Category: Expresstrucktax.com

Big News: ExpressTruckTax Joins Forces with Bestpass

ExpressTruckTax would like to thank you for putting your trust in us over the last 12 years for all of your Form 2290 needs. We are grateful to you and your business, so we would like to share some exciting news with you. ExpressTruckTax is officially joining forces with Bestpass!

As you know, ExpressTruckTax is the leading HVUT (Heavy Vehicle Use Tax) e-filing system for truckers, fleet owners, and tax preparers for e-filing Form 2290.

Bestpass is the leader in toll management solutions for commercial fleets and has been simplifying toll management for owner-operators and fleet managers for over 20 years, serving over 15,000 customers across the U.S. and Canada. 

Bestpass is acquiring ExpressTruckTax from its parent company SPAN Enterprises. This acquisition adds to Bestpass’s industry-leading products to continue its expansion beyond toll management to help provide more value to its more than 15,000 fleets and owner-operators. The combination of Bestpass and ExpressTruckTax will help us become a one-stop shop for our customers’ administrative needs and keep them focused on the road ahead.

We want to assure you that this transition will not affect your experience with ExpressTruckTax. Our team is fully dedicated to your success and will continue to offer the same excellent customer support that you expect and deserve. 

The only difference that will come from this acquisition will be the added benefit of having access to a new toll offering as members of the Bestpass family. Sign up for Bestpass or learn more about toll management here or give Bestpass a call at 888.410.9696.

We will continue to provide updates for our loyal customers as we combine forces with Bestpass and are looking forward to a great future for ExpressTruckTax and Bestpass.

To learn more about the merger with Bestpass click here.

Get The Office Scoop From The Real Experts of Form 2290

The Real Experts of Form 2290 have no problem giving you the inside scoop of what takes place in the office. They also have no problem telling you about their REAL lives. Meet the team that is making sure you and thousands of others are getting top of the line support.

Scroll down to see what the Real EXperts are up to this season!

AMBER

Amber loves Disney. Some may even say she is a fanatic, but around the office we call it passion. That same passion Amber has when it comes to all things Disney is what she expresses when assisting our loyal customers, year after year. This is what makes Amber one of our EXpert vets.
 

ANDREW

When Andrew isn’t weirdly spending time convincing new team members he can lick his own elbow,  he is convincing truckers to “just e-file it”. What makes Andrew an EXpert is his commitment to making e-filing your 2290 a lot easier than this unique, but yet oddly-impressive, party trick of his. 😝

ARIEL

At night, Ariel is a wizard costume designer, but her powers don’t stop there. She is our in-house oracle that foresees your future Google search and is the reason you are seeing our social media ads after telling your spouse you need to file your 2290…

Shhh.. She’s listening.

BRYAN

The 2290 renewal period is a beast, and “Trucker B.”, as he is notoriously known as, expects this year to be the best one yet! As a Form 2290 vet, “Trucker B.” is ready to conquer the beast without breaking a sweat. 😅
That is what we call, skill!

ELENA

Even though Elena is a blue belt in Tae Kwon Do and can break a wooden board on a fly, her true talent is remembering specifics about our clients. She is excited to chat with our longtime clients, who she refers to as a family.

HANNAH

Hannah’s colorful vocabulary isn’t the only way she chooses to EXpress herself. Her eclectic taste in music will have her reciting Biggie lyrics one moment and serenading to the likes of Fleetwood Mac the next. She is just as excited to experience the hype of the 2290 season as she was when she heard Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” for the first time.

LEAH

Since the age of 8, Leah has been dominating thousands of dirt tracks all by herself! 💪

This year Leah is throwing on a jersey, (well an ExpressTruckTax shirt), and joining a team of EXperts to tackle thousands of Form 2290’s!

MEREDITH

When Meredith isn’t enthusiastically keeping truckers up to date on how to save time and money, she is keeping her coffee cup full to the rim. What makes Meredith an EXpert is her commitment to helping truckers with tons on their plate.

MISSAEL

Missael is a Carolinian, by way of Mexico, and with true southern spirit is determined to show some of the vets why he deserves a spot amongst the elites. This may be his first season, but he is geared up for what lies ahead.

RYAN

Like any world traveler, Ryan knows it all and has seen it all, this goes for Form 2290 as well. Ryan is thrilled to partner with a team of like-minded individuals to handle what is thrown ExpressTruckTax’s way. The busiest and craziest time of the year is no big deal to our office globetrotter.

TAYLOR

Taylor is a self-taught DIY carpenter from the University of Pinterest. When she isn’t building her next masterpiece, she is building you the most convenient online experience. From floral backdrops to Form 2290 blog post, her hands can create them both.   

#TruckTechTuesday: Cell Phone Signal Boosters

We all know how much you depend on your cell phones these days, Trucking Nation. From communicating with dispatchers, to getting GPS information, including up-to-the-minute traffic reports, these little technological wonders are in many ways your lifelines.

So when you have trouble getting signal or your signal’s weak, it can seem like the end of the world. Leave it to the wizards of technology to come up with a solution for this problem: cell phone signal boosters.

Stay Connected with Cell Phone Signal Boosters

Another marvel of technology, cell phone signal boosters replicate the signal from surrounding cell phone towers, and amplify, or strengthen, that signal over a relatively small area, such as the cab of your truck. Your cell phone is then able to receive that replicated signal as if it were coming from a cell tower.

An important factor to consider when choosing a signal booster is the strength of the amplifier, because this will determine how well the booster replicates the cell phone signal. This is especially important in mobile situations such as a truck. Since the cell signal will vary wildly depending on location, the stronger the amplifier the better for truckers.

Cell phone signal boosters provide a simple solution to what can be a major inconvenience.

We Make Things Easier Too

Like signal boosters, ExpressTruckTax is another secret weapon you can’t leave home without. Luckily, we’re also as mobile as you are, as you can always e-file from your smartphone or tablet. Whether it’s the ExpressTruckTax mobile app or the Form 2290 Tax Calculator app, you can count on us to make filing HVUT, and life, go a little smoother.

And speaking of helping you out, you can contact us whenever you have questions or concerns about ExpressTruckTax. Call us at 704.234.6005 or email us anytime at support@expresstrucktax.com. Our world-class support team is available to assist you in English or Spanish.

You can always tweet us on Twitter or post on our Facebook page. Let us know how ExpressTruckTax has made your life easier. Thank you, Trucking Nation, for making us the leading Truck Tax solution. You’re the reason we do what we do.

Why Use ExpressTruckTax?

Happy Thursday, Trucking Nation! We tell you a lot about ExpressTruckTax, but why should you use it? Glad you asked! There are so many advantages to using ExpressTruckTax, we couldn’t possibly fit them all in one blog. But let us hit the high points for you.

First of all, we offer you convenience. Who wants to spend all that time manually figuring out what you owe the IRS? ExpressTruckTax is fast, much faster than your manual calculations. And our instant audit check will catch any major errors that could keep your return from being accepted.

Here are just some of the features you get with ExpressTruckTax.

Get Your Stamped Schedule 1 Quickly
When you e-file Form 2290 with us, you’ll receive your stamped Schedule 1 within minutes. So you won’t have to wait for the IRS to mail you a Schedule 1 by postal mail, and who knows how long that will take?

ExpressTruckTax Exclusive: Truck Zone
ExpressTruckTax features TruckZone, which gives you the ability to upload 1000’s of vehicles to your account, and to store them in one spot. So you don’t have to manually enter a whole fleet of trucks. You can just upload a spreadsheet containing all of your trucks and ExpressTruckTax will convert that into the data you need to file..

Free VIN Corrections!
We’re also the only Form 2290 e-filing service that allows you make free VIN corrections on 2290 returns filed with us. This feature allows you to easily correct any VIN error online. You won’t have to start a new return or pay any more money.

Ditch the Fax Machine: E-sign
And our e-sign feature allows tax professionals to have their clients sign their returns without having to use fax machines or postal mail. Clients are able to e-sign their returns sent to them from their preparer electronically.

Support You Can Trust: 24/7, 365
Most importantly, you get the support of our stellar team of tax experts who are ready to help you with your questions about filing your return. You can contact us anytime by email at support@expresstrucktax.com and over the phone from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday at 704.234.6005.

Let us know how why you love e-filing with ExpressTruckTax on Twitter or Facebook. And don’t forget to let your family and friends know too. We grew our business through word of mouth. Help us to continue that tradition..

#WellnessWednesday: Cooking Appliances for Trucks

Howdy, Trucking Nation! One of the toughest parts of being an OTR driver is mealtime. Staying healthy and spending wisely are perhaps the main challenges of eating on the road.

Luckily, there’s a perfect solution to these problems: cooking appliances for trucks. Twelve volt adapters and devices that run on them have made it possible to easily prepare food in your cab, and the benefits of doing so are innumerable!

So Many Choices!

Today there are a multitude of appliances used for cooking that run right off your truck’s cigarette lighter, including:

  • Refrigerators/Coolers
  • Microwaves
  • Slow Cookers
  • Ovens
  • Stoves
  • Grills
  • Blenders

With appliances such as these, you can turn your cab into a gourmet kitchen. In your mobile canteen, you can prepare stews, soups, pasta, canned vegetables, beans, rice, heat up all kinds of ready made meals, fry your favorite fried foods, keep your foods and beverages nice and cold, and even whip up a shake or a smoothie.

Save Your Wallet & Your Waistline!

As we already said, eating healthy on the road can be extremely challenging, and those roadside meals can add up dollar-wise very quickly. These appliances save the day.

Being able to prepare your food the way you want allows you to cook healthy meals, and brings a little bit of home to the road. You can cook lighter meals, so that the heavy feeling from eating greasy food at truck stop diners doesn’t slow you down.

And of course the financial advantages of skipping the diners and fast food joints are obvious.

And Save So Much Time!

ExpressTruckTax makes your life easier, too. Whether you need to prepare your Form 2290 for HVUT or your IFTA return, we’ve got you covered. We free you up to do the things you want to do, so that your quality of living is where you want it to be.

If you need help with any questions or concerns regarding ExpressTruckTax, you can contact our world-class support team based in Rock Hill, SC, by calling us at 704.234.6005 or emailing us any time at support@expresstrucktax.com.

We want you to keep improving your lives, Trucking Nation. Join us on Twitter and Facebook with your stories about how you’re doing this. And if you’re not an ExpressTruckTax customer yet, we’d love to have you join our family. We do the tax-related things you don’t want to do so that you can do the things you really want to do!

ExpressTruckTax Salutes our Trucking Veterans on Veterans Day

Today, November 11th, marks the day we celebrate all our nation’s veterans, past and present. We here at ExpressTruckTax acknowledge the great debt we all owe to our veterans for their honorable service, and that our great nation would not exist without their courage and dedication.

Why Veterans Make Great Truckers

These attributes, in addition to the high-quality training and experience veterans acquire during active duty, translate into a skill set well-suited to the trucking industry. Discipline, initiative, planning, and even experience driving big rigs are all valuable assets vets bring to the table when it comes to trucking.

Thank You Trucking Veterans

So we want to extend a special thank you to all you members of the Trucking Nation who are also veterans. You’ve served us twice, and continue to serve every day. Not only have you secured our freedom, you’ve kept the goods we all need every day within easy reach. You keep our country moving. And you continue to sacrifice for us each time you’re on the road, working long hours, living in your rigs, and being away from family and friends. There’s no way we can thank you enough.

Here’s a little gift from all of us here at ExpressTruckTax to every one of our veterans out there:

So here’s to all our vets, those who are still with us, and those we’ve lost. You have our respect and awe.

We’re here at ExpressTruckTax, available to take your calls and to chat with you, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please feel free to share any questions or concerns you may have. And we’re always available via email at support@expresstrucktax.com. Support is available in both English and Spanish.

If you’re not a vet, make sure you thank one today. And if you’re a trucker vet, share your story and pictures of your rig! Just Tweet us @ExpressTruckTax using #RigWhiteAndBlue, and we’ll share your story with the Trucking Nation!

And to all our veterans: you have our eternal gratitude. Thanks, vets!

Don’t Be Spooked, October 31st Is upon Us

Hello there, Trucking Nation! With October 31st coming up, it can seem like a double whammy with Halloween and the IFTA 3rd quarter filing deadline all happening on the same day. We here at ExpressTruckTax can take some of that fear away from you with this friendly reminder to make sure you’ve got your IFTA return filed by the 31st. (Sorry, you’ll have to deal with the Halloween scariness on your own.)

ExpressTruckTax to the Rescue

If you’ve waited until the last minute to file, we’ve got you covered. All you’ve got to do is log in to ExpressIFTA using your ExpressTruckTax account login details. All your information will already be filled out for you. Just follow the simple directions, and you’re all set! Then you’ll be free to dedicate your time to pumpkins, costumes, parties, and all those tricks and treats.

Notification Services Feature

And speaking of reminders, we’ve also got you covered with our Notification Services. It provides you with alerts to let you know when your Form 2290 has been accepted by the IRS, and even the status of your payment. 

You can receive these alerts one of four ways:
  • Text– You’ll receive SMS alerts about the status of your return and payments.
  • Fax– We’ll send your stamped Schedule 1 to you, your carrier, or anyone else you would like.
  • Postal Mail– Your stamped Schedule 1 will be mailed to you. This can be especially useful when you’re on the road and don’t have access to a printer.
  • Our Chrome Browser Extension– You can receive notifications about the status of your return on your computer desktop by downloading our Chrome Browser Extension. It’s available from the Chrome Web Store.
No more wondering when your return is going to be received, no more holding your breath until your payment clears. No more waking up in the middle of the night with that nagging dread that you’ve left something undone. (We can’t help you if you hear something under your bed. Or in your closet. No, seriously. What was that?) 
And best of all, our users automatically get a free email notification as soon as their return is accepted by the IRS containing the stamped Schedule 1.

We’re Here for You

If you have any questions or need any help with any aspect of ExpressTruckTax, (you’ll have to get your mom or dad to help you with the scary stuff) we’re available over the phone at 704.234.6005 and through web chat. Our U.S.-based support team is also available via email any day at support@expresstrucktax.com. We always love to get your comments, especially on Facebook and Twitter. And as always, don’t forget to let your friends and family know about us. Your word of mouth is more valuable than any advertising.

#WellnessWednesday: Managing Stress on the Road

Driving a truck can be among the most stressful jobs out there. Being responsible for up to 80,000 pounds of metal moving at speeds of 70 MPH or above places severe demands on your brain for attention, and produces rigorous tension in your body. Then there are other drivers, deadlines, (including tax-filing deadlines) adverse weather conditions, and the grueling number of hours on the road. It’s no wonder you truckers are constantly feeling enormous amounts of pressure and stress!

But did you know that stress actually triggers a number of health problems? Problems such as headaches, upset stomach, heartburn, high blood pressure, chest pains, and difficulty sleeping can all come from stress. Untreated stress can also contribute to diabetes, heart problems, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression and anxiety. And believe it or not, 75 to 90 percent of all visits to the doctor are for stress-related illnesses.

Since stress is so prevalent in the trucking industry, and its effects so serious, one of the best things you can do for yourself as a trucker is to learn techniques for dealing with stress. Here are some great methods you can use to ease your stress and make each day on the road more peaceful.

  • Exercise. This is perhaps the most effective method for dealing with stress. The movement of exercise can release the pent-up energy that stress can cause. It may be difficult to find the time and a place to exercise while on the road, but even a 15 or 20 minute walk will do wonders towards relieving your driving stress.

  • Healthy Diet. Another difficult thing to manage while driving long distances is your diet. There aren’t a host of opportunities for healthy eating at most truck stops, but a healthy diet is a crucial factor in controlling your stress level. It boosts your immune system, making you more resistant to the effects of stress. Eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of water are two important ways to maintain a healthy diet.

  • Sleep. Getting adequate, restful sleep can do wonders for your stress level. If you’re getting enough exercise, you’re probably already sleeping well. Making sure you get plenty of restorative sleep keeps your mind in optimal condition, and will leave you better equipped to deal with whatever stress you may encounter during the day, and eliminate the unneeded stress that comes from not being well rested.

Other methods of managing stress include meditation, breathing techniques, and using smart strategies to eliminate any unneeded stress from your daily routine and activities.

We don’t have to tell you how stressful it is out there for you, Trucking Nation. But we can help you keep your unnecessary tension to a minimum, and using the above strategies will help you deal with the unavoidable pressures of the road.

As always, we’re here to answer any questions you may have about using ExpressTruckTax. You can call us Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 704.234.6005, and email us any time at support@expresstrucktax.com. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and to let your family and friends know about ExpressTruckTax and the helpful tips you get from this blog!

ExpressTruckTax is #TruckingForACure

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as most of you know. Since 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives, there are few of us who aren’t touched and affected by this terrible disease.
Personally, I lost a high school friend to breast cancer this October 4th. Most of us here at ExpressTruckTax have been directly affected by losses from breast cancer, and it’s no wonder because breast cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death among women. Luckily, awareness and support have been building in recent years to find a cure.

We here at ExpressTruckTax are committed to helping find a cure for breast cancer. Although more and more activities and efforts on the part of finding a cure are taking place around the calendar year, October is the time to focus intensely on raising awareness, as well as funds, towards finding that cure.

United Materials, a concrete company in North Tonawanda, New York, is one member of the Trucking Nation who has stepped up and is making a difference in the fight. Not only has the company committed to raise money to fund research and help those affected, it’s also increased awareness by getting its pink concrete truck out on the road for everyone to see. Remember, pink is the adopted color for breast cancer awareness. Since the pink ribbon is the easily recognizable symbol of the fight for a cure, the pink United Materials concrete truck has a prominent pink ribbon on its side.

With the slogan “Our Commitment to the Cure is Concrete,” United Materials demonstrates its dedication to help find a cure and aid those families affected by breast cancer. The Western New York concrete company states that its pink concrete truck’s purpose is “to honor all survivors of breast cancer throughout the Niagara Region.”

Over 500 man hours were donated last year by United Materials’ more than 100 employees towards fundraising and awareness events in Western New York. Their pink concrete truck and employees have shown up to throw support behind their “Commitment to the Cure.”

This pink truck is just one example of how the hard-working members of the Trucking Nation can and are making a difference. There are countless pink trucks out on the roads, and their numbers are increasing every day. ExpressTruckTax is grateful for all your contributions and efforts to raise awareness of the need to find a cure for breast cancer. Keep it up, Trucking Nation, by joining the ExpressTruckTax team in raising awareness via social media!

Use #TruckingForACure and let us know your reason

for joining the fight against breast cancer!

As always, we’re here to help you and answer any questions you may have about ExpressTruckTax. You can call us at 704.234.6005 or email us any time at support@expresstrucktax.com.

The Countdown is On: Getting Your EIN

The Heavy Vehicle Use Tax season is drawing to a close, Trucking Nation! There’s only a few more days before the deadline and you need to have all your trucks in a row so you can e-file with ease.

The first thing you need in order to e-file your HVUT is your EIN. EIN stands for for Employer Identification Number and it is imperative that you have one before you file.

With only 4 days left to get your 2290s e-filed, it is past time to register for an EIN. Especially since it takes the IRS up to 10 business days for your EIN to become active. Before that your EIN will be rejected by any e-filing system and you will be unable to submit your Form 2290.

While there isn’t enough time for you to get your EIN and still e-file on time, you need to request one right away. Because no matter what you need to e-file! And the sooner you request one, the smaller the penalties.

In order to request your EIN, you can do it one of three ways.

  • You can go directly to the IRS website and request your EIN online
  • You can or call their EIN hotline at 1.800.829.4933, and request your EIN over the phone.
  • Or you can request your EIN through fax or postal mail.

If you don’t have time to get you EIN, or none of those options appeal to you. We have people who can take the reins and do it for you. Not to mention, they’re secure and affordable!

With our friends at Truck Services of North America, you can get your EIN without ever having to lift a finger. Since they specialize in permits, registrations, and helping truckers e-file for just about anything. Just give them a call at 803.386.0320 or email them at support@tsnamerica.com to get started.

If you’ve misplaced your EIN, we can help with that as well!

  1. If you’ve e-filed with us before, your EIN is stored in your account! Just login and view your business details, or a previously filed return and voila, you have your EIN.
  2. If you haven’t e-filed with us before, you can check with the bank or local/state institution you’ve applied for a license with. Both should have your EIN on record.
  3. Or you can always call the IRS hotline at 1.800.829.4933, and they’ll give you the EIN directly over the phone after verifying your identity. 

But whatever you do, don’t wait! You need to request your EIN right away and before it’s too late for you to e-file on time. Don’t pay the IRS more than you have to!

If you need any help with the EIN or e-filing your 2290s, then our dedicated support legends are here for you. Just give them a call at 704.234.6005 or send them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support in English and Spanish. And they’ll help you e-file in a flash!

With only 4 days left you don’t have time to delay, so e-file today!