Category: expresstrucktax

Trucking Industry Trivia with ExpressTruckTax!

Do you think you know everything about the trucking industry? Whether you have been driving a truck for years now or just getting started, it’s time to test your knowledge about trucking. Who knows, you might learn a few facts about trucking that you didn’t know before.

Q: How long does a typical semi-truck engine last?

A: A semi-truck engine can last up to around one million miles, while a typical car engine usually only lasts around 200,000 miles.

Q: What does the word “semi” actually refer to?

A: The word “semi” actually refers to the trailer pulled by trucks. This is because it only has wheels on one end. Semi-truck refers to the truck and the trailer combined. 

Q: What is the distance it takes for a semi-truck to come to a complete stop?

A: The distance it takes for a semi-truck to come to a complete stop is around 720 feet, which equals the length of two football fields. 

Q: True or False? Semi-trucks get into fewer accidents on the road than regular cars?

A: True. Semi-trucks get into three times fewer accidents than regular noncommercial vehicles. 

Q: How long is the average truck and trailer?

A: The average truck and trailer are around 75 feet long.

Q: How much does a semi-truck cost?

A: The average semi-truck can cost anywhere between $80,000 and $200,000 depending on the brand and if you are buying it new or used.  

Q: What average speed should a truck drive to save fuel?

A: If you drive your truck at speeds of around 65 miles an hour, you will consume over twenty-five percent compared to if you were to drive around 75 miles an hour. This is good to know especially with fuel costs being high.

Q: How many miles does the average trucker travel in a year?

A: On average, a truck driver travels around 100,000 miles in a year. 

Q: True or false: Interstate highways that run East-West have even numbers and those that run North-South have odd numbers?

A: True. If an interstate has an even number (Example: I-80) it will run East-West and if it has an odd number it will run North-South (Example: I-85). 

Q: How much has emission from heavy trucks been reduced since the 1980s?

A: Emission from heavy trucks has been reduced by around 95% since the 1980s. Clean diesel technology has made it possible for around 60 modern-day trucks to put out the amount of emission equivalent to one truck in the 1980s.

How many of these questions did you know the answer to already? Even if you didn’t know many of these answers, there’s always something new to learn about the trucking industry. ExpressTruckTax is here to help drivers in the trucking industry file Form 2290 for their Heavy Vehicle Use Tax. This must be filed by drivers of trucks weighing 55,000 pounds or more annually to the IRS. Hopefully, you knew that already. If not, it is not too late to file your Form 2290 and avoid any additional penalties. What are you waiting for? File your Form 2290 today and who knows, maybe learn even more about the trucking industry from us in the future!

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.

Todo Lo Que Necesita Saber Sobre La Reclamación De Créditos En El Formulario 2290

¿Conduce un vehículo que pesa 55,000 libras o más? Si respondió que sí, debe presentar el Formulario 2290 del Impuesto sobre el Uso de Vehículos Pesados. Si maneja este vehículo menos de 5,000 millas al año, o menos de 7,500 millas al año si se usa para fines agrícolas, aún debe presentar el Formulario 2290, pero no se adeudarán impuestos por este vehículo. En este caso, el IRS considera que el vehículo está suspendido porque no excedió el límite de millaje.

El Formulario 2290 se hace con un año de anticipación, entonces ¿Qué sucede si presenta un vehículo como no suspendido, pagó el impuesto pero no excede el límite de kilometraje después de todo? Puede reclamar un crédito por este vehículo la próxima vez que presente el Formulario 2290.

Reclamación de créditos en el Formulario 2290

Al presentar el Formulario 2290, primero debe solicitar un camión por el que no está reclamando créditos, ya sea que esté suspendido o no. Después de ingresar la información de este vehículo, habrá una sección donde podrá reclamar créditos para vehículos. La información necesaria para reportar estos vehículos incluye el VIN (Número de identificación del vehículo), la marca y el modelo del vehículo y una descripción detallada de por qué está reclamando el crédito por este vehículo.

Otras situaciones en las que es necesario presentar créditos

No exceder el límite de millaje no es la única razón por la que podría necesitar reclamar un crédito al hacer el Formulario 2290. Cuando vende un vehículo después de haber hecho el Formulario 2290 y pagado el HVUT, deberá reclamar un crédito por él. Al ingresar la información sobre este vehículo de crédito en el Formulario 2290, ingresará la información del vehículo pero también detalles sobre la venta, incluida la fecha en que se vendió y la información del comprador. De esta manera, el IRS sabe cuándo ya no estaba en posesión del vehículo y cuánto crédito fiscal debe devolverse.

Otro caso en el que necesitaría reclamar un crédito de vehículo en el Formulario 2290 es si un vehículo fue robado o destruido. Para estas situaciones, debe de hacer una descripción muy detallada del evento y especificar cuándo fue robado o destruido para que el IRS sepa cuánto crédito fiscal debe devolverse.

Otras opciones para reclamar créditos

Cuando necesite reclamar créditos por un vehículo, declararlo en su Formulario 2290 no es su única opción. En lugar de reclamar los créditos en el Formulario 2290, puede presentar el Formulario 8849 Anexo 6​. Este formulario está diseñado sólo para reclamar créditos en vehículos que cumplen con los requisitos. Al presentar este formulario, todo lo que necesita hacer es ingresar la información sobre el vehículo de crédito, incluyendo una descripción detallada de por qué está presentando este formulario para este vehículo. Se recomienda presentar el Formulario 8849 cuando ya no tenga un camión para presentar el Formulario 2290 para agregar los créditos. Esto se debe a que el formulario 8849 tarda más en procesarse porque los formularios se procesan manualmente. En algunos casos, puede tomar hasta un año o más recuperar su crédito. Si todavía tiene un camión para presentar el Formulario 2290, espere hasta la próxima vez que le toque declarar y agregue estos vehículos de crédito a su formulario en lugar de tener que esperar y los créditos se procesarán al mismo tiempo que su Formulario 2290.

ExpressTruckTax está aquí para ayudarlo a reclamar créditos

ExpressTruckTax facilita la reclamación de créditos al presentar el Formulario 2290. Al tratar de reclamar créditos, es importante tener en cuenta que los clientes tienen tres años a partir de la fecha en que se hizo la declaración ó dos años a partir de la fecha en que se pagó el impuesto, el primero que sea más tarde, para hacer una reclamación de crédito. Siempre que el crédito que necesita reclamar se ajuste a este período de tiempo, ExpressTruckTax puede ayudarlo a reclamar sus créditos en su Formulario 2290 o ayudarlo a presentar el Formulario 8849 si es necesario. No importa cómo necesite presentar o informar los créditos de su vehículo, ExpressTruckTax le ofrece la mejor y más conveniente solución. ¿Qué estás esperando? ¡Comience a reportar los créditos de su vehículo con ExpressTruckTax hoy!

Happy Memorial Day from ExpressTruckTax!

As the weather starts to get warmer with the first signs of summer, it is once again time for a very important day! ExpressTruckTax and our amazing support team want to wish you all a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend! At ExpressTruckTax we know many truckers have relatives in the military or are veterans themselves. 

This Memorial Day we honor all of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for America and their families in the trucking industry. 

We hope you enjoy this day and hope you take some time to relax with your family and friends. Enjoy the finer things in life while honoring the brave souls who have fought, and are still fighting, for the freedom of our great nation!

If you don’t have the weekend off and are working, don’t forget that the roads can get a little crazy with everyone traveling for the summer. If you’re out driving your truck and hauling goods, make sure you stay safe out there and enjoy an amazing Memorial Day weekend regardless!

FAQ Friday: What Are Credits?

What Are Credits In ExpressTruckTax?

Each time someone pays for their return with ExpressTruckTax, they are required to pay a filing fee which depends on how many trucks you are filing for. When filing with ExpressTruckTax, a credit card is required, and entering the information each time can start to get repetitive after a while. By using the wallet feature in ExpressTruckTax, clients can purchase credits in advance and use them to pay for the filing of Form 2290. By purchasing these credits, you will receive a discount for buying them in bulk. 

Who Can Purchase Credits?

Anyone who needs to file Form 2290 has the option to purchase these credits to not only save money but pay in advance for them and not have to worry about paying later. Credits are especially beneficial for CPAs and businesses who file for large amounts of businesses.

The Benefits Of Purchasing Credits In ExpressTruckTax?

The biggest benefit of the credits is that they don’t expire. You can save them in your wallet and use them when you need them. By purchasing these credits users can save 10% or more on filing fees. Buying these credits greatly benefits those who need to file Form 2290 for multiple vehicles or they file for multiple people. They are time-efficient and make your payment process simpler.

What are you waiting for? If you file multiple Form 2290s then purchase credits today and save time and money!

Are You Caught Up With Your Truck Taxes?

Being a trucker isn’t easy. It seems like everyone on the road thinks you’re in their way, and yet the demand for delivered goods just keeps increasing.

On top of that, you have some serious bookkeeping to maintain.

Luckily for you, there are online software solutions like ExpressTruckTax to help take the paperwork off your plate.

Here are some yearly and quarterly truck taxes you need to be aware of in order to avoid penalties and interest.
Watch out for these truck taxes:

IFTA Fuel Tax

The IFTA fuel tax is a quarterly tax used to collect and distribute fuel tax revenue between jurisdictions.

IFTA simplifies truck taxes by allowing you to travel in all participating member jurisdictions with a single fuel tax license.

You’ll need to file report your IFTA tax to your base jurisdiction 4 times a year.

Here are the IFTA fuel tax deadlines you need to be aware of:

Quarter
Period
Due Date
1st
January – March
April 30
2nd
April – June
July 31
3rd
July – September
October 31
4th
October – December
January 31
Notice that the 3rd quarter IFTA deadline is approaching soon on Halloween!
Use ExpressIFTA, an online IFTA reporting software, to track all of your fuel records and generate your quarterly IFTA fuel tax reports online.

IRS Form 2290

Form 2290 is due annually, so you only need to worry about it once a year.

It’s coupled with the Heavy Use Vehicle Tax, which is the 2290 tax amount you must pay in addition to filing Form 2290.

Hopefully, this one doesn’t need to even be on your radar for months. It was due September 3, 2019. (Normally, Form 2290 is due August 31, but that date fell on a weekend).

If, however, your Form 2290 was rejected, or if you still have not filed IRS Form 2290 for 2019-20, you’ll need to do so right away. IRS penalties and interest for this tax are not forgiving, and they only increase with time.

Online filing takes less than 10 minutes, so there’s really no reason to endure hefty penalties.

Trucking down the highway, up to date on truck taxs like IFTA fuel tax and Form 941.

If you put off filing your 2290 tax form due to your inability to afford the 2290 tax, it’s important to note that the penalty for filing your Form 2290 but failing to pay your 2290 tax is substantially lower than failing to file and pay.

In addition to avoiding penalties, it is necessary to file your 2290 tax form each year in order to receive your stamped Schedule 1, which is required for operation.

Use ExpressTruckTax, the industry’s leading IRS-authorized e-file provider, to file IRS Form 2290 in minutes from anywhere on your phone, tablet, or computer. Never even set foot in an IRS office during one of the busiest truck tax seasons.

941 Taxes

Form 941 is relevant if you own and operate a trucking business with employees, as it is used to report employment taxes and calculate the employer’s portion of Social Security and Medicare tax.941 taxes are quarterly, meaning they’re due 4 times a year:

Quarter
Period
Due Date
1st
January – March
April 30
2nd
April – June
July 31
3rd
July – September
October 31
4th
October – December
January 31

As you can see, the 3rd quarter 941 Form 2019 deadline is coming up. Make sure you know whether or not you need to file 941 taxes. Unsure if you need to file? Read more here.

If you do need to file IRS Form 941, you’ll want to check out TaxBandits. Forget the paperwork, simply file 941 taxes online in a few minutes. Plus their interview style e-filing process and automatic error checks ensure success.

Keep up with your truck taxes! You don’t need to be spending unnecessary money on penalties and fees. Check out ExpressTruckTax, ExpressIFTA, and TaxBandits today. You’ll be glad you did.

Trucking 101: Everything You Need to Know About ExpressTruckTax

You might already know that ExpressTruckTax is here for your Form 2290 filing needs.

In fact, we’re the industry-leading e-file provider for IRS 2290.

But what else do you know? Find out other ways we can help you with truck taxes to take the paperwork out of trucking.

Truck Taxes

IRS Form 2290

Did you use ExpressTruckTax to file Form 2290 this year? If so, thanks for choosing us!

Our number 1 referral method is word of mouth, so be sure to tell your friends about your experience.

If you didn’t file with ExpressTruckTax, or haven’t heard of us before, here’s the rundown:

1.  ExpressTruckTax is an IRS-authorized e-file provider.

That means our system is authorized by the IRS to participate in the IRS e-file program. Not only are we backed by the IRS, but we run on cloud-based software, keeping your sensitive information safe and secure.

2.  ExpressTruckTax takes the paperwork out of filing.

No, seriously. You never need to touch a piece of paper to file IRS 2290, and you definitely don’t have to stand in those ridiculous lines at the IRS. Honestly, I hope no one is still doing that.

3.  ExpressTruckTax is here for you.

The ExpressTruckTax support team is a 100% US-based, live support team, meaning you’ll always get a real human on the phone who knows what they’re talking about.

Best of all, you’ll get your IRS 2290 stamped Schedule 1 just minutes after filing Form 2290.

IFTA Fuel Tax

So, maybe you knew all that, but did you know we can help with IFTA filing too?

Simply log in to your ExpressTruckTax account, or create one for free. Then, select the “IFTA” tab at the top of the home page.

IFTA filing has never been easier. It’s all the ease of Form 2290, but with IFTA reporting!

Don’t forget, your 3rd quarter IFTA deadline is October 31, 2019. File your IFTA fuel tax by Halloween to avoid penalties and interest.

Truck Drivers Are Our Priority

Now you know a little bit about how ExpressTruckTax can help you, especially with IRS Form 2290 and IFTA fuel tax.

We’re here for you. Our top-notch customer support team is available to help, whether you need to make a correction on your Form 2290, have questions about IFTA filing, or need clarity on truck taxes and deadlines.

We’re here to take some of the hassle and paperwork out of being a truck driver, but most importantly, we’re here for you.

Check out our other blogs to find more resources to help you succeed in the trucking industry.
Happy trucking!

A Complete Guide to the 1099 Form and W-2 Form

How do you know whether or not you need to file W-2 Forms or 1099 Forms for your employees?

It all depends on what role you play in the trucking industry and your drivers’ tax classification.

If you’re an owner-operator or fleet manager, you should determine if new hires are full-time employees or independent contractors from the start.

This will affect what paperwork you need to keep up with to stay compliant.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 1099 Form and W-2 Form.

Trucking Taxes

W-2 Form

The W-2 Form is used to report salary, income with social security, income or Medicare tax withheld, and any compensations offered throughout the tax year.

Employers must file W-2 Forms electronically with the SSA (Social Security Administration) for their employees each year.

In addition, employers must send copies of W-2 Forms to employees so that they can use W-2 information to complete their personal tax returns.

So, if you’re a business owner, who do you need to file W-2 for?

Essentially, employees/drivers will need to receive a W-2 Form if you provided them with income that had social security, income, or Medicare tax withheld.

This means that most company drivers will receive a W-2 Form.

If you’re an independent contractor, you’ll have to cover your end of government expenses. Therefore, you’ll receive a 1099 Form, which is used to report miscellaneous income.

If you’re an agent or commission driver, you might have the “Statutory Driver” box checked on your W-2. Statutory and self-employed drivers should also fill out Schedule C to assess business profit and loss.

The e-filing deadline for filing W2 online is January 31, 2020, but it’s important to understand what classification your employees fall into in order to prepare for various tax deadlines.

1099 Form

If you own a trucking company and hire employees to drive your trucks, you’ll need to file 941, 940, and issue W-2s.

However, if you hire drivers as independent contractors that make more than $600, you’ll need to provide them and the IRS a 1099 Misc. Form.

Independent contractors will then use the information on this 1099 Form to file their tax returns.
If you are just a truck driver driving on your own, or a leased driver, you’ll also need the 1099 Form, which is also known as the 1099 contractor form. 

As a driver, if you own or lease your truck, you could be an independent contractor. Make sure you know your employment classification upon hire.

If you’ve hired independent contractors for your company, you’ll need to complete 1099 filing for them.

Staying Tax Compliant

Keeping up with employer taxes is critical to staying compliant with the IRS and keeping your employees and contractors happy.

Understand whether you need to file W-2 or complete a 1099 filing based on the employment type of your hires.

If you’re still unsure what to file, contact the team at TaxBandits, and they’ll be happy to help.

TaxBandits is an IRS-authorized e-file provider for employer taxes. Use this service to save time on taxes and avoid IRS wait times and penalties.
No matter what forms you need to file, TaxBandits can help you file quickly. Prepare for year-end ahead of time by understanding what you need to file to stay IRS compliant.

GATS 2019 Trending Topics: AI in the World of Trucking

It’s no secret that AI is continuing to grow in today’s world.

With the rise of artificial intelligence comes the confusion and uncertainty that accompanies any unknown territory.

Because of that, this topic was a big focus for truck drivers at the Great American Trucking Show (GATS) this year.

If you couldn’t make GATS 2019, here’s what you missed regarding artificial intelligence in the world of trucking.

Artificial Intelligence and Trucking

GATS 2019

AI continues to be a big topic at GATS, with updates on how trucking technology will continue to affect American truck drivers.

Most of the fear surrounding AI comes with self-driving trucks, but those are still in their infancy.

More immediately, AI is making a positive impact on the trucking industry by increasing efficiency on the back end.

AI is also a great tool for decreasing error. Matt Bernstein, CEO of HubTran, points out, “Whenever you have manual processes, no matter how many checkers there are, there will be errors.”

Artificial intelligence plays a big role in reducing those errors for truck drivers.

GATS 2019 hosted a variety of different educational sessions addressing artificial intelligence, including a session titled “The Driver’s Role with Driverless Trucks”, featuring Pronto and Starsky Robotics.

Pronto brings to market safety systems designed for commercial trucking fleets.

Their Copilot products offer advanced adaptive cruise control, electronic steering and collision mitigation, and other innovative safety measures.

Starsky Robotics also works on autonomous strategies and has created technology that will handle the highway miles for commercial vehicles.

Trucking Technology

A report by MarketsandMarkets estimates that the AI market for transportation is projected to grow nearly 18% from 2017 – 2030.

With the rise of AI comes an increase in value for human skills.

GATS 2019 also focused on adding increased value and attention to things that are uniquely human.

As more jobs or activities become automated, people are freed from routine and predictable tasks.

Instead, they are challenged to manage new technologies and exercise greater critical thinking skills on a regular basis.

The Great American Truck Show hosted educational sessions focusing on the importance of these skills as well.

Growing AI in the trucking industry means continuing to grow human skills.
These skills include communication, empathy, trust, and judgment.

Staying Ahead With Your Trucking Business

Trucking technology can be a huge advantage if we let it.

Whether you’re a leased operator, owner-operator, or fleet manager, make the decision to use trucking technology to your advantage with a business management software.

TruckLogics is a trucking management software with features for managing dispatches, tracking income & expenses, scheduling maintenance, sending invoices, and so much more.

Just like ExpressTruckTax takes the paperwork out of filing, our sister product TruckLogics is aimed at taking the paperwork out of trucking.

Trucking technology is a huge asset for saving time and money. Get started with a free 15-day trial today!

The Best Trucker Tips For Shifting Seasons

With hurricane season in full effect, it’s a crazy time to be on the roads.

The weather is shifting, so we put together some truck driver tips and a trucker survival kit to keep you safe.

Trucking industry safety has been a huge focus recently, as trucking is listed one of the most hazardous jobs.

Safety regulations for truck drivers are enforced, but many times, driving conditions or other drivers are the main issue.

Stay alert on the road.

Take note of these trucker tips and remain focused in any weather conditions. Remember, your life is more important than your job.

If you ever feel that you do not have complete control over your vehicle, pull off the road.

Trucker Safety in Every Season

Hurricane Season

Hurricane season always comes with tons of unknowns. Storms are hard to track, and weather reporters never seem to have a definite idea of what will happen.

Because of that, it’s important for truck drivers to carry emergency items with them to use in the event of a sudden storm.

Your truck driver survival kit should include water, nonperishable food, extra clothes, a reflective vest, hat, waterproof gloves, waterproof jacket, extra socks, and boots. Include an electric blanket if you have one.

Remember, if your nonperishable food includes canned food, bring a can opener.
Also, pack a utility knife, flashlight, batteries, portable charger, hand-crank radio, matches/lighter, first aid kit, portable heater, and extra fuel in your truck driver survival kit.

Basic Driving Safety Tips

Always pay attention to weather forecasts. Know what to expect before you get on the road.

If you do end up caught in a pop-up storm or tornado warning, slow down, turn your flashers on, and find shelter as soon as you can.

If you must pull off on the side of the road, be sure to pull far off, especially if visibility is low.

Never stop under a bridge or overpass, as they turn into wind tunnels during a storm and lots of debris will pass through them.

Trucker Safety

Above all else, your personal safety is most important. Be aware that safety regulations for truck drivers might not always be enough.

Exercise personal judgment. If you must abandon your truck or personal goods, do so.

As the seasons change, hurricanes, storms, snow, and more arrive, and driving safety is compromised. Be sure that your truck is in perfect working condition at all times.

Keep up with truck maintenance to stay compliant with safety regulations for truck drivers.

Remember, you can do this with TruckLogics, a trucking management solution for all of your trucking needs. Take the paperwork out of trucking and stay safe on the road. Take advantage of your free 15-day TruckLogics trial.