Category: 2290 deadline

Mission (Not) Impossible: E-file by Friday

Posted on August 26, 2014 by - 2290 deadline, Employer Identification Number, Taxable gross vehicle weight

You may not know it yet, Trucking Nation. But you’ve all been assigned to a not-so Top Secret spec-ops mission, which we shall refer to by code name…

Mission (Not) Impossible: E-file by Friday

Estimated Time to Completion: 10 minutes or Less


Briefing: Here’s the situation, folks. The Form 2290 filing deadline is only 6 days away. And here’s where things get interesting. The IRS website will be down for maintenance over this holiday weekend.

Your mission is to E-file by Friday night to avoid any potential complications or late penalties. Then retrieve your stamped Schedule 1, and keep it safe for your records.

You will be air lifted to ExpressTruckTax.com where a team of highly-trained Support Heroes will be on stand-by if you run into trouble.

Get in–Get E-filed–and Get on with your life. And whatever you do, DO NOT paper-file…
It’s wise to pack lightly, but there are still a few supplies you should keep handy. Don’t worry, you won’t need a calculator!

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

  • An IRS-approved E-file provider. You’re in luck, ExpressTruckTax is secure, encrypted, and IRS-approved! Check and check!
  • Business Name & Address: Both must be an exact match with what the IRS has on file for your business. A mismatch will get your return rejected. If you are unsure of the name on file, you should quickly call the IRS to verify. The IRS Hotline is 1-800-829-4933.
  • EIN: The employer identification number is required for every return. The IRS no longer accepts Social Security Numbers in lieu of an EIN. If you don’t have an EIN, you can register by calling 1-800-829-4933 or by visiting www.irs.gov/businesses/small. It takes up to 10 business days for the new EIN to be processed, so the return may still be rejected until then.
  • VIN: Vehicle Identification Numbers are 17 digits. Check and double-check this number before submitting your return as VIN errors are the number one error for filers. But there’s always a silver-lining: we offer FREE VIN corrections! 
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: Entering the wrong vehicle weight results in paying the wrong amount of taxes. No bueno! To be sure your gross vehicle weight is accurate, just add these three numbers together. 1. The unloaded weight of the vehicle. 2. The unloaded weight of any trailers customarily attached to the vehicle. 3. The maximum load weight typically carried in the truck & trailer. And there you have it! Magic. 
  • Bank Balance & Routing Number: Before you transmit your return, it’s always good practice to check your balance to ensure you have enough funds available. Another common reason for a rejected return is an incorrect bank routing number. These 9 digits can be located along the bottom left of a check, or call your local branch just to be sure!

With these tools on hand, you’ll be E-filed in a matter of minutes. And if a computer is what you’re lacking, we have a mobile site AND tablet apps for iPad & Android devices. No matter where you’re trucking, we’ve got you covered!

If you get lost, send up a flare and call the Support Heroes at 704.234.6005, engage in a covert online chat, or get 24/7 email aid at support@expresstrucktax.com. We promise to leave no man or woman behind!

Ladies & Gents, Mission E-file by Friday is officially underway. Now let’s move!

*This blog will not self-destruct after you read it.*


E-FILING 101: Frequently Asked Questions for Filing Form 2290

Posted on August 25, 2014 by - 2290 Amendment, 2290 deadline, First Used month, VIN Correction

You may not know it yet, but there’s a tax-filing pro inside each and every one of you! We at ExpressTruckTax firmly believe this, so that’s why we designed accessible E-filing solutions– to let that tax pro shine!

So on this #ManicMonday morning, less than one week from the Form 2290 deadline, it’s time to unleash your inner tax guru!

Here’s a crash course in E-filing your truck taxes– ETT 101: Intro to Easy E-filing! Get a head start on your E-filing degree by learning the answers to these frequently asked questions.

  • Q: What is my first-used month?
A: For most people, the default answer is July.The HVUT tax year opens July 1st. So this means that the first-used month for all renewals is automatically July. Even if you’re filing in August or September, the first-used month must still be set back to July if you’re vehicle was driven that month. The only time you’d select a later month is if the vehicle is purchased later in the year.

  • Q. What is the taxable gross weight of my vehicle?

A: The taxable gross weight of your vehicle can be determined by adding three numbers together. 1. The unloaded (empty tare) weight of the vehicle, plus 2. The unloaded weight of any trailers customarily attached to the vehicle, and 3. The weight of the maximum load customarily carried in the vehicle and/or attached trailers. The sum of these three figures is your taxable gross weight.

  • Q: Does the IRS take credit cards?

A: No, but we do! While you can pay our fee with a credit card, the IRS no longer accepts tax payments via credit card. We do, however, still offer three convenient methods of payment: Direct Debit, EFTPS, and Check or Money order. Direct Debit, also called Electronic Funds Withdrawal, is the fastest way to pay, but it’s only available to E-filers! You provide your bank account & routing number, and the IRS initiates a Direct Debit from your bank account.

EFTPS is a free service through the US Dept. of the Treasury, but you must register with this system 5-7 business days prior to when you need to make a payment. Also, the payment must be scheduled at least 1 business day prior to the payment due date!

Finally, if you pay by check or money order, you’ll get your Schedule 1 back even on a weekend or holiday! Just don’t forget to mail your 2290-V payment voucher with your check, but don’t staple them together! The completed voucher can be found on page 5 of your 2290; we autofill it for you!

  • Q: Why am I entering two methods of payment?

A: While you can pay us by credit card (only $9.90 for those with a single truck!), you will also need to select one of the three payment methods above to pay your taxes to the IRS.

  • Q: How do I make VIN corrections?
A: The answer: easily! If your return is rejected for a VIN error, such as a duplicate filing error, we’ll help you find the mistake, fix it, and retransmit it to the IRS for free! But only if you E-filed with us! If you made a VIN error, but your return was accepted by the IRS, then you can quickly E-file a Form 2290 Amendment. Simply log back in as a Returning User, click “Start” under 2290 Amendment, then “Start” under Form 2290 VIN correction. You’ll receive your updated, stamped Schedule 1 as soon as the IRS accepts the correction!

Of course, we can’t possibly cover everything in one class! So if you’re ready to graduate, check out the sequel: E-FILING 102!

And if you still have questions, give our Support Heroes a call! They offer one-on-one ETT101 tutoring in English, Spanish, and Russian! Call us at 704.234.6005, speak via online chat, or get 24/7 email support at support@expresstrucktax.com. 

Now get E-filed and go to the head of the class!

The Final Countdown: Top 10 Reasons to E-file with ExpressTruckTax

Posted on August 22, 2014 by - 2290 deadline, Schedule 1, Truck Tax

IT’S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN! *cue music*

There’s just 10 days left until the filing deadline for HVUT Form 2290! And the ExpressTruckTax team is eagerly counting down with the rest of you, Trucking Nation!

Let’s countdown together with the Top 10 Reasons to E-file with ExpressTruckTax. Believe me, it wasn’t easy narrowing it down to just 10. The benefits are nearly endless!

If you’ve been filing using boring old paper, or E-filing with anyone else, here are just a few of the reasons why we rock way harder than all the rest!

10. E-filing with ExpressTruckTax takes 10 minutes or less! We’ve streamlined the E-filing process. No one wants to spend hours preparing a tax return! In our site, you’ll never see any scary IRS forms or confusing tax jargon. We designed it for the everyday tax-filer who has better things to do, like kick back by the pool! (Or behind the wheel!)

9. Pricing starts at just $9.90 for a single truck! We pride ourselves on offering the best value in the industry. That’s why we made our premier services affordable. We also offer free VIN corrections, and if your return is rejected for any reason, you can retransmit it to the IRS for free!

8. Copy a Return from a previous year! Our returning users know that the more you E-file with us, the better it gets. If you’ve E-filed with us in the past, you can quickly upload a previous year’s return to this years, saving you unnecessary data entry. Plus you can still make small adjustments to the return. Easy-peasy!

7. Bulk Upload trucks into Truck Zone! Even if you’re brand new to ExpressTruckTax, we’ve still added features to save you bucket-loads of time! Why spend hours or days typing in fleet info, VIN numbers, and more? With Bulk Upload, import hundreds or thousands of trucks at once from a CSV or Excel file right into Truck Zone, a centralized hub for your fleet- no matter the size! Store all of your vehicle info in one place where it’s always easy to keep up-to-date. When E-filing time comes around, use our Advanced Search option to instantly find the selected vehicles you’d like to add to the return. Click & done. Now you’re ready and rarin’ to E-file!
6. E-file Anywhere with our Apps! We’re all about convenience. With so many of you out on the road for days or weeks on end, we had to create an easy way for you to E-file too! Presenting our iPad & Android tablet apps. You’ll follow the same three simple steps to E-filing success from the convenience of your tablet. So next time you get a flat, E-file in the time it takes the mechanic to show up! (Actually, it’ll probably take 1/4 of that time!)

5. We’re IRS certified and secure! Not only are we an IRS-approved E-file provider, but we are the number-one trusted industry leader. Just ask our partners at Swift, Con-way, Mercer, or any of the members of OOIDA or Women in Trucking. When you E-file us, you’re part of the magic experienced by our dozens of partners.

4. Alerts! Gone are the days of anxiously logging in, over and over again, waiting for that greenlight from the IRS. After you E-file with us, choose from four different alerts via email, postal mail, fax or text! We send the updates straight to you, wherever you are! You’ll know the status of your return and payment immediately. Plus, we’ll also fax your stamped Schedule 1 to your carrier at your request.

3. Select from three convenient Payment Methods! Paying taxes may not be fun, but we do make it easy! We offer three ways to pay by Direct Debit (EFW), EFTPS, or by Check or Money Order. And if you choose the latter option, we’ll automatically generate your payment voucher to send with your check to the IRS. We couldn’t have made it simpler!

2. Never wait again! Our users have a 98% approval rate with the IRS, AND they get their Stamped Schedule 1 back in minutes! No more waiting for the mail to come. No more waiting in line at the IRS office. Get what you want, when you want it!

1. The Support Heroes. We saved the best for last. No matter where you’re truckin’, you’ve always got a full team of dedicated Support Heroes at your fingertips. We’re based in sunny Rock Hill, SC, but we assist people in English, Spanish, and Russian– because we’re just that talented. Offering truck tax support is all we do, year-round, day & night. Seriously! You can get 24/7 email support at support@expresstrucktax.com. We also do live online chat, or speak to us at 704.234.6005. All it takes is one quick phone call, and we’ll have you E-filed and back on the road!

So what are you waiting for, Trucking Nation! We’re down to the wire, so don’t put it off another second. Besides, it’ll be over in a flash. And you’ll love us so much, you’ll be offering to E-file your friends’ taxes for them!

2290 Tax Calculator App: Our Crystal Ball for Your Business

Posted on August 11, 2014 by - 2290 deadline, Form 2290, HVUT

It’s time to take the Manic out of your Monday!

Yes, the HVUT Form 2290 deadline is just THREE weeks away…

But there’s no reason to panic! ExpressTruckTax has a full arsenal of all the tools you need to get E-filed

and back on the road.

Last Monday we got a V.I.P. tour of the ExpressTruckTax Tablet app! Available for free download on your iPad or Android device, our new Tablet Apps are the fastest, most convenient way to E-file your HVUT–wherever you’re truckin’!

But we had to take it a step further (we’re always trying to one-up ourselves!). Seeing the plight of the common tax-payer, we developed another app with our Trucking Nation in mind: the 2290 Tax Calculator App!

It’s also available now for iPad and Android.

We all know the IRS expects prompt payment after E-filing your return. But this leaves little time to prepare your funds! With the Tax Calculator App, you can find out exactly how much heavy vehicle tax you’ll owe before you E-file, eliminating any last minute surprises–and preventing any tragic blows to your bank account!

So how does it work, exactly? You may hear the word “calculator” on a Monday morning and immediately sprint in the opposite direction. Normally, I’d say your instincts are sound, but have no fear! This app, like all of our products, does all of the calculating for you! All you have to do is enter your information, sit back, and watch the magic happen.

Let’s take a sneak peek…

  • Step 1: Select the first used month for the vehicles. Typically, this is July, the first month of the HVUT tax year, unless the vehicle is purchased later in the year. Based on the first used month, we’ll tell you the due date to file. Then click “Next.”
  • Step 2: Select the weight category, and then enter how many logging or non-logging vehicles you have in that weight category. Notice how the tax owed is automatically generated! No math for you!
  • Step 3: If you have more vehicles in a different weight category, simply click “Add Weight Category.” Then add your logging and non-logging vehicles. Rinse and repeat until all of your trucks have been added.
  • Step 4: You’re finished! The amount of tax owed has been calculated for you, and now you can prepare your funds for the real E-filing deal.
    Enter your email address, and we’ll send you a short report with all of your vital tax details, so you won’t forget come filing time.

  • Step 5: Of course, the most important step of all is to actually E-file your 2290 and securely transmit it to the IRS!

Whether you use the Tablet apps mentioned before or our website, you’ll be E-filed in just 3 simple steps & 10 minutes or less! The industry leader in E-filing solutions, we not only offer the best value in the biz (just $9.90 for a single truck!), but we also throw in our USA-based Support Heroes!


If you’re new to ExpressTruckTax, or if you’d just like to catch up, give the Support Heroes a shout! They can assist you in English, Spanish, & Russian! Just call 704.234.6005 or get 24/7 email assistance at support@expresstrucktax.com. We’ve got a full team of real, happy people eager to offer you their truck tax expertise!


So what are you waiting for? Start off the week on a high note, and get those truck taxes E-filed and out of the way! With three weeks left, it’s never too early to take the plunge!

EIN Is REQUIRED to File Form 2290

Posted on February 14, 2014 by - 2290 deadline, 2290 easy, E-file form 2290, EIN, Employer Identification Number, Federal Tax Identification Number, Form 2290 Online, Form 2290 return, heavy vehicle use tax, HVUT

If you are filing Form 2290 for Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT), you must have an EIN to file the return. The IRS does not accept Social Security Numbers for the Form 2290. An EIN is an Employer Identification Number, also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and can be used to verify a business entity.


If you do not have an EIN, you can apply for one online through the IRS website or if you don’t have the time or unable to get to a computer, you can have a service provider, like ExpressTruckTax Plus to do it for you.

NOTE: Remember, for vehicles first used in January, the due date to file your Form 2290 is February 28, 2014. While you can get your EIN immediately, it can take the IRS up to 10 business days to update new EINs into their system; so you will want to get your EIN today to ensure it is in the system by the deadline!

Once your EIN is in the IRS system or if you already have one, you can file your Form 2290 return and receive your Stamped Schedule 1 within minutes at ExpressTruckTax. To E-File Form 2290 online now, go to ExpressTruckTax.com or contact our Express Tax Support Center in Rock Hill, SC at 704-234-6005 or email us at support@ExpressTruckTax.com.  We have Spanish Support too!


Form 2290 Suspended Vehicles

Posted on February 12, 2014 by - 2290 deadline, 2290 online, agricultural vehicle, E-file form 2290, easy 2290, Form 2290 HVUT, Form 2290 Suspended Vehicle, mobile 2290, Prior Year Low Mileage / Suspended Vehicles

If a highway motor vehicle does not exceed mileage 5,000 miles or less (7,500 miles or less for agricultural vehicles) it is considered suspended and is exempt from tax. Mileage use limit means the use of a vehicle on public highways 5,000 miles or less (7,500 miles or less for agricultural vehicles). The mileage use limit applies to the total mileage a vehicle is used during a period, regardless of the number of owners.


An agricultural vehicle is any highway motor vehicle that is:

  1. Used (or expected to be used) primarily for farming purposes, and
  2. Registered (under state laws) as a highway motor vehicle used for farming purposes for the entire period. A special tag or license plate identifying the vehicle as used for farming is not required for it to be considered an agricultural vehicle.

So why would do you have to file if there is no tax due?  In order to obtain your registration and/or tags, state require and Stamped Schedule 1 from the IRS for all vehicles 55,000 lbs or more.  You must file Form 2290 in order to receive your Stamped Schedule 1.

To E-File the Form 2290 online now, go to ExpressTruckTax.com or contact our Express Tax Support Center in Rock Hill, SC at 704-234-6005 or email us at support@ExpressTruckTax.com.  We have Spanish Support too!

EIN Is REQUIRED to File Form 2290

Posted on January 15, 2014 by - 2290 deadline, 2290 easy, E-file form 2290, EIN, Employer Identification Number, Federal Tax Identification Number, Form 2290 Online, Form 2290 return, heavy vehicle use tax, HVUT

If you are filing Form 2290 for Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT), you must have an EIN to file the return. The IRS does not accept Social Security Numbers for the Form 2290. An EIN is an Employer Identification Number, also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and can be used to verify a business entity.


If you do not have an EIN, you can apply for one online through the IRS website or if you don’t have the time or unable to get to a computer, you can have a service provider, like ExpressTruckTax Plus to do it for you.


NOTE: Remember, for vehicles first used in December, the due date to file your Form 2290 is January 31, 2014. While you can get your EIN immediately, it can take the IRS up to 10 business days to update new EINs into their system; so you will want to get your EIN today to ensure it is in the system by the deadline!

Once your EIN is in the IRS system or if you already have one, you can file your Form 2290 return and receive your Stamped Schedule 1 within minutes at ExpressTruckTax. E-File your Form 2290 online now, at ExpressTruckTax.com or contact our Express Tax Support Center in Rock Hill, SC at 704-234-6005 or email us at support@ExpressTruckTax.com.  We have Spanish Support too!

Form 8453-EX

Posted on December 23, 2013 by - 2290 deadline, 2290 easy, E-file form 2290, EIN, Employer Identification Number, Excise Tax Declaration for an IRS E-Filed Return, Form 2290 Online, Form 2290 return, Form 8453 EX, heavy vehicle use tax, HVUT

 
The IRS Form 8453-EX is also known as the Excise Tax Declaration for an IRS E-Filed Return.  The IRS Form 8453-EX is a declaration by a taxpayer to authenticate an electronic Form 2290 and authorize an intermediate to transmit your return using a third party transmitter.  Simply put, this form is filed if you use a tax preparer to E-File the Form 2290 on  your behalf.


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

For more information or to get started today, visit ExpressTruckTax.com or contact our Express Tax Support Center in Rock Hill, SC at 704-234-6005 or email us at support@ExpressTruckTax.com.  We have Spanish Support too!


What is an Agricultural Vehicle?

Posted on December 18, 2013 by - 2290 deadline, 2290 online, agricultural vehicle, E-file form 2290, easy 2290, Form 2290 HVUT, Form 2290 Suspended Vehicle, mobile 2290, Prior Year Low Mileage / Suspended Vehicles

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


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

Any agricultural vehicle traveling 7500 miles or less during the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax period, is considered a suspended or Category W vehicle and no tax is due.

For more information or to file your Form 2290 today, visit ExpressTruckTax.com or contact our Express Tax Support Center in Rock Hill, SC at 704-234-6005 or email us at support@ExpressTruckTax.com.  We have Spanish Support too!

EIN is Required to File Form 2290

Posted on December 13, 2013 by - 2290 deadline, 2290 easy, E-file form 2290, EIN, Employer Identification Number, Federal Tax Identification Number, Form 2290 Online, Form 2290 return, heavy vehicle use tax, HVUT

The IRS requires ANY taxpayer filing a Form 2290 to use an EIN or Employer Identification Number when filing. The IRS expressly prohibits the use of social security numbers for the filing of 2290.


We receive many questions from taxpayers who believe they’re not a business – simply a driver. In these cases, you still need to have a business such as a sole proprietorship.

To get an  Employer Identification Number from the IRS, you can follow one of the following options:

a. Apply Online: The customer can obtain an EIN immediately by visiting IRS Online EIN application
b. Apply over the phone: Taxpayers can obtain an EIN immediately by calling the Business & Specialty Tax Line at (800) 829-4933. The hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. An assistor takes the information, assigns the EIN, and provides the number to an authorized individual over the telephone. Note: International applicants must call (215) 516-6999 (Not a toll-free number).
c. Apply Fax: Fax the completed form SS-4 to IRS. If you provide a return fax number, IRS will send a fax to that number within 4 days with a new EIN.
d. Apply through Paid Provider: You can use a CPA or a process agent, like ExpressTruckTax Plus and let them take care of preparing and filing the return for you.
e. Apply by Mail: This is the slowest way to get the EIN number. mail the completed Form SS-4 to the IRS. The address is listed on the form itself. This could take up to 4 weeks to get the EIN number.

NOTE: Remember, the due date to file your Form 2290 for vehicles first placed on public highways in November is December 31, 2013. While you can get your EIN immediately, it can take the IRS up to 10 business days to update new EINs into their system. You cannot E-File your Form 2290 until your EIN is is the system, so you will want to get your EIN today to ensure you can file by the deadline!  

Once your EIN is in the IRS system or if you already have one, you can file your Form 2290 return and receive your Stamped Schedule 1 within minutes at ExpressTruckTax. To E-File Form 2290 online now, go to ExpressTruckTax.com or contact our Express Tax Support Center in Rock Hill, SC at 704-234-6005 or email us at support@ExpressTruckTax.com.  We have Spanish Support too!