Category: Employer Identification Number

Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions- Form 2290 Style!

Annual HVUT renewals may be the furthest thing from your mind on a gorgeous Spring day! 
But here at ExpressTruckTax, we’re already counting down the days! We live to provide year-round, exceptional E-filing support, and we just can’t wait for tax season to kick off. 

So in preparation for our favorite time of year, it’s time for another installment of Frequently Asked Questions, Form 2290 style!
Bragging rights for you, if you already know the answers to these tricksy E-filing quandaries.

But if you don’t, don’t feel bad! We get these exact questions and more on a near daily basis.

1.How can I E-file from my tablet or smartphone?

It’s easy! All you need is a WiFi connection! There are two ways to E-file on-the-go. 1. Use our Mobile site in your phone/tablet browser: ETT2290.com. 2. Download our free iOS or Android app! Once you login, you’ll follow the same three easy steps to E-filing success!

Do keep in mind though, that you can only E-file a basic Form 2290 from the mobile site and app. If you need to claim a credit vehicle or E-file a correction or Form 8849 for a refund, these can only be filed through our full site at ExpressTruckTax.com.

2.How does the IRS electronically “stamp” my Schedule 1? And why can’t I see it?!

The IRS indicates that your return has been accepted by placing an electronic watermark in the center of your Schedule 1. Check out the photo (right) to see a sample. It should say “E-File” with the date received below. Depending on your printer settings, this mark may appear very faint, but rest assured, it’s still a valid Schedule 1.

To learn more about retrieving extra copies of your stamped Schedule 1 (for free!), read Everything You’ve Ever Wondered about the Stamped Schedule 1.

3.How do I transfer my 2290 to a new vehicle?

You don’t! It’s impossible to literally transfer a 2290 from one vehicle to another. You can, however, claim a credit for the old vehicle to avoid paying any extra tax.

Simply login and start a new Form 2290, enter the vehicle information for the new truck, then claim a credit for the older sold/lost/destroyed truck on the same Form. You’ll only pay the difference. For a step-by-step guide, check out this blog: Transfer your 2290.

4.Can I use my Social Security Number instead of an EIN?

First, we should clarify what EIN means for those who may not know. An Employer Identification Number is a federally-issued ID of 9 unique digits. And no, you cannot use a SSN instead. While this was allowed in the past, the IRS no longer accepts SSN in place of EIN’s for tax purposes.

If you don’t have an EIN, you can obtain one for free by registering online through the IRS. Or if you’re short on time, you can call our friends at ExpressTruckTax Plus to obtain it for you. We wouldn’t recommend them if they weren’t awesome, so rest-assured you’ll receive the same stellar support you’re used to with us! Reach out to them at 803.386.0320 or email at ettplus@expresstrucktax.com.

One last tip: be sure to wait at least 10 business days after your EIN is issued before E-filing. It takes about that long for the IRS to activate your number, and before that happens, any return filed will be rejected.


5.Why didn’t I receive my stamped Schedule 1?

There are two usual suspects in this case. 1. The Schedule 1 email went to your Spam/Junk box. 2. You didn’t transmit the return.

If it’s not in your Spam Box, log back into your account and make sure the return was transmitted. From your Dashboard, you can easily view the status of every return E-filed with us. If it says, “Not complete. Continue where you left off,” then you know you did not submit the return to the IRS.

If it was transmitted, it will say “Transmitted” or “Accepted,” and you’ll be able to view & print the stamped Schedule 1 right there.

Hopefully this blog not only answered your questions, but made your brain get a little bigger too. After all, it can never hurt to know more about tax regulations. Who knows when this information will come in handy during trivia night or to help a friend in need!

If you’re still confused, just call our Support Team for assistance! They’re available via phone at 704.234.6005, by live online chat, or by email at support@expresstrucktax.com.

For More Answers to your Frequently Asked Questions, read on to Part 2!

Three Easy Ways to Pay Your HVUT

Gathering the funds to pay your HVUT each year is headache enough! Sending those funds to the IRS should be the easy part.

That’s why ExpressTruckTax has gone above and beyond to make paying your heavy vehicle use taxes easy. We offer three ways to pay your taxes, and no matter which one you choose, rest assured that we’ve made it quick and simple.

Here’s the lowdown on each payment method. Choose whichever is most convenient for you!

Direct Debit

  • Also known as EFW (Electronic Funds Withdrawal), this is the fastest, easiest way to pay your HVUT, and you can only do it if you E-file!
  • EFW means the IRS will initiate a direct debit from your bank account. In order to do this, they’ll need your bank routing number and account number. Both can be located along the bottom of one of your checks. 
  • When paying with direct debit, the IRS will not process your return on a weekend or holiday, but on the next business day. For immediate processing of your return, pay by Check or Money Order (see below). 

EFTPS

  • The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System may be a mouthful, but it’s another free and convenient way to pay your HVUT. 
  • A free service provided by the US Dept. of the Treasury, you must register with this system 5-7 business days prior to your first payment. Register for free by visiting http://www.eftps.gov or by calling 1-800-555-4477. When you enroll, be sure to have your EIN, bank account, bank routing number, and address and name as they appear on IRS documents.
  • What’s so cool about EFTPS? You can schedule a business payment up to 120 days in advance. But keep in mind that you can’t schedule same-day payments. So be sure to schedule at least 1 business day prior to your tax due date!

Check or Money Order

  • This is the only way to pay if you need your stamped Schedule 1 on a weekend or holiday.
  • When paying by check or money order, you must submit a completed 2290-V Payment Voucher. Here’s the good news. ExpressTruckTax creates one for you! It’s page 5 of your completed 2290. Just detach the bottom portion, paper clip to your payment (do not staple them together!), and mail. How easy was that?!
  • “Where do I mail it to,” you ask? (Yes, I can hear your thoughts!) Instructions are on your voucher, but for the sake of convenience, here’s the address:
    Internal Revenue Service,
    P.O. Box 804525, 
    Cincinnati, OH 45280-4525

You’ll notice that a credit card is not one of the available payment options. That’s because the IRS no longer accepts tax payments via credit card. You will, however, need a credit card when E-filing to pay our $9.90 E-filing fee, so keep your card on hand!

Of course, if you need any assistance on the payment page, or along any other step of your E-filing journey, just reach out to our support team! They can help you choose which payment option suits you best. Just call 704.234.6005 or for 24/7 assistance email support@expresstrucktax.com.

Creating an ExpressTruckTax Account: A Quick Guide for New Users

A new year is coming! Why not start it out right by E-filing your HVUT and IFTA with the easiest-to-use, most affordable E-filing program in the biz!
ExpressTruckTax is the fastest and most secure way to E-file for several truck taxes, including IRS Form 2290, 2290 Amendments, and Form 8849 for credits. If you’ve been paper filing, don’t be scared about the transition! It only takes a few minutes to set-up your account, and you’ll hit the ground running immediately. 

Becoming an ExpressTruckTax user is definitely a New Years’ Resolution that’ll be easy to keep. And I can guarantee, you won’t miss that messy paper filing!

What you’ll need to get started E-filing:

  • A computer, tablet, or smartphone with an internet connection (no paper or calculators required!)
  • Business name & address
  • EIN
  • VIN
  • Gross Vehicle Weight

Once you’ve gathered your documents, you’re ready to roll. Just head over to the New User section and create your free account in just minutes.

Step 1: Create an Account

  • Enter your name, phone number, email address, and a password of your choosing. Then choose whether you’d like to see the site in English or Spanish. 
  • OR to make account creation even faster, simply choose to login with your Facebook or Google + account. Just click on the icon at the top of the login page, then choose to allow ExpressTruckTax to have access to your account.
  • After successfully creating a login, you’ll be prompted to watch a quick orientation video. (Or you can skip it, up to you.) Just click the green “Begin” button to embark on your E-filing journey.


Step 2: Enter Business Details

  • Choose your business type from the dropdown menu. Select from LLC, corporation, sole proprietorship, etc.
  • Enter your legal business name exactly as the IRS has it on record. The business name must match the EIN record; otherwise, your return will be rejected.
  • Next enter your DBA (Doing Business As) name. Only enter if it’s different from the legal name registered with the IRS.
  • Here’s the big one. The EIN. The Employer Identification Number is required by the IRS for filing excise taxes. If you have a new EIN, it’s imperative that you wait at least 10 business days from the date it was issued. It takes the IRS a little while to register your new EIN in the E-filing system. Before that happens, your return may be rejected for an unrecognizable EIN.

    If you don’t have an EIN, please note that the IRS no longer accepts Social Security Numbers in their place. To register for your EIN, simply use the IRS website or call the IRS hotline at 1.800.829.4933. Or call our friends at ExpressTruckTax Plus and enjoy the luxury of having someone file for you! Just call 803.386.0320 or email them at ettplus@expresstrucktax.com, and they’ll take it from there.

  • All that’s left is to enter the business address and the information of the signing authority. The signing authority is the name of the person filing for your business. Whether it’s your CEO, bookkeeper, spouse, or a CPA, you must enter the individual’s name and title here.

Finished! Your account is fully locked & loaded, and you’re ready to start E-Filing! That process is easy too. You’ll just need to enter the VIN and gross vehicle weight for each vehicle (or use the Bulk Upload option to import all of your vehicle info from an Excel file).

Once you E-file, there’s no going back to paper-filing. After all, nothing beats experiencing the convenience of E-filing anywhere and any time, and the benefit of getting your stamped Schedule 1 emailed to you within minutes. No snail mail! You’ll be hooked for life, but at least it’s a healthy addiction!

If you need help setting up your account, we’ve got a whole team of dedicated E-filing experts ready to assist you. Our support heroes are available 24/7 from our headquarters in Rock Hill, SC. Call them at 704.234.6005 or email them at support@expresstrucktax.com.

EIN: Obtaining an Employer Identification Number- Safely!

The transportation industry is swarming with long and confusing acronyms. IFTA, HVUT, IRP, UCR, MC, FMCSA, NY HUT, KYU, and the list goes on.. and on… and on.

One of these pesky three-letter acronyms is E.I.N. You’ve probably heard it bandied about before, but do you have any idea what it is?

The Employer Identification Number, also called the Federal Tax Identification Number, is required for filing many taxes and registrations, including Heavy Vehicle Use Tax. As such, registering for your E.I.N. is one of the first and most important steps for obtaining your own operating authority.

Here’s the bad news. There’s a slew of scams out there, charging outrageous fees for obtaining an E.I.N. But filing for an E.I.N. yourself is completely free. Crazy!

Let’s get educated on the subject together so you can better protect yourself from the scams lurking on the interwebs!

What is an E.I.N.?

The Employer Identification Number is used by the Internal Revenue Service to identify your business. It is a unique 9-digit number used to file heavy vehicle use tax, or any other tax through the IRS. The EIN is also required to register for your International Fuel Tax Agreement license in many states.

The IRS used to accept social security numbers in lieu of EIN’s. However, as of May 2011, SSN’s are no longer allowed. Your return will be rejected without a valid EIN.

When your business is assigned these 9 digits, they’re assigned to the exact business name and address you provide. This is known as “Name Control.” It’s crucial that when filing your HVUT you enter the EIN and the business name exactly as the IRS has it on record. It cannot just be your name, your business’s nickname, or just “what you’re known by around town.”

If your business name and EIN do not match exactly, your return will likely be rejected. If you have an EIN, but forgot your name control, it’s good practice to check with the IRS prior to filing. Call the hotline at 1.800.829.4933 to verify your name control.

But don’t just take my word for it! Listen to the calming tones of Sir Charles Hardy, our fearless Director of Tax Products, in the short video below explain why you need an EIN.

How to Get One- The Right Way and the Wrong Way

There are several ways to apply for the EIN yourself- for free! When filing directly with the IRS, you can apply online (preferred), or via fax or postal mail, and there is no charge. Just be sure you are applying through the IRS website directly, and not on a shady, third-party site.

If you choose to apply online, you must have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number, which is a valid Social Security Number of Individual Taxpayer ID. When filing online, you’ll get immediate validation and you’ll be issued the EIN right away. However, there are a few pitfalls to avoid with a freshly-issued EIN, see the segment below on rejection.

If you’re too short on time to file the EIN yourself, there is another way! A safe way that won’t charge you hundreds of dollars and make you wait weeks to receive the EIN. One that won’t steal and sell your information either.

Our friends over at ExpressTruckTax Plus specialize in permits, registrations, and tax filings. As a premier processing service (also based in our hometown of Rock Hill, SC!), they’ve helped countless new trucking operations obtain their authority, and they’ve applied for thousands of EIN’s. They’ll take care of your EIN registration completely for just $50, or take care of your entire authority with one of their full-service deluxe packages. Give them a shout at 803.386.0320 or email them at ettplus@expresstrucktax.com to see how they can help get your new business off the ground faster.

Avoiding Rejection

When you apply for an EIN online, you’ll be issued your unique 9 digit number right away. However, the EIN will not be valid in the E-filing system for at least 10 business days. During this waiting period, the IRS is entering your business information in their system. Until that happens, any tax return, including Form 2290, that you file with this new EIN will be rejected.

If you’ve had a 2290 rejected for an invalid EIN, our Support Heroes can help you correct it and retransmit it.

I Lost My EIN!

If you already have an EIN, but can’t seem to find it, here are a few ways to retrieve your digits.

  • 1. If you’ve E-filed with ExpressTruckTax before, your EIN is stored in your account! Simply login and view your business details, or view a previously filed return with your EIN on it!
  • 2. Check with a bank or local/state institution you’ve applied for a license with. Both should have your EIN on record.
  • 3. Finally, you can always call the IRS hotline, and they’ll give you the EIN over the phone after verifying your identity. The Business & Specialty Tax Line is 1.800.829.4933.

Wherever you are on your EIN journey, the ExpressTruckTax support heroes are always standing by and ready to help! They’ll give you all of the information you need to register your EIN, retrieve a lost EIN, or retransmit a rejected return.

Ring them at 704.234.6005 or send them a message via live chat. For 24/7 assistance, email at support@expresstrucktax.com.

And remember, when giving out information on the internet, be mindful of who you’re giving it to. ExpressTruckTax is a secure, IRS-certified site, and our heroes are a league of highly-trained truck tax pro’s. They won’t steer you wrong!

Mission (Not) Impossible: E-file by Friday

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.*


IRS Form 2290 Reasons for Rejection: Name Control

E-filing with the IRS is like being on a dating game show. If you do not do everything the way they require it, you are rejected. But unlike a dating game, the IRS does give you a second chance, and a third, and a fourth, and…well you get it. When using ExpressTruckTax.com, you can resubmit a rejected return as many times as you need to win acceptance from the IRS.

In the first part of the – Understanding IRS Form 2290 Reasons for Rejection  Blog Series – I went over the most popular reasons for rejection we see here at ExpressTruckTax. There are a few more that you should be aware of to avoid IRS rejection, the first is Name Control Rejection.

What is a name control?
For the IRS to process your return, they use a name control ( a sequence of characters derived from a taxpayer’s name). The name control and EIN must match for the return to be accepted.

When you apply for your Employer Identification Number (EIN), the IRS establishes your name control from the legal name listed on the Form SS-4 Application for Employer Identification Number.

Why is the name control important?
When e-filing your 2290 with ExpressTruckTax, the EIN and name control needs to match what is listed in the IRS e-file database. If what you entered on the return does not match what the IRS information for your business, then the return will be rejected.

Can I verify my corporation’s name control prior to e-filing?
You sure can. Here is where the IRS is so sweet and considerate because they provide a handy-dandy Business & Specialty Help Line at 1-800-829-4933 to check your information prior to e-filing. The hours of operation for the help line are 7am – 7pm local time, Monday through Friday.

If my return is rejected due to  name control mismatch, what do I do?
First, make sure to stay calm, this a fixable problem. Your next step is to check the EIN on the rejected return and make sure it is correct. (REMEMBER: If it is a brand new EIN, it will take up to 10 business days to register in the IRS e-filing database.) If everything looks correct and you are still getting rejected because of EIN/Name Control mismatch, the IRS asks for you to call the e-Help Desk at 1-866-255-0564 and follow the prompts for assistance.

Before you start e-filing with ExpressTruckTax.com, it’s best to double check your business information to make sure everything is correct before transmitting your 2290 HVUT. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about e-filing your 2290 via phone: 704.234.6005 or email: support@expresstrucktax.com.

EIN Is REQUIRED to File Form 2290

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!


EIN Is REQUIRED to File Form 2290

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

 
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!


EIN is Required to File Form 2290

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!