Author: Marcela De Vivo

What do You Get for $9.90?

Posted on June 29, 2015 by - 2290 Amendment, 2290 Free VIN Correction, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, Form 2290 corrections, HVUT, Schedule 1, Truck Tax, VIN Corrections

You may have heard us constantly say we’re “the best value in the industry”, but what exactly do you get for the price?


Well, for starters:

  • No other IRS-authorized E-File Provider offers a price this low.
    • Priced at just $9.90, we truly are the best value in the industry. And with us, you get more than just e-filing: you get a great product and superior customer service.
  • We have the best customer support team in the industry.
    • In fact, we call them Support Legends because no matter who you get connected to, they can handle your questions with ease. All of them are fully trained and here all year around—whether it’s HVUT season or not. 
  • We work closely with truckers, owner-operators, and trucking associations.
    • That means we understand the industry and the frustration that comes with filing heavy vehicle use tax. Unlike other providers, we can provide you the best value and the best product specifically for the trucking industry!

    And all of that comes free! We haven’t even scratched the surface of everything ExpressTruckTax can do for you—and for just $9.90! We’ll be saving you some dolla dolla bills y’all.

    What You Get For the Price

    • The Ability to E-file Your 2290 With Ease
      • ExpressTruckTax provides you with a great and easy-to-use product. In fact, we have the most efficient e-filing process out there! All you have to do is follow three easy steps, and then you’re done. You can get your Stamped Schedule 1 in minutes and get back to your life. It really is as easy as 1-2-3!
    • Stamped Schedule 1 (in Minutes!)
      • Getting your Stamped Schedule 1 with ExpressTruckTax is really easy! From start to finish, your journey to your Stamped Schedule 1 should take less than 10 minutes. Then you have your proof of filing and you’re well on your way to renewing your vehicle registration for the coming year. You can access your Stamped Schedule 1 with ExpressTruckTax one of three ways: 
        • 1. We will automatically email it to you
        • 2. There will be a copy in your ExpressTruckTax account on your Dashboard page
        • 3. You can have us fax or mail it to you, or anywhere you want.
    • Truck Zone
      • Truck Zone is a virtual garage that has been integrated into ExpressTruckTax. Whether you have one truck or a multitude, Truck Zone can help you securely organize all of your vehicle information. That way you only have to enter it once, and Truck Zone will remember it for you year after year.
    • Email Notifications
      • As soon as your Form 2290 is accepted by the IRS, you will get an email from us containing your Stamped Schedule 1. If your Form 2290 is rejected, we will also send you an email notification immediately with the exact reason for the rejection. That way you can pinpoint the exact error, correct it, and then you can re-transmit your 2290 to the IRS free of charge!
    • Form 2290 Archive
      • We also archive your Form 2290 and Stamped Schedule 1 on our secure server year after year. That means you can use our FastTransfer feature to copy your HVUT from a previous year so you don’t have to start over from scratch. Or if you ever lose your Stamped Schedule 1 and need to pull up a new one, we’ve got you covered.
    • Free VIN Corrections
      • Sometimes you can make some mistakes. Maybe you mixed up a letter or a number, or maybe you’re confusing one VIN with a different truck. It happens! That’s why we give you free VIN corrections. And it only takes a few minutes to file your correction with ExpressTruckTax.
    • Credits for sold/destroyed/stolen vehicles
      • If you sold your truck during the tax year and purchased a different vehicle, you can claim the credit for the sold truck and file your 2290 for your new truck on one return! The credit from the truck you sold will be automatically applied to the amount of Heavy Vehicle Use Tax you owe on your new truck.
    • Our Support Legends
      • They’re so good, I had to list them twice! If you have any questions about any part of the e-filing or amendment process, we have an amazing support team. Just give them a call at 704.234.6005 or shoot them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support in both English and Spanish. There is no problem they can’t solve!

    Gross Vehicle Weight Increase: 2290 Amendments

    Posted on June 26, 2015 by - 2290 Amendment, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, Form 2290 corrections, HVUT, Schedule 1, Taxable gross vehicle weight, Truck Tax

    If you’ve been following our 2290 Amendments series thus far, we’ve discussed Free VIN Corrections and how to handle an Increase in Mileage Limit. But what if your truck puts on a little—or a lot—of weight.

    An increase in the gross weight of your vehicle could mean you have to pay an increase on the heavy vehicle use tax you owed during the tax season. But only if your truck goes up to the next weight class, that is.

    What is a Weight Category or Class?

    There are eight weight classes for trucks and three weight categories. They range from light duty, which is 6,000-14,000 pounds, medium duty, ranging from 14,000-26,000, and heavy duty, which ranges from 26,000 to more than 33,000 pounds.

    These three categories then each break down into eight smaller weight classes. The weight class of your vehicle dictates how much you will pay in heavy vehicle use taxes for the tax year. The heavier the vehicle, the higher the taxes.

    What Happens if My Gross Vehicle Weight Increases?

    When your GVW increases during the tax year, all you have to do is e-file a 2290 Amendment for an increase in Gross Vehicle Weight! And when you use ExpressTruckTax, e-filing that amendment is quick, easy, and economical.

    In fact, it’s only a three step process!

    Step 1: Log In or Create New User

    • If you’re a returning user, login
    • If you’re a new user, create your account
    • Enter your business information (if you haven’t already)
    • Then click “Start” under Form 2290 Amendments
    • Choose the kind of Amendment you want to file. 
    • In this case, you want to click “Start” under “Taxable Gross Weight Increase.”

    Step 2: Input Vehicle Information

    • Select your vehicle’s first-used month
    • Select the month where your vehicle’s weight change occurred
    • If you e-filed your 2290 with ExpressTruckTax this year, select the vehicle or vehicles you would like to amend from your previous return and choose the new weight class.
    • If you are changing the weight of more than 1 vehicle, click “Save & Add Another.”

    • If you’re finished, simply click “Save” and move on to the next screen where your tax is prorated for you.

    Step 3: Transmit Your Return

    • Choose from three methods of payment to pay your increased tax to the IRS.
    • You can pay by Direct Debit, EFTPS, and check or money order (No credit or debit cards with the IRS)
    • Then our Instant Audit feature reviews your return for errors and you’re done!
    • You can securely transmit your amendment to the IRS and receive your new Stamped Schedule 1 in minutes!
      • Pro-Tip: Be sure to submit your amendment by the last day of the month following the month in which the weight increase occurred. That means, if the increase occurred in August, you need to file your amendment by the end of September.

    And that’s it! You can e-file your amendment as easy as 1,2,3. From start to finish the whole process only takes 10 minutes or less. We’re just that good!

    If you need any help e-filing your 2290 Amendments, our dedicated support legends are here year round to answer all of your tax related questions! So don’t be shy, give us a call at 704.234.6005 or send us an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24 our support in English or Spanish.

    And starting July 1, ExpressTruckTax will be giving 10% off of their already super-affordable filing price! All you have to do is enter the promo code ETT10. What a deal!

    #WellnessWednesday: Wellness is a Journey

    Posted on June 24, 2015 by - #wellnesswednesday, Expresstrucktax.com, Siphiwe Baleka, Tony Blake, truckers, wellness

    Wellness is a journey, not a destination. It takes more than deciding to go on a diet, you have to decide to change your whole life.

    I’m not talking about becoming obsessive and going to the gym 7 days a week for four hours or anything like that. I’m talking about your own personal wellness journey—what you alone are comfortable with doing.

    Siphiwe Baleka, an Ivy-League swimmer, was already well into his own journey before he decided to help truckers begin theirs. Instead of pursuing an Olympic Career, he found his passion was helping truckers become more active.

    And he’s doing a great job at it! In fact, he’s helped thousands of truckers lose tens of thousands of pounds.

    Here at ExpressTruckTax, we know trying to eat well and maintain a healthy lifestyle while on the road can be tough. But we’ve got some health tips that might be able to help!

    Beat the Boredom

    Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. All wellness journeys should begin here. By getting your house (your mind) in order, you can begin to focus on your body. If your mental health is out of whack, then there’s a good chance you won’t be able to focus on anything else.

    Boredom is a very common experience in the trucking industry. You have to sit and drive for hours, and listening to a radio station that recycles the same songs over and over isn’t very stimulating.

    That’s when overeating can creep in. Because you can’t do much else while you’re driving (you also shouldn’t be eating, but we all do it). And you need to focus your mind on something other than what seems like an endless road in front of you.

    But overcoming your boredom on the road can be as easy as buying an ebook, or subscribing to Amazon’s Audible (because you may not always have time to stop by a bookstore). When you have something else to focus on—other than a bad habit of eating when you’re bored—you can retrain your brain!

    Which brings us to the next stop on your wellness journey: becoming health conscious.

    Be Health Conscious

    Nothing is going to change unless you’re willing to change it for yourself. The second step to living a healthier lifestyle is to address the problem.

    Most of the time the problem is overeating, which is easy to start doing when you’re on the road all the time. Because most of the time what you’re eating has a skewed sense of serving sizes, not to mention way more than the recommended daily amount of sodium.

    To help you become more conscious of what kind of calories, fat, sodium, etc. you’re taking in per day, there’s an app for that! The app is called MyFitnessPal, and you can use their website or log your daily food intake from their smartphone app.

    And MFP is set by your weight and lifestyle, so even if you’re sedentary, you can still lose weight or maintain your current weight.

    Not to mention, after a while of recording your meals, you begin to notice that you automatically adapt to eat within your allotted calorie range. You begin to eat smaller portions because you realize just how much you may have been eating and you change it.

    That’s why the second step on your wellness journey is making a change in the way you eat. It doesn’t even have to be a big one, it’s taking the step that counts!

    Be More Active

    Now, this next step is usually a red flag for people, but it doesn’t have to be scary. You don’t even have to step foot in a gym (unless you’re comfortable with doing that).

    Being more active is just another step on your journey. And like everything else we’ve talked about, you can start small!

    You can park a little farther away from where you need to go so you walk a few more steps. Or play your favorite song and dance a little in your truck. You can even spend a little more time walking around in a truck stop.

    You won’t become physically fit overnight. And that’s not what this is about, it’s about taking small steps to become a better you. Because each small step you take helps you further along the road on your wellness journey.

    And as long as you don’t stop, you’ll get there in no time!

    Got some tips for how to stay healthy on the road? Or maybe you 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: Trucks, Tech, and Apps Galore!

    Posted on June 23, 2015 by - #TruckTechTuesday, Expresstrucktax.com, Truck Tax, truck tech, trucking news

    Happy #TruckTechTuesday, Trucking Nation!

    As the world of technology continues to grow, there are more and more areas that are providing excellent tech. Now the technology world has become so huge, that it has expanded beyond phones and computers to heavy vehicles.

    Now we live in a world where technology is working to make trucks better. Through truck extensions, truck apps, and new truck concepts, the tech industry is trying to turn trucks friendly for our environmental future.

    That and new tech makes your truck look really cool! Which is what we talked about in our previous Truck Tech Blog.

    Trucking Awesome (Concept Trucks)

    Last time we talked about BulletTruck from AirFlow, but this week’s truck looks even more sleek. Introducing Peterbilt’s trucking awesome concept truck, Sentinal.

    Peterbilt refers to it’s concept truck as the new American dream. And if that picture is any indication, they definitely aim to deliver an extravagant truck basically drowning in luxury. Plus, it’s design makes it more aerodynamic (which is great for your fuel mileage)!

    In fact, the design could improve fuel economy and range of long haulers by 25%! And this truck concept is getting closer and closer to becoming a reality.

    Truck Extensions

    This week’s truck extension is a little bit of a wild card because is is both an app and a truck extension. The extension is called Peloton, and it is a trucking app concept built by Peloton Technology. 

     

    Peloton is an automated vehicle technology company that is working to connect collision avoidance technology, and prevent the most common truck accidents. They also provide a reduction in aerodynamic drag by linking two trucks together in what they call a platoon. And on-road testing showed that they were saving fleets a lot of fuel!

    So in addition to the added safety of travelling in packs, automatic braking, and generally being really, really cool, Peloton will also save you a lot of money in the long haul.

    Apps for Road Warriors

    Perhaps one of the most influential apps of the summer is the FMCSA Guide Rules and Regulations app by Wright Media, which you can download from both the Google Play Store and the Apple Store.

    Now it might not sound like much, but consider this: this is the first mobile guide to everything you need to know about the FMCSA Rules and Regulations. That means you get instant access!

    You can look up any rule or regulation just by using their search feature. No more searching through bulky books and trying to figure out the rules.

    And, this app includes their new “Fuel Dawg” feature where you can locate the best diesel prices from thousands of truck stops based on your GPS location!

    But wait, there’s more! This app also includes the latest trucking job opportunities, and access to contact those trucking company directly. It was even featured in our ExpressTruckTax IFTA blog about hot summer apps!

    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!

    As always, if you find yourself with some tax questions, give our dedicated support team a call at 704.234.6005 or email them at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24 hour support in both English and Spanish!

    And don’t forget! You only have 7 more days left to pre-file. If you want to be entered to win a ExpressTruckTax Swag Bag and save a little money of the e-filing price (with the promo code PREFILE), then don’t delay, pre-file today!

    Increase in Mileage Limit: E-filing 2290 Amendments

    Posted on June 22, 2015 by - 2290 Amendment, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, Form 2290 corrections, HVUT, Schedule 1, Truck Tax

    Tax season and tax amendments go hand in hand. After you file your Form 2290, at the end of the tax season (August 31), you may notice that there are some changes you need to make on your tax forms.

    We’ve already discussed Free VIN Corrections, but you may be wondering about how to file an amendment to increase or change your mileage limit.

    There are three types of amendments you can e-file when it comes to your Form 2290. The second of those amendments (since we’ve already addressed the VIN Corrections), is the mileage limit amendment.

    What is a Mileage Limit?

    A mileage limit is the amount of miles a suspended heavy vehicle is allowed to drive on public highways before tax is owed on that vehicle. Typically, the limit for suspended vehicles is 5,000 miles, and if this is exceeded, tax is immediately due. However, for agricultural vehicles, this limit is 7,500 miles!

    Keep in mind that this limit only applies to the total miles your vehicle drives on public highways during the tax year, regardless of the number of owners.

    The Form 2290 Mileage Increase Amendment is for suspended vehicles that exceeded the mileage use limit for the tax year, so if you filed as suspended, but just went over that limit, then it’s time to start e-filing!

    I’m Over the Mileage Limit! Now What?

    So what happens when you go over the mileage limit? Well, Trucking Nation, that’s when you start e-filing your handy dandy Form 2290 Amendment!

    Now you don’t have to worry about filing amendments just yet, but you should be pre-filing. However, there’s a chance you might need to e-file an amendment in the near future. But that’s why we’re here!

    And at ExpressTruckTax, as e-filing industry leaders, our amendment process is quick and easy!

    Step 1: Log In or Create New User

    • If you are a returning user, log in to your account.
    • If you are a new user, choose to create an account.
      • Pro-tip: If you don’t want to go through and create a whole new account, you can also choose to link your ExpressTruckTax account with Facebook or Google+.
    • Then, click “Start” under Form 2290 Amendments.
    • After that, choose the kind of amendment and click start under “Mileage Exceeded.”

    Step 2: Make Your Corrections

    • If you are a returning user, you can choose to amend a return you e-filed with us.
    • If you are a new user, you can choose to amend a return that was paper-filed or e-filed elsewhere.

    • Next, choose the vehicle you are filing the amendment for.
    • Again, if you haven’t filed with us, enter the vehicle’s information, such as the VIN, taxable gross weight, and whether or not it’s used for logging.
    • Finally, hit “Save” or “Save & Add Another” if you’re e-filing an amendment for more than one vehicle.

    Step 3: Review & Submit!

    • The prorated tax is then calculated for you!
    • Click “Next,” and enter your method of payment. The IRS accepts Direct Debit (EFW), EFTPS, and check or money order (The IRS does not accept credit/debit cards).

    • Then, just review your information one last time, and then let our system perform an Instant Audit to make certain everything is correct.
    • Finally, securely transmit your amendment to the IRS, and you should get your Stamped Schedule 1 in minutes!

    When it comes time to e-file Form 2290 Amendments, we’ll be here for you! So if you have any questions or need any help when it comes to e-filing, you can talk to us.

    Just give us a call at 704.234.6005 or send us an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support in English and Spanish!

    And don’t forget, that there are only 8 days left to pre-file your HVUT! That means there’s still time to get a sweet discount on e-filing when you use the promocode PREFILE, and you can still be entered in our Swag Bag Giveaway. So don’t delay, pre-file today!

    7 Common E-filing Mistakes to Avoid

    Posted on June 19, 2015 by - 2290 Amendment, e-Filing, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, Form 2290 corrections, HVUT, Truck Tax

    With pre-filing season in full swing and the regular filing season peeking over the horizon, there are some common mistakes we should address.

    Time and time again filers tend to make the same mistakes when it comes to filing their heavy vehicle use taxes. So let’s go over them so they’re fresh in your mind when you e-file or pre-file this tax season!

    1. Incorrect EIN or VIN

    Your EIN is your Employer Identification Number, and your VIN is your Vehicle Identification Number, and both are equally important. In order to file your HVUT, you will need to know both, and both will need to be correct. So check, double check, and triple check if you have to, because if those ID’s are even one letter or number off, your return could be rejected by the IRS. And nobody wants that! But if it does happen, don’t fret! You can retransmit rejected returns for free with us!

    2. Computation Errors

    We know tax calculations can be hard, but that’s why when you e-file with us, our system will calculate the amount due for you! Now you don’t have to worry about doing all that complicated tax math. All you have to worry about is what you need to pay and remembering your EIN and VIN so you don’t make any errors on your tax forms. Then, once you’re ready to submit, our Instant Audit feature can help you eliminate any errors you may have made before you complete your return.

    3. Incorrect Filing Status

    If you know you will travel fewer than 5,000 miles on public highways during the tax year, then you should file your vehicle as suspended. This saves you time and money, and if you ever exceed the mileage limit, you can always submit an Amendment through ExpressTruckTax!

    4. Incorrect Filing Year

    If you’re pre-filing this month, like all of the cool kids, be sure that you’re selecting the correct tax year! Instead of electing to file for the current tax year, you want to select advance filing for the 2015-16 tax year. Like so:

    5. Duplicate Vehicle Information

    You definitely don’t want to enter a single vehicle more than once, but if you do accidentally enter details for the same truck twice, you can remove it easily by clicking the “remove” button next to the duplicate vehicle.

    6. EIN Not Registered

    It takes up to 10 business days for a new EIN to be entered into the IRS system. So if you don’t have one yet, you need one ASAP! That way you’ll be prepared in time to still pre-file before the tax season begins July 1. If you already have your EIN, don’t forget you have to wait for the IRS to activate your EIN before you can e-file! If you don’t, you’ll keep getting an EIN Not Registered error when you try to begin your HVUT.

    7. Incorrect First-Used Month

    This error might not get your return rejected, but it will cause some problems when it comes time to get your new tags. The tax year for HVUT begins July 1st. This means that for all renewals, the first-used month is automatically July—even if you’re filing in August! There is only one instance where you would choose a later month, and that’s if your truck is purchased after the beginning of the tax year. For example, if you purchase a new truck in September, then that would be the first-used month.

    What it all boils down to in the end, Trucking Nation, is to make certain you check, re-check and re-check your taxes again before hitting submit. You never know what you could miss!

    But if you find yourself unsure or if you have any questions, we’re here for you! We have a dedicated, year-round support team just to help you. So give us a call at 704.234.6005 or send us an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24 hour support in English and Spanish! And let us help you avoid these common e-filing mistakes.

    Trucking News Update: IRS Offices Now by Appointment Only

    Posted on June 17, 2015 by - Expresstrucktax.com, IRS, Truck Tax, trucking news

    We have breaking news, Trucking Nation!

    On June 12, 2015, the IRS announced that it is making 10% of its offices available by appointment only. This is yet another in a series of moves by the IRS to encourage tax filers to go paperless and start e-filing as it is more efficient and cost-effective for both tax filers and the IRS.

    Prior to this, the IRS also made it mandatory for trucking companies that have more than 25 vehicles to e-file for the same reason, proving only one thing: that e-filing is the future of the tax industry.

    Since the IRS prefers e-filing to paper filing, the tax filing industry will continue to change. This means that here at ExpressTruckTax, as industry leaders in e-filing Truck Taxes, we are now more than ever the best and easiest way for you to file your taxes.

    If you need to go to your local IRS office for any reason, be sure to call ahead and make certain that your IRS office allows walk-in’s, or use that opportunity to make an appointment.

    For your convenience, we have listed below the IRS offices that are now by appointment only:

    • Birmingham, AL; Mobile, AL; Redding, CA; Denver, CO; Hartford, CT; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Atlanta, GA; Des Moins, IA; Boise, ID; Chicago, IL; Muncie, IN; Terre Haute, IN; Louisville, KY; Paducah, KY; Wichita, KS; Monroe, LA; Hyannis, MA; Grand Rapids, MI; Marquette, MI; Kalispell, MT; Wilmington, NC; Norfolk, NE; Cherry Hill, NJ; Albany, NY; Elmira, NY; Washington, PA; York, PA; Rapid City, SD; Nashville, TN; Austin, TX; San Angelo, TX; San Antonio, TX; Seattle, WA; Silversale, WA; Tacoma, WA; Daluth, WI; Madison, WI; Sophia, WV.

    If you need to contact your local IRS office, the IRS lists the numbers by state and city here.

    And don’t forget, if you need any help e-filing or pre-filing, we’re here for you! So if you have questions or concerns, give us a call at 704.234.6005 or send us an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24-hour support in English and Spanish.

    Free VIN Corrections: Only with ExpressTruckTax

    Posted on June 16, 2015 by - 2290 Amendment, 2290 Free VIN Correction, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, Schedule 1, VIN Corrections

    Everybody makes mistakes, even truck tax professionals. That’s why at ExpressTruckTax we are a  firm believer in second chances!

    After you e-file with us the first time, we offer you free VIN corrections just in case you make an error. That way you don’t have to pay another fee to file again just because you may have mixed up two numbers. It’s one of the endless perks we offer our returning users.

    However, if you didn’t file with us originally, you can always e-file a Form 2290 Amendment quickly and affordably through ExpressTruckTax.

    From start to finish, the whole process of e-filing corrections and amendments through ExpressTruckTax is very easy! Plus, it only takes a few minutes and then it’s right back to your life!

    In fact, if you’ve filed with us before, then the amendment process will be very familiar for you. Here’s how to file for VIN corrections of Form 2290 Amendments:

    Step 1: Log in or Create an Account

    • Once your account is created, or you’ve logged in, click “Start” under Form 2290 Amendments.
    • Then select the Amendment you would like to file. For this case, you will choose VIN correction (though we also offer amendments for vehicle weight increase and exceeding the mileage limit).

    Step 2: Correction Time

    • Select whether you’d like to correct a return you previously e-filed with us, or one filed elsewhere.
    • Next enter your vehicle’s first-used month.
    • Select Add VIN Correction, and enter the vehicle’s originally-reported VIN (the one entered incorrectly). Then enter the gross weight, whether the vehicle is taxable or suspended, and lastly enter the new, correct VIN.
    • If you need to correct the VIN of more than one vehicle, click “Save and Add Another.” If you only need to correct one, just click “Save” and you’re done!

    Step 3: Review and Submit

    • Before you submit your information to the IRS, be sure to check for errors one last time. You definitely don’t want to have to file another amendment! Our Instant Audit will also scan your return for gaps and errors.
    • Now hit the big green “TRANSMIT” button to securely submit your VIN correction. Now all you have to do is wait for IRS approval!

    Once the IRS accepts your correction, you’ll get a shiny new Stamped Schedule 1! Most users receive theirs within 10 minutes of submitting their correction.

    You can also choose to set up additional notifications, and you can elect to have your return faxed to you or mailed to your carrier, home office, or even your accountant. Whatever works for you!

    As always, if you find yourself in times of trouble, give us a call at 704.234.6005 or send us an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support in English and Spanish. Whatever you need, we’re here for you.

    It’s All about That VIN

    Posted on June 15, 2015 by - 2290 Free VIN Correction, Expresstrucktax.com, Truck Tax, VIN Corrections

    Everyone who has a vehicle has one, but many people have yet to unlock the secrets of the VIN. And there are secrets, Trucking Nation.

    But now you can consider all of your VIN questions answered! And maybe you’ll learn a few secret tidbits about VIN’s that you didn’t already know. Because it’s all about that VIN, y’all.

    What is a VIN

    A VIN or a Vehicle Identification Number (or even a Chassis number) is a unique code that includes a serial number. These codes are used by the auto industry for identifying specific vehicles.

    Vehicle Identification Numbers were first introduced to the vehicle industry in 1954, but they were not standardized until 1981. That’s when they became the identification codes we know today.

    Today, a VIN number is typically 17 characters long, and depending on the country your vehicle was made in, it can begin with a variety of letters– or even numbers in the case of North and South America.

    The Purpose of a VIN

    Before unlocking the secrets of a VIN, most people view them as some sort of mystery 17-digit identification code. But, there is a purpose!

    VIN’s can even be used to identify the make, model, weight class, and model year of your vehicle…just by using a 17-digit serial code! They also don’t include the letters I, O, or Q, so that people won’t confuse those letters with a number 1 or a 0.

    Where to Find My VIN

    The easiest way to locate your VIN is one of two ways because your VIN will be placed on one of two areas on your vehicle.

    The first way is to stand outside of your vehicle on the driver’s side and examine the corner of your dash where it meets the windshield.

    If your VIN is not located there, open your driver’s side door and look at the door post (where the door latches when it is closed). The number should be located there.

    What Does It Have to Do with E-filing?

    Since VIN’s contain special coded numbers and letters that describe your unique vehicle, it is imperative you use that identification code for anything pertaining to said vehicle. That includes truck taxes!

    As previously stated, VIN’s can be very telling. They contain your weight class, country of origin, the make, and model year. That means, it’s essentially a social security number for your vehicle.

    Plus, you want to make sure you pay taxes on the right vehicle and that everything is up-to-date for your own convenience. Because you’ll quickly learn that dealing with government bodies like the IRS and DMV without an identification number would be a nightmare.

    If you need any help taming the beast that is the IRS, we’re here for you! We have a dedicated support team located in Rock Hill, SC, standing by just for you. So give us a call at 704.234.6005 or send us an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support in English and Spanish!

    And if you notice a VIN error on your Form 2290, you can e-file a VIN correction for free through ExpressTruckTax.com for all returns originally filed with us!

    #FreightTechFriday: What’s New in Truck Tech

    Posted on June 12, 2015 by - Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, rigminders, truck tech, trucking news

    The world of technology is expanding, and so is the trucking industry alongside it. There are more technologies out for truckers now than there ever have been. 

    Between apps like ExpressTruckTax, to truck extensions like Trailer Tail, truckers can now be more economic and more environmentally friendly.

    And best of all, there’s even more trucks, truck extensions, and trucking apps coming out all the time to make the industry more environmentally friendly. Not to mention, these advancements in technology can make the lives of the people transporting our goods safer and easier.

    It’s a whole new world out there, Trucking Nation! Let’s take a look!

    Trucking Awesome (Concept Trucks)

    High-tech truck concepts have been dominating blogs and social media posts lately. These futuristic concepts are not only helpful for the trucking industry and the environment, they’re also really, really cool!

    Don’t believe me? Check out AirFlow’s new concept BulletTruck:

    With this new concept truck, AirFlow is hoping to revolutionize the trucking industry in both aerodynamics and fuel consumption.

    In fact, this summer AirFlow drove their BulletTruck prototype from Connecticut to California to show off the gorgeous design as well as test it’s amazing aerodynamics. Well, that and to show off it’s fantastic fuel mileage.

    AirFlow has increased the mileage from the roughly 7 MPG trucks are averaging now to averaging 13.4 MPG on a trip across the country! If that’s not revolutionary, I don’t know what is.


    Truck Extensions

    Your truck is essentially an extension of yourself. You spend a lot of time hauling goods and travelling from place to place, essentially seeing all of North America.

    That means you probably don’t want your truck looking drab; it should be a reflection of you and your awesome personality! Well, that and it doesn’t hurt to make your truck a little more environmentally friendly, with extensions like AirTab and Trailer Tail, that we talked about in a previous blog.

    But there’s even more awesome technologies out there for truckers and drivers alike! Perhaps the most recent one gaining a lot of traction in the trucking market are Dash Cams.

     

    Dash Cams are smallish cameras that go on your dash and film while you’re driving. This way any accident you get into, you have proof of fault. Well, that and you can take some fantastic video and pictures of your journey across the continent!

    Apps for Road Warriors

    Smartphone applications are the largest market for truck technology (and for technology in general). There are apps for almost everything these days, including several trucking-specific ones. From tax calculators to truck tax apps galore, you can find them for your smartphone or tablet.

    A big chunk of the app market for truckers, especially lately, are reminder apps. From simple calendars to apps that are a little more complex and contain pre-loaded trucking industry deadlines.

    That’s where RigMinders comes in. Rigminders is a reminder app geared specifically toward truckers, and it contains lots of pre-loaded industry deadlines, such as when 2290’s are due and when IFTA is due as well.

    Then on top of all that, you can also load personal deadlines and truck maintenance deadlines. You’ll never forget another appointment, tax due date, or whatever you want!

    Rigminders will send you push notifications on your phone and an email reminding you of your upcoming deadlines. You can even set how many notifications you want, what types of notifications you want, and when the reminder will be sent to you (5 days before, 1 day before, etc).

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

    And as always, if you find yourself with some tax questions, give our dedicated support legends a call at 704.234.6005 or email them at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24 hour support in both English and Spanish!