts your form you will receive your Stamped Schedule 1. You will need to provide your business information including your Employer Identification Number (EIN), vehicle identification number (VIN), credit vehicles you are claiming if any, and payment information. You are able to pay using a check or money order, EFTPS, Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW), or a credit or debit card through either a third-party payment processor or directly through ExpressTruckTax alongside your filing fee. If this all sounds easy, it is. Hurry and file your Form 2290 with ExpressTruckTax today so that you can get your Stamped Schedule 1 as soon as possible!

Clientele Spotlight: Black History Month 2023

Here at ExpressTruckTax, we are dedicated to helping guarantee truckers and trucking companies a simple and easy Form 2290 filing experience. We also acknowledge the amazing efforts drivers put in to keep our nation running. It is officially February, which means it is Black History Month. 

Black History Month was first suggested by Black United Students at Kent State University in 1969 and was soon adopted as a celebration around the country. In 1976 it was recognized by President Gerald Ford during the United States bicentennial, urging Americans to honor Black Americans and their accomplishments throughout history. In recent years, the trucking industry has seen steady growth in the amount of African American drivers in the industry. This means the industry is becoming more diverse and inclusive as a whole. 

As far as contributions to the transportation industry go, there have been many significant and impactful contributions made by African Americans throughout the years. One of these important figures is Garret Morgan who became known as the “Father of Transportation Technology” because of his invention of the traffic signal in 1923. 

Another important contribution to the transportation industry was made by Frederick McKinley Jones, who invented the mechanical transport refrigeration unit which is seen in today’s reefer freight haulers. He won the National Medal of Technology in 1991 for his invention. This has made it possible for trucks and train cars to transport fresh and frozen foods long distances. 

Meredith Gourdine also made an important contribution to the transportation industry with his development of an exhaust purification system in 1967. This invention is known as the catalytic converter, which helps minimize harmful emissions released into the air. 

In the mid-1970s through the 1980s, Dr. Gladys West, a famous African American mathematician programmed a 7030 Stretch computer. It was designed to map the shape of the earth and aided in the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS). 

Here at ExpressTruckTax we value and celebrate our African American clients and want to make sure they all have the best filing experience possible. We also want to take the time to highlight some of our fantastic African American clientele and business owners that have generated their 2290 or 8849 Forms with us. We want to hear about your filing experiences!

If you would like your business featured, or want to shout out an African-American-owned trucking company you love, reach out to support@expresstrucktax.com.

We will feature these businesses through a Facebook post upon your approval. 

File Form 2290 for First Used Month of December before January 31st

Did you purchase or put a vehicle weighing 55,000 pounds or more on the road for the first time in December of 2022? If this is the case your vehicle has a First Used Month of December. A vehicle’s First Used Month, or FUM, is the month a vehicle is put on the road for the first time. This determines when Form 2290 for the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) needs to be filed for this vehicle. The deadline to file Form 2290 is the last day of the month following the vehicle’s First Used Month. The deadline to file Form 2290 for vehicles weighing 55,000 pounds or more that have a First Used Month of December is January 31, 2023. 

January 31, 2023, is only a few days away. In order to make sure that you are on time with your filing and your payment, ExpressTruckTax strives to make the Form 2290 filing process as simple and straightforward as possible. In order to file, you will need to provide your business information. This includes your Employer Identification Number (EIN) and business name. You will also need to provide information about your vehicle. Your vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) will need to be entered as well as the vehicle’s weight class. Do you have any credit vehicles that you need to claim on your Form 2290? This includes vehicles that the taxes have been paid for previously and the vehicle was either sold, stolen, or destroyed.

To make things even easier, ExpressTruckTax also offers several convenient payment options for paying the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax for your vehicle. You are able to send in payment via check or money order if you are not ready to pay the tax right away. This payment will be withdrawn from your account once the IRS receives it. You can also choose to pay through EFTPS and schedule when the IRS takes the payment. Choosing this payment option requires you to have an EFTPS account. If you do not have one, it may take up to fifteen days to become active. 

If you want the payment to be more immediate, you can choose Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW) as your payment method. You will enter your banking information including your account number and routing number directly onto your Form 2290 and once the form is accepted, the funds will be withdrawn from your account in 1-2 business days. You also have the option to pay your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax via credit or debit card. You can either choose to pay through a third-party IRS-approved credit card processor or make your credit card payment directly from ExpressTruckTax alongside your filing fee. 

Whatever option you choose, ExpressTruckTax strives to be easy and convenient for you. Once your Form 2290 is approved by the IRS, you will receive your Stamped Schedule 1 in minutes. The Stamped Schedule 1 is required when you need to obtain the tags and registration for your vehicle. You are running out of time to file Form 2290 if your vehicle’s First Used Month is December. What are you waiting for? Avoid getting late fined and get your filing finished in only a few minutes with ExpressTruckTax today!