Author: Marcela De Vivo

July Trucking Events: Food, Fun, and Free Events for the Whole Family

With tax season underway, many of you are e-filing and getting ready to finish up your summer on a high note. Well, Trucking Nation, we’ve got just the thing! July’s truck-tastic trucking events!

This months events will certainly not disappoint (since most of them are FREE). Enjoy some trucking awesome truck shows and the top gun large car shootout! It’s the perfect mid-summer treat for the whole family!

Fitzgerald Truck Show

Kicking off the events on July 17-18th, is the Fitzgerald Truck Show in Crossville, Tennessee. This event is FREE to the public! There will be food, games, music, and fun for the whole family. Enjoy amazing trucks from all over the country that will be competing in the Pride and Polish Beauty Competition.

Then, if you need a little more action in your summer, Two-time Guinness World Record holder, Jesse Toler will be there with his crew to perform their fantastic stunt-bike show. And there will be fireworks and a bouncy castle for the kids! This event is going to be trucking awesome!

Truck Function in Junction

Right after the Fitzgerald Truck Show, you can enjoy the Truck Function in Junction. It takes place on July 18th in Junction City, Oregon, and it’s going to be truck-tastic. See some great trucks in the show n’ shine and then stick around to hear Amy Clawson perform!

There will be food, fun, family friendly events and best of all, it’s free!

Top Gun Large Car Shootout

Then mid-month when the temperatures are at an all time high, you can escape the heat by heading up North to Rantoul, Illinois, for the Top Gun Large Car Shootout. Another trucking awesome FREE event for July!

So grab your family and come out to see the best working class truck show in Rantoul, IL. There’s something for everyone to enjoy! From the parade of lights, to the Kiddie Pedal Pull, awesome local food vendors, and a Beer Garden, this is an event you don’t wanna miss!

Keystone Diesel Nationals

If you summer hasn’t had enough excitement after all these truck-tastic events, drop on by the Diesel Truck Nationals in Reading, Pennsylvania. Watch some of the best truck races you’ll ever see in your life in the Diesel Drag Races and the Jet Dragster Races.

Then, while you’re still filled with excitement from rooting for your favorite trucks, enjoy the Monster Truck Rides and the XDP Car Crusher. There’s even a Kid Zone for any little ones you have with you and a Parade of Trucks for the whole family to enjoy. Along with some great food and music, of course!

Color & Chrome Fantasy Truck Show

Finally, at the end of the month from July 21st-August 2nd enjoy the 6th annual Color & Chrome Fantasy Truck Show in Ogallala, Nebraska. Yet another wonderful FREE event for the whole family to enjoy!

Come out and vote for your favorite truck (color or chrome) and enjoy some great food, great music, and great people for three nights of non-stop fun. You don’t want to miss this event!

Coming Soon: The Great American Trucking Show

Now, The Great American Trucking Show doesn’t actually happen until next month in Dallas, Texas, from August 27th-29th, but it’s such a huge event we’re already excited about it!  There will be tons of truckers, truck enthusiasts and awesome trucks from all over North America.  And all in one place!

You definitely don’t want to miss out on everything they have to offer!  From talent searchers to truck industry networking, and a bunch of new truck tech previews it’s basically the event for truckers.

So get excited, Trucking Nation, because you don’t wanna miss The Great American Trucking Show!

Don’t forget to Tweet at us or post on our Facebook page if you make it out to any of these events. We love event stories and photos, and there’s a ton of great events going on this month that you don’t want to miss out on. Especially once you get your e-filing out of the way! So enjoy July’s truck-tastic FREE trucking events.

And, since we are in the midst of HVUT season, if you need any help e-filing, then don’t hesitate to ask our dedicated support legends. Give them a call at 704.234.6005 during our new extended hours from 8AM to 8PM or send them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/7 support in English and Spanish.

E-file Anywhere with ExpressTruckTax

ExpressTruckTax just got a facelift.

 And now with our new look available for both iPhone and Android users, and our mobile website for Blackberry and Windows Phone users, you can e-file even more places in a flash!

Our apps have always been user-friendly and easy-to-use, but now it’s even easier (and prettier, if you ask us).

With tax season in full force, you’ll need all the help you can get! Remember, you only have until August 31st to get those 2290’s done.

When you e-file with ExpressTruckTax, either through our website or our new and improved apps, you can get your 2290’s securely transmitted to the IRS in just under 10 minutes. And once you’re done and you’ve transmitted your return, you’ll get your Stamped Schedule 1 emailed directly to you!

You can e-file anywhere and anytime. No matter where you are, if you have your smartphone (or tablet), you can e-file.

Whether you’re waiting in line on your lunch break, sitting in the shade in the park, or having a cup of coffee at a truckstop, if you’ve got 10 minutes, you can e-file!

Jair relaxing on a bench and e-filing his 2290.

With just three simple steps, ExpressTruckTax can help you file your 2290 and get right back to your life. No muss, no fuss, just a great product and superior e-filing.

How to E-file On-the-Go

To e-file with our new apps in a flash, all you need to do is follow three simple steps!

Account Setup

  • If you’ve never filed with us before, then you’ll need to set up your account. In order to do this, simply select “create new account” or choose to login with your Google+ or Facebook account.
  • If you’re a returning user, simply enter your information and login.
  • Now you can enter in your business details and your EIN number. Again, if you’ve filed with us previously, you can simply use the same business details and EIN that you filed with last year.
  • Then choose to file for the current year and move on to step two!

Vehicle Details

  • After you’ve entered your business information and selected to file for the current tax year, the next step is to enter the information for your vehicle or vehicles. 
  • You can do this in a number of different ways. You can import them from a CSV file, you can enter them in manually, or if you’ve filed with us previously, you can import them from your virtual garage in TruckZone.
    • Pro-tip: There are three different kinds of vehicles you can enter. Make sure you’re entering them all on the right screen or you may have to file an amendment (and owe the IRS more money).
  • At the end of this step you can enter in any low mileage credits, and then quickly and easily move on to step 3!

Pay & Transmit

  • The final step in the e-filing process is to pay and securely transmit your return to the IRS.
  • Simply select your payment method from the three types the IRS accepts: Direct debit, EFTPS, and check or money order. Then review your information and securely transmit your return to the IRS.
  • Your Stamped Schedule 1 will follow any minute. It’s just that easy!

If you have any questions or need any help through the e-filing process, our support legends are here for you. Our USA-based support team is ready to help you around the clock! You can reach them by phone during our new extended hours from 8AM to 8PM EST or by email day and night.

Give them a call at 704.234.6005 or send them at email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/7 support in English and Spanish.

Don’t delay, e-file today!

Perks for Our Partners

As the industry leader, ExpressTruckTax is proud to be partnered with some of the nation’s largest trucking associations and companies! We are truly honored and humbled to be partnered with so many trucking companies and associations from around North America.

We are partnered with associations like Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), America’s Independent Trucker’s Association (AITA), National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC), and South Carolina Trucking Association (SCTA).

We are also partnered with many large carriers like Panther, Landstar, Universal Truckload, EPES, and Mercer. We have truly been able to cement our place as leaders in the trucking industry.

We appreciate their partnership immensely and as a thank you, we offer both trucking companies and trucking associations alike some pretty great perks! It’s all part of our ongoing mission to make our affordable solutions readily-available for all!

Perks for Partners

Our partners mean the world to us, and these are just a few of the things we offer them.

  • Customized Portals
    • Our partners enjoy a customized ExpressTruckTax portal where their owner-operators can e-file truck taxes with ease.
  • 24/7 Free Support
    • We’re there for our partners 24/7, no matter what! We can address problems anytime of day (or night) and get them handled quickly and professionally.
  • Educational Materials about Taxes
    • Figuring out how to file HVUT can be tough. That’s why ExpressTruckTax provides our partners with some much needed materials to educate their owner-operators and members on how to correctly file their taxes and stay current with IRS regulations.
  • Free Automatic Email With Stamped Schedule 1
    • Trucking companies partnered with ExpressTruckTax receive the Stamped Schedule 1 via email automatically as soon as their drivers e-file.
These are things nobody else is doing. Our customers will always get the best service and product available when they e-file with us. It’s just that simple!

If you need help or have any questions about e-filing, all you have to do is give our dedicated support legends a call! You can reach them at 704.234.6005. You can even send an email to support@expresstrucktax.com for 24 hour support in English and Spanish!

#WellnessWednesday: Yoga for Truckers

When it comes to driving a truck, since you’re sitting in a vehicle most of the time, you can develop aches and pains.

There are a number of different ways to combat these chronic aches, but the best way is to regularly do yoga.

It doesn’t have to be anything crazy– just a few basic poses and some good, deep breaths to get a good stretch in and get that blood circulating. 

That alone can make a world of difference in your mobility and overall happiness. It actually works so well that we even do it here at ExpressTruckTax!

Here’s a few basic poses depicted by the ExpressTruckTax Support Legends!

Tree Pose

Kay

To perform a successful tree pose, you only have to do a few things. When you inhale, move your arms up and over your head, and then when you exhale move your arms down by your side. This is done to improve your balance and find your center.

And don’t forget to breathe! The breathing you do in yoga is important. It trains you to breathe properly, especially when doing exercise.

Swan Dive

Jana

From the tree pose you can go into the Swan Dive pose which is essentially tree with a slight modification. Instead of moving just your arms up and down, move your arms up on inhale and on exhale, move down bending at your back and knees, then though the ground.

Chair Pose

Lauren

From Swan Dive you can go into Chair. With the Chair pose, instead of touching the ground in front of your feet, you just bend at your knees, and squat slightly while arching your back.

Cat Pose

Sir Charles

Cat is a floor pose. In order to perform the cat pose, you must be on all fours, back slightly arched with your face forward and arms slightly bent at the elbows.

Sonial Balance

Eli

From the Cat pose you can perform the Sonial Balance pose. This pose requires you to be on all fours and extend your right arm and then your left leg (or vice versa) while balancing on your other limbs and stretching your body.

Got some tips for how to stay healthy on the road? Or maybe you just want to share some highlights from your own wellness journey. Drop us a line on Facebook or Twitter! We love hearing from you, Trucking Nation!

#TruckTechTuesday: Driver Safety

Happy #TruckTechTuesday, Trucking Nation! Time to explore the growing world of big rig technology.

Technology for big rigs is still a growing market and many of the trucks and accessories are still in their concept phases, but that doesn’t make them any less cool.

And there are actually a lot of accessories on the market that help truckers with braking, visibility, backing up, and avoiding collisions with other drivers.

Meet the technology that is trying to make the Trucking Nation better!

Trucking Awesome (Truck Concepts)

Introducing the VolvoBeeVan, a somewhat miniature big rig that placed the driver at the center of the vehicle. 

The way Volvo designed this rig, the driver sits front and center. That means way more visibility and a much better view of the road. And it’s safety features are basically off the charts!

When a driver exits their vehicle, the doors slide open and reveal hidden steps that will help them to get their feed on the ground safely. Then inside the cab, the truck is insulated to shield the driver from the outside environment.

And it also includes a sleeper, dinette table, and some spacious personal storage. For Volvo’s new concept vehicle, the driver is the main concern and everything is done for their comfort and safety.

Truck Accessories

Since semi-trucks are so large, being able to see behind the trailer is often a difficult task. But Hawkeye has a solution for that: their wireless backup camera. 

 

They’ve been putting backup cameras on cars for ages, so why not trucks? It can help truckers visualize the great unknown (behind their trailer) much better than their large mirrors ever could.

The display is three inches high and it isn’t very invasive, especially in a big rig with a large cabin. And it’ll improve the safety of your vehicle!

Apps for Road Warriors

Managing a business on the road can be difficult. Keeping up with drivers, dispatches, goods, and paychecks is basically a nightmare. But at TruckLogics, they have the solution.

TruckLogics is a business management software (and smartphone app) that can help you manage your business virtually anywhere! It’s basically the ultimate solution to manage any trucking business.

The app can be used by both owner-operators, fleet managers, leased operators, and drivers. This allows for monitoring, real-time status updates and it helps you keep your records all in one place on their secure US-based server.

Get started today and manage your business with ease!

If you have any questions, comments, or more #TruckTech you want to see featured here, drop us a line on our Facebook or Twitter. We love hearing trucking stories and learning about new truck tech!

We’re here for you If you find yourself with any questions about the e-filing process. Just give our support legends a call at 704.234.6005 or shoot them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/7 support in English and Spanish.

ExpressTruckTax is Secure!

Year after tax year, scam artists seem to crop up, claiming they’re CPA’s that can file your 2290 for you. They may even go so far as to print out a fake Stamped Schedule 1 right before they close up shop and disappear.

Unfortunately these types of scams are very common, especially taking advantage of truckers who speak English as a second language.

Here at ExpressTruckTax, we guarantee you a safe, secure, and completely 100% scam-free experience when you file with us. Not to mention we are an IRS Authorized E-file Provider and a link to our website can be found directly on the IRS’s website.

How To Identify A Scam

Trying to identify a scam isn’t always easy, but you should always look for these two red flags.

“Cash Only” E-filing

E-filing providers who claim they only accept cash for their e-filing fee are most definitely not playing by the rules. Those who go by the book will have several payment options available, none of which are “cash only”. And you should definitely never have to pay cash for your taxes. The IRS only accepts three payment methods: Direct Debit, EFTPS, and Check or Money Order. If they ask for anything else, it’s a scam!

Not Listed on IRS Website

You may not always check, but you should. One of the easiest ways to identify and avoid being scammed is to check the IRS website for verified e-filers. If they’re not on that list, the risk they’re a scam goes up. So only use e-filer providers that you trust!

Unless you know and trust a company completely, avoid anyone who isn’t an IRS-certified e-file provider. And you should definitely avoid any company who only wants you to pay in cash! Always know who you’re giving your money to.

Beware of fake Stamped Schedule 1’s! A legitimate Stamped Schedule 1 from the IRS will look like this, complete with the IRS’s real watermark:

It will be that clear and crisp and will contain all of your correct information and vehicles. Anything that doesn’t look like this is not legitimate and will not be accepted by the DMV.

The Secure Promise from ExpressTruckTax

As an industry leader and an IRS-authorized e-file provider, ExpressTruckTax can promise security and peace of mind when you e-file through us.

Our product is McAfee Certified HackerProof and we utilize SSL, which securely encrypts communications between your device and our US-based servers.

With us, you’ll get a legitimate Stamped Schedule 1 emailed right to you within minutes after your return is accepted! Your tax payment will always go straight through us and to the right place—the IRS—in minutes.

With the help of our US-based support legends (operating from right here in Rock Hill, South Carolina!), you can rest assured that your taxes will be filed quickly and correctly. So if you have any questions or need any help, just give them a call at 704.234.6005 or sent them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support in English and Spanish.

There’s no guesswork, just secure e-filing with ease!

Happy 4th of July from Our Support Legends!

From everyone here at ExpressTruckTax, Happy Independence Day, Trucking Nation!

Enjoy the fireworks, fun with your families, the multitude of cook-outs that will be going on, and celebrate your independence. If you’re driving this weekend, make sure you stay safe and cool out there on the roads because they can get a little crazy!

Never Fear, Our Support Legends Are Here

Even though our Support Legends will be spending Friday away from the office in observance of July 4th, they will still be available all weekend long via email. So if you have a tax question or an issue, send them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com. Because tax questions never take a day off, and neither do we!

So have a safe, happy, and fun 4th of July, Trucking Nation! And don’t forget to share your trucking stories with us over Facebook or Twitter. We love hearing from you!

5 Tips on How to Begin Your Wellness Journey

The best thing about deciding to live a healthier lifestyle is that you get to decide what that means for yourself. You get to choose what to change, how to eat, and how to exercise.

But maybe you aren’t sure where to start your wellness journey. We’ve got some tips for how to get started and how to change your habits over time. Because it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.

5 Tips on How to Begin Your Journey:

Believe in Yourself

The first step in beginning your wellness journey is to believe in yourself. Now this probably sounds like a total cliche, but trust me, if you don’t believe you can do it then you won’t make it very far.

Talk yourself up every day, realize that you’re so much stronger than you think you are and just do it! Because every single day is another step on your path to becoming a healthier person. And it matters, it really, really matters because your health is so important. 

Eliminate Bad Habits

It takes 14-21 days to beat a bad habit, but once you’ve beaten it you’ve accomplished something great. Out there on the road it’s so easy to find yourself eating fried, sugary, and salty foods that are so bad for you. You don’t have to change your eating habits overnight, but you do have to make a choice. 
Try eliminating one of those bad things and switching it out for something healthier. Switch from milk chocolate to dark chocolate, from ice cream to yogurt, from fried chicken to grilled chicken, or from french fries to apple slices or baked sweet potato fries. There are so many ways to make a change in yourself. All you have to do is start small and keep on trucking.

Water Is Your New Best Friend

Lose the juice and the soda and switch to water. This might seem like a huge change, but you can take your time with this one too. If you’re not a big fan of water or need a lot of caffeine to keep you going, try moving to a drink that has less calories and sodium (perhaps a diet soda). 
Then you can switch from that to carbonated or flavored water. Eventually you’ll learn to love it because drinking water will make your feel better! You’ll be less thirsty, increase your circulation, flush toxins out of your body, and it will even improve your skin.

Dance, Dance, Dance

Being cooped up in a truck all day doesn’t give you much time for exercise, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are little things you can do to improve your mobility inside of your cabin. Maybe you have a song you like to dance to, crank it up and do a little dance in your truck! 
And any time to have a moment to stop, take some time to do some stretching to get your blood flowing, Not only does stretching help with your circulation, it also makes you feel so much better. You can also make it a point to walk a little further every day, every time you have a break. Eventually you’ll begin to feel like a new person!

Be Mindful of What You Consume

You don’t have to go all out and eat nothing but salads and vegetables, but you should be mindful of what you consume. If you’re eating a lot of fast food, make sure you pay attention to the calories (most restaurants will have them on their menus) in your favorite meal. 
If they seem too high, try eating just the sandwich or main entree, or substituting those calorie high french fries for something healthier like apple slices. You can still have french fries if you want to, but make sure you know what you’re putting into your body. Because monitoring the amount of calories you consume each day can help you feel less tired and lethargic and much more energetic. 
Food can give you energy, but only if you use it right!
Got some tips for how to stay healthy on the road? Or maybe you just want to share some highlights from your own wellness journey. Drop us a line on Facebook or Twitter! We love hearing from you, Trucking Nation!

Skip the Traffic: E-file With ExpressTruckTax Today

Today is the day, Trucking Nation! The IRS is now accepting Form 2290, and giving out that coveted Stamped Schedule 1.

The renewal period begins now and runs from today until August 31. So head to ExpressTruckTax now and get to e-filing! Or you can use our free app on your iOS or Android device to conveniently e-file wherever you are!

If you pre-filed with us, today is the day we will securely transmit your 2290’s to the IRS (way ahead of everyone else). And you should get your approval later today along with your Stamped Schedule 1.

Not sure if it’s time for you to file? We’ve compiled a super-quick guide with all the details you need to keep your HVUT game on point!

What is Form 2290?

IRS Form 2290 is a tax paid on a heavy vehicle that is registered, or required to be registered in your name under U.S., Canadian, or Mexican law. That means if you have a vehicle with a gross weight of 55,000 lbs or more, you must pay Heavy Vehicle Use Tax in order to renew your vehicle’s registration.

When you e-file with ExpressTruckTax, you can get everything done in one place without having to wait. ExpressTruckTax is a one-stop solution for e-filing, calculating taxes (without actually breaking out a calculator), transmitting your return, making your payment, and getting your Stamped Schedule 1 automatically via email. It’s that easy!

Bonus Time: If you use the promocode ETT10 you can get 10% off the cost of filing! AND If you Like Us on Facebook after you e-file, you’re automatically entered into our next Summer Series of Giveaways contest! We’ll select one lucky winner between now and July 15th to win a $25 Gift Card…and it could be you!

Short on Time?

If you’re short on time, on the road, or would rather have your very own processing agent handle e-filing your 2290 for you, contact our full-service division, ExpressTruckTax Plus! They can e-file your Form 2290 for you over the phone, same day!

They can handle all your authorities, permits, registrations, IFTA filing, and pretty much everything you would ever need to operate your heavy vehicle. You can call them at 803.386.0320 or email them at ettplus@expresstrucktax.com to get started.

Today’s HVUT Cheat Sheet

Leading up to today, we’ve written a lot of blogs about every situation you would find yourself in while beginning your e-filing journey. Here are a few of the more important blogs that will help you e-file:

  • What do You Get get for $9.90?
    • ExpressTruckTax is more than just an e-filing product, it’s the best value in the industry! But what exactly do you get for $9.90?
  • Forgot your Password
    • If you forgot your password, let us help. Remembering all those passwords can be rough, but you don’t have to create a new account—learn how to recover your password here!
  • How to Create an Account
    • If you’ve never filed with us before, this is the blog for you. We’ll walk you through the process of creating an account from start to finish, and with pictures!
  • FastTransfer Feature
    • If you have already e-filed with us in the past, your information can be applied to your 2015-16 Form 2290. Here’s a step-by-step process on how it works.
  • Truck Zone
    • Truck Zone is your very own virtual garage. And it’s an exclusive feature just for ExpressTruckTax. You’ll never forget another truck again because we’ll store them for you on our secure server. 
  • IRS Offices Now by Appointment Only
    • Some of the IRS offices are now by appointment only. Check here to see if your city is on that list.
  • 7 Common E-filing Mistakes to Avoid
    • We all make mistakes, but here’s how to avoid the common ones we see year after year when e-filing season begins again.
  • 6 Tips for E-filing Success This Renewal Season
    • Have a successful renewal season with these 6 easy tips on how to e-file!
  • The Do’s and Don’ts of E-filing Your 2290
    • Tips on how to make e-filing even easier by being prepared throughout the tax year.

Didn’t find answers on our E-filing Cheat Sheet? Our support legends are here for you! Do not hesitate to give them a call at 704.234.6005 or shoot them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/7 support in both English and Spanish.

Don’t wait or you’ll be late, e-file with ExpressTruckTax today!

#TruckTechTuesday: Safe Trucking

It’s #TruckTechTuesday again, Trucking Nation! That means we get to explore the exciting world of technology that’s geared specifically toward heavy vehicles.

While the world of truck technology is fairly new, the market is growing astronomically. With both large companies (like Wal-Mart, Volkswagen and Peterbilt) and small—virtually unheard of—companies (like AirFlow, Peloton, and Haishan Deng) working to make the trucking industry better.

Trucking Awesome (Concept Trucks)

We’ve been talking a lot about trucks with sleek bullet-like designs, and while there are more similar concepts closer to being released, this week we’re changing the pace. Introducing The Chameleon by Haishan Deng.

The Chameleon is a centipede-esque truck with a segmented body that allows the truck to adjust in order to fit any container size. Not to mention, on top of that, the body of the trailer is constructed out of a soft tarp-like material that allows the truck to absorb energy during an impact.

This truck concept would revolutionize the truck industry! Due to it’s material, the truck is more lightweight so it will lessen the blow of impacts with other vehicles as well as cutting back on fuel intake. That means roads and the environment will both be safer once this truck becomes a reality.

Truck Tech Accessories

There are a lot of accessories out there for truck drivers. From dash cams to Peloton, both of which we’ve already talked about in previous blogs, truck extensions are getting really high tech.

But this week we’re going somewhat old school with Talon’s digital tire pressure monitoring system.

Monitoring tire pressure is a serious problem in big trucks. But with Talon, their device allows you to monitor the tire pressure of up to 22 wheels at a time. That means you can have some peace of mind out on the open road.

Plus, it can also monitor the temperature of your trailer, and it alerts you if that temperature or if the air pressure in any of your tires becomes too low.

Apps for Road Warriors

With Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Season beginning tomorrow, this week’s app is our very own ExpressTruckTax app, available for free for your iOS & Android devices.

With ExpressTruckTax, you get so much more than an e-filing system, you get the best value in the Trucking Industry!

And we have an app! That means you can e-file from virtually anywhere. That and you get the same great ExpressTruckTax product and support. You can even pull up your Stamped Schedule 1 from your phone!

If you have any questions, comments, or more #TruckTech you want to see featured here, drop us a line on our Facebook or Twitter. We love hearing trucking stories and learning about new truck tech!

We’re here for you If you find yourself with any questions about the e-filing process. Just give our support legends a call at 704.234.6005 or shoot them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/7 support in English and Spanish.

Happy e-filing, Trucking Nation!