Category: Expresstrucktax.com

Trucking News Update: New E-filing Rules

We always try to keep the trucking nation up-to-date with industry news. And telling you about the latest in IRS regulations is an important part of that. After all, we are ExpressTruckTax!

According to the updated 2015-16 IRS regulations, when filing HVUT for a vehicle you recently purchased from a private owner (i.e. not from a dealership or auction), the previous owner is responsible for paying tax on the partial month in which you purchase the vehicle.

For example, if you purchase a vehicle from a private seller today, your tax would be calculated starting August 1st.

Luckily, the ExpressTruckTax program has been updated to make this process super simple, so all you have to do is follow the same three simple steps which will create a new split return for the tax year, giving you prorated tax.

Step 1: Login or Create Account

  • If you’ve previously filed with us or if you have an account already, login to your account and resume or start your return.
  • If this is your first time filing, choose to create an account.
    • Pro-tip #1: To save time, you can choose to login with your Google+ or Facebook account.
  • Then you will either enter your business details or use the FastTransfer Feature to copy them from your previous return.

Step 2: Vehicle Details

  • In order to enter details for a vehicle you purchased from a private seller, simply choose to add a vehicle and enter all the information including gross vehicle weight and VIN.
  • Then check “This is a previously privately-owned vehicle” at the bottom of the “Add Truck” popup window.
  • Then click next and add any other trucks you may need to file for before moving on. 
    • Pro-tip #2: There are several different types of vehicles to file for. Know the difference between Taxable Vehicles, Suspended Vehicles, Logging Vehicles, and Agricultural Vehicles.
  • Now you’ve created a split return in our system, meaning you pay a prorated heavy vehicle use tax amount on the new vehicle, instead of having to pay for the entire tax year. 

Step 3: Pay and Transmit!

  • Now all you have to do is enter your payment information and securely transmit your return to the IRS.
    • Pro-tip #3: The IRS only accepts three payment methods, Direct Debit, EFTPS, and check or money order. No credit or debit cards.
  • Select your payment method, review your vehicles, and then transmit your return. It’s just that easy!

If you need any help with any step of the filing process, our dedicated support legends are here for you. Don’t hesitate to call them at 704.234.2005 during our new extended business hours from 8AM-8PM EST or send them at email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support.

E-file today! In just ten minutes, you can be finished, and get back to your life.

We’ve got another giveaway for you, Trucking Nation.  If you e-file with us and “Like” us on Facebook, you’ll be entered to win a portable blender to take on the road with you!

How to E-file For Your Client With ExpressTruckTax

Accountants who use ExpressTruckTax can get some pretty great perks, including being able to e-file for their clients quickly through our easy e-filing software. You won’t find another product where you can e-file for your client in under 10 minutes.

If you’re tired of paper-filing or playing the waiting game for your clients to sign and fax back Form 8453-EX, we have solutions for all of these problems. Setting up your account as a tax preparer with ExpressTruckTax is easy, and as always, we’ve added shortcuts to streamline the process and help simplify your business.

All you need to do is follow three simple steps!

CPA Account Setup

  • If this is your first time using ExpressTruckTax, then go ahead and create an account and make sure you specify that you are a CPA. 
  • If you’ve created an account, simply log in and go to your dashboard.
  • Now all you need to do is enter your accounting firm details and your EIN number.

E-file For Your Client

The next step is to e-file a Form 2290 for your client. With ExpressTruckTax, the whole process from start to finish is very easy.

Step 1: Enter Client’s Account Details

  • Enter their name, business details and, EIN number.
  • Choose to file for the current year

Step 2: Enter Client’s Vehicle Details

  • You can do this in a number of different ways. You can import their vehicles from a CSV file, you can enter them in manually, or you can import them from their virtual garage in TruckZone.
  • Don’t forget any low mileage credits.

Step 3: Client’s Payment Details

  • The final step in the e-filing process is to pay and securely transmit their return to the IRS.
  • Simply select their payment method from the three types the IRS accepts: Direct debit, EFTPS, and check or money order. Then review their information and move on to the next step. This is where you will encounter Form 8453-EX.

E-File in High Gear: Use the Bulk Upload Options

Alternatively, you can bulk upload business details for all of your clients in one fell swoop! It works in the same way that bulk uploading your client’s trucks from an excel file does. And yet again, you can do this in three simple steps!

Step 1: The Excel File

  • Login to your account and under new to business list, select manage businesses

  • Then, on the manage businesses screen, select “Bulk Upload Businesses”
  • A screen prompting you to download our excel template will appear, select to download the template and move on to step two!

Step 2: Enter Businesses

  • Now in the excel file you need to enter your client’s businesses and a few details, including their EIN, phone numbers, fax numbers, and addresses. 

Step 3: Upload File

  • Now all you need to do is upload the file to your ExpressTruckTax account. The rest of the work is done for you!
  • If there are any errors, our system will catch them and let you know on a case-by-case basis what type of error it is and what you need to do to fix it.
  • Then voila! You have all of your clients uploaded.

And that’s all there is to it! when you encounter the Form 8453-EX, all you have to do is send it to your client via your tax portal to be e-signed, by email, or by fax, and then you can securely transmit your client’s return. Then you’re done!

If you need any help during the e-filing process, or you encounter any problems, we’re here for you! Our dedicated support legends can answer all of your heavy vehicle use tax and ExpressTruckTax-related questions with ease.

So give them a call at 704.234.6005 during our new extended business hours from 8AM – 8PM EST or send them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support in English and Spanish.

Throw Out Your Fax Machine: New E-Sign Feature For Form 8453-EX

Here at ExpressTruckTax, we are all about accountants. That’s why we have a new e-sign feature available for Form 8453-EX. And that’s just one of the perks accountants get from ExpressTruckTax!

What We Do for Accountants

There are so many perks for CPA’s when they use ExpressTruckTax. The product alone is easy-to-use, but we go beyond that. Payment options, payment perks, and even more!

Now we’re taking it a step farther with a new feature to save time and all the headaches that come with the HVUT tax season.

The 8453-EX E-Sign Feature

This feature will benefit both truckers and accountants alike. Because with e-signing available for Form 8453-EX, CPA’s can get permission to e-file for their client as a third party instantly!

Whenever you are e-filing for a client and you encounter the Form 8453-EX all you have to do is send a link from your personal email account. This link directs your client to our e-sign site and allows them to sign the 8453-EX on any device. They can even e-sign it with their fingertip if they are using a tablet or a mobile device with a touchscreen.

How to File as a CPA

We’ve gone over what the new e-sign feature for the 8453-EX can do for you, but how do you do it? If this is your first time signing into ExpressTruckTax as a CPA, then we’ve got you covered! Here’s a quick how-to on utilizing our system to help yourself and your client.

E-sign Form 8453-EX

Once you’ve completed the e-filing process for your client, our system will prompt you to follow a three step process in order to ensure that you and your client have both signed Form 8453-EX.

Step 1: Review the Completed Form 8453-EX

  • Click the blue button to download the completed Form 8453-EX. We auto-fill the form for you to save you time!
  • Review yours and your client’s information and make sure it is correct.

Step 2: Send the Form to Your Client by One of the Following Means:

  • Send directly from ExpressTruckTax for the client to sign digitally
  • Send form as an email from your personal email or business email for your client to sign.
  • Fax the form to your client for them to sign.

Step 3: Upload the Signed Form 8453-EX

  • If you’ve used the e-sign feature, instead of having to upload the file, you will receive it back in your e-sign portal in real time.
  • If the client declines to sign for any reason, you will receive an email notification stating the reason for the rejection.
  • You can edit and resend the form with just a few clicks!
  • If you used a different feature, all you have to do is upload the signed form 
  • Then you can securely transmit your client’s Form 2290 to the IRS
  • A signed copy of this form is required by the IRS if you are third party designee

And that’s all there is to it. This new feature will not only save you time, it could also help you recruit more clients. Not to mention you don’t have to wait on snail mail or fax machines. You can get it all done fast through ExpressTruckTax!

And if you have any questions, we’ve got some dedicated support legends just for you! Give them a call at 704.234.6005 during our new extended business hours from 8AM-8PM EST or shoot them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support in English and Spanish.

#Wellness Wednesday: Exercises to Get You Through the Traffic

Cross-state travel can be tough, especially when you hit traffic or inclement weather. But worry not, Trucking Nation, because the next time you hit traffic or weather so bad you have to pull off to the side of the road, or stop at a truck stop, we’ve got you covered.

Exercising while driving a truck is difficult. Most of the time you’re in a sitting position, driving a giant vehicle where one wrong move can mean a loss of control. But while driving across state lines and all over North America, you may find yourself spending a lot of time parked to avoid road dangers, construction, or to get some much-needed rest from the road.

That’s where we come in. It only takes a few minutes to get some much needed exercise. A little bit of healthy movement, breathing, and stretching will go a long way.

4 Simple Exercises to Get You Through the Traffic

These exercises are so easy you don’t even have to get out of your truck! Because nobody wants to stand in the rain or be ogled by passing drivers in a truck stop parking lot.

Wheel Push-ins

  • This exercise is basically the same as a push-up, and with the large cabin in your truck they should be a breeze! Put your hands on the wheel at 3 and 9 o’clock and squeeze. Both of your hands should be pressing towards each other. Do 3 sets of 10 and hold each one for an entire second. 
  • Then you can stretch by sitting tall, lacing your fingers behind your hips, and pushing your chest forward and shoulders back. 

Wheel Pulls

  • Much like the Wheel Push-ins, but going the opposite direction. Place your hands on the wheel at 5 and 7 o’clock with your palms facing you. Pull against the wheel, working the muscles in your forearms and upper arms. Do 3 sets of 10 and hold every pull for 1 second.
  • To avoid muscle aches, stretch by lengthening your arms with your palms up and clasping your hands together, pulling one arm to the side, holding for 3 seconds and then pulling the other.

Upper Back Presses

  • This exercise is great for your posture and lower back. Sitting in a truck for long period of time can definitely wreak havoc on your back muscles! All you need to do is place your hands gently on your steering wheel at 3 and 9 o’clock and push your shoulders and upper back into the seat behind you. Again, you should be holding this exercise for a full second, and you should do 3 sets with 10 reps.
  • Stretch your back by interlacing your fingers in front of you and pushing your palms upwards towards your windshield.

Calf Raises

  • This is one of my favorite exercises because you can literally do it anywhere! All you have to do is lift and lower the heels of your feet while putting weight on the balls of your feet and toes. You can even take it a step further, lifting yourself up in the seat and working your glutes. Make sure you’re still holding for a full second before moving on to the next rep. Do 3 sets of 20 reps and then stretch!
  • Stretch by straightening your legs off the floor and flexing your feet by pointing your toes for 10 seconds. 

It’s just that easy! It may not seem like much right now, but little things you do every day will build up and help you on your wellness journey. So keep up the good work, Trucking Nation!

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

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

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

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

Fitzgerald Truck Show

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

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

Truck Function in Junction

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

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

Top Gun Large Car Shootout

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

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

Keystone Diesel Nationals

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

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

Color & Chrome Fantasy Truck Show

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

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

Coming Soon: The Great American Trucking Show

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

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

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

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

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

E-file Anywhere with ExpressTruckTax

ExpressTruckTax just got a facelift.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to E-file On-the-Go

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

Account Setup

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

Vehicle Details

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

Pay & Transmit

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

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

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

Don’t delay, e-file today!

Perks for Our Partners

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

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

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

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

Perks for Partners

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

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

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

#WellnessWednesday: Yoga for Truckers

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

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

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

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

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

Tree Pose

Kay

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

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

Swan Dive

Jana

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

Chair Pose

Lauren

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

Cat Pose

Sir Charles

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

Sonial Balance

Eli

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

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

#TruckTechTuesday: Driver Safety

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

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

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

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

Trucking Awesome (Truck Concepts)

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

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

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

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

Truck Accessories

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

 

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

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

Apps for Road Warriors

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

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

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

Get started today and manage your business with ease!

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

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

Happy 4th of July from Our Support Legends!

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

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

Never Fear, Our Support Legends Are Here

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

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