Category: expresstrucktax

Save On Future 2290s With Our Wallet Feature

Posted on May 17, 2017 by - 2290, 2290 forms, 2290 Schedule 1, e-file 2290, expresstrucktax, Form 2290, future, HVUT Bulk Filer, hvut credit, phone file 2290, pre-file 2290, pre-file form 2290, prepaid credits, save, wallet

If you look off into the horizon you’ll see that HVUT season is approaching. Are you an owner operator who needs to file for a single truck? Or a fleet owner who needs to file for tons of trucks? Either way, those 2290’s need to be completed by the August 31st deadline and you can use the Wallet Feature from ExpressTruckTax to get major savings on your future HVUT filing needs.

The ExpressTruckTax Wallet Feature

The wallet feature allows you to purchase prepaid credits that provide a 10% discount on your future 2290 forms. Simply use the credits to pay for your form instead of using your credit cards.

In order to get credits create your free account with ExpressTruckTax and log in to access your wallet in the dashboard. It’s in the top right corner and will display how many prepaid credits you have for your future 2290 forms.

If you don’t have any credits click the orange ‘BUY’ button. Then you’ll see multiple purchasing options from a single vehicle to over 500. The credits don’t expire, so buy as many as you need for future 2290 forms.

Note: These credits provide a 10% discount on your 2290 form, not on the amount of HVUT owed.

These credits save money and they also save tons of time. Instead of having to hunt down your credit card and enter payment information every time you file a 2290 Form, you can simply click pay with credit.

How To E-file With ExpressTruckTax

First, either on your computer or with the free ExpressTruckTax app on your smartphone or tablet create your free account. You’ll register with your email address and create a personal password.

Then enter your business information and EIN or Employee Identification Number with serves as your Tax-ID. You need an EIN to file and can apply for one with the IRS.

Next, choose your tax year and your vehicle’s first used month. Then you’ll enter your vehicle’s information, including it’s VIN and taxable gross weight.

This is where you’ll verify if your vehicle was used for any special purposes like agricultural uses, or for logging.

After that, we will calculate exactly how much you owe to the IRS so you can pay your HVUT! You have several payment options available, including Direct Debit or Electronic Funds Withdrawal, EFTPS, and Check or Money Order.

Next, we will present you with a summary of your information so that you can make sure you entered everything correctly and our audit check will make sure that your form is clear of any basic errors.

Then once your payment has been entered you can safely and securely transmit your form directly to the IRS. Enter a 5-digit code of your choice to electronically sign your form before transmitting it.

Finally, the fun part! You will receive your stamped Schedule 1 almost immediately from the IRS via email! You can also have it texted or faxed anywhere you want.

But Wait, You Can Pre-File Now Over The Phone!

Call ExpressTruckTax Plus right now at 803.386.0320 to go ahead and pre-file your Form 2290 to get your HVUT out of the way. The process is easy, simply call them and they will send you the necessary consent forms via email. Then they will file and transmit your Form 2290 directly to the IRS on July 1st. You’ll receive your copy of your Schedule 1 via email, as soon as the IRS stamps it.

We’re Here For You

Taxes can be confusing, that’s why we’re here to help. If you need any assistance please call one of our truck tax experts. We will be more than happy to answer your questions. We’re available Monday – Friday from 8:30 am to 5:30 PM at 704.234.6005. You can also reach us via live chat and we offer 24/7 email support at support@expressextension.com.

New Trucker Mistakes

Posted on November 23, 2016 by - burn out, expresstrucktax, freight rates, mistakes, new truck, new truckers, Owner Operators, school, trucking, veteran truckers

New Trucker Mistakes
New Trucker Mistakes

It’s no doubt that an influx of truckers enter the industry every year – it’s undeniable, the turnover rate in this industry can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, sometimes the system that feeds negativity into itself – new drivers hear disheartening information and carry this on their shoulders. After a while, the attitude can sour a driver.

Learning The Wrong Stuff From the Veterans

If you’re new, you need to learn the ropes from those that know them. Sure, school teaches you the rules, but putting these techniques into practice teaches you how they work in the practical sense. Someone who has backed their trailer in a thousand times can offer advice you may have missed.

As far as rookie drivers go, you should apply your learnings to the logic of seasoned drivers, picking up the safe and time-saving tricks and tips they offer. However, be sure to shrug off any unsafe shortcuts.

According to what one trucker told Business Insider, you’re getting ripped off if you’re less than 33 cents a mile.

If new drivers need to learn anything, it’s the livable rates they should earn for driving. Nobody wants to be ripped off, but the risk is high for truckers.

Just remember, if something is too good to sound true, it is!

Rushing Into It Without a Plan

It’s tempting to push through your training, ready for the actual job. But think about it – you don’t want to land a gig and find out that you are clueless! Sure, you will feel a little lost when you start a new job regardless, but you don’t want to leave your training without a clue!

Sure, you’re ready to drive – but make sure you’re not desperate. Desperation can lead new truckers to do reckless things, and that’s the last thing we need.

According to some seasoned drivers, new drivers are so green that they don’t understand that leasing trucks come with a significant cost of maintenance and overhead. When young drivers end up in this situation, they can have very little to show for it.

If you’re spending $900 a week on your truck, and find yourself barely able to afford ramen noodles, you need to rethink what you’re doing here!

Perpetuating the attitude, when you get started at your new company, you were introduced to a grizzled, older trucker who seems unphased by your presence. He probably doesn’t care about you – that you knew from the moment he grumbled something under his breath and walked off.

Don’t be that guy. I mean, everybody has bad days – that’s unavoidable. But you don’t want to be the one who perpetuates the poor attitude trope. You don’t have to be pure sunshine, but communicating in a likable fashion allows you to build relationships as you progress in your field.

Ask questions, be honest with your coworkers, and win them over with competence and openness. What you bring with your positivity will help you as an earner, and provide an example for other truckers.

With the right attitude, you’ll even avoid driver burnout.

Getting Burned Out

Some people get into trucking as a temporary way to earn some cash until they figure out their next venture. That’s fine! But If you want to last in this industry, you need to take care of yourself and keep a nice environment.

Taking care of yourself means a few different things. First, whether you’re an owner-operator or a company driver, if you drive local or OTR, you should go out of your way to work (and possibly live) in a nice, clean truck.

Other burnout prevention methods just happen to cross paths with health and hygiene tips, surprisingly. If you want to keep a sound mental state, find ways you can relax in your downtime.

Don’t get too relaxed, though! You should also find ways to improve your food and fitness routines!

One of the worst mistakes you can make is not e-filing your Form 2290 when the deadline rolls around – or when you purchase a new truck.

With ExpressTruckTax, e-filing HVUT is not only easy, it’s fast, safe, and supported by a great U.S.-based customer satisfaction team. E-file with us and we’ll answer any and all questions you may have.

So for all of our new truckers, let this be your year to be the best trucker ever!

Related Blog: 3 Reasons You’re Not Cut out to Be a Trucker


Downtime Entertainment: Fun and Games on the Road

Posted on October 25, 2016 by - diet, downtime, entertainment, exercise, expresstrucktax, fun, games, mental health, on the road, truck drivers, trucker health, trucking nation

Fun and Games on the Road
Fun and Games on the Road

When you’re out on the road, you have enough troubles to contend with.

Over the years, we’ve encouraged proper health through diet and exercise, but sometimes you need to give your mind a workout.

So we asked Susan, one of our truck tax experts and our resident Queen of Sage Advice, about how truckers can work their mental fortitude while on the road.

Here’s what she had to say:

You may spend most of your driving time in your own head. When you park at the end of your shift, all you want to do is decompress with some guilty pleasures, like binge watching TV shows or movies. But it’s much healthier to get out and about doing something physical (walking), social (talking with someone while you walk), or learning something new (juggling maybe?).


After some physical exercise, consider working that grey matter in your head with some games and puzzles.

Studies have shown working your body will increase oxygen flow throughout your system. They also show engaging in mental play can also be good for your overall health and well-being.

Putting the Pieces Together

With its birth around 1760, the jigsaw puzzle is a good way to work those brain muscles. Either done solitary or with a friend or two, puzzles have come quite a long way from its rudimentary beginning of paper on wood.

From small (100 pieces or less) to colossal (record breaking 24,000 pieces) there is a picture and number of pieces that will work for you. Puzzles can be kept with a puzzle keeper, found in many big box stores, or use a roll of felt to keep the pieces from moving around. You can even work puzzles online, use “free jigsaw puzzles” in your search.

Consider the Game at Hand

There are all kinds of card games available using standard decks or special decks, like Pinochle, UNO and many others. If you want to really flex your brain, consider learning Bridge, one of the greatest thinking card games around.

Cards can be played in groups or online. If you prefer, there is the ever popular Solitaire, but there are also variations of Solitaire, other than the well known Klondike.

There are books and online sources with instructions, or just look for virtual games where you can play a hand or two with players from around the world.

If You’re Bored, Try Board Games

If you don’t have a physical board game available, take a look at what is available online. Scrabble has a broad online player universe, giving you the opportunity, just like with cards, to meet other game players from around the world.

There are always the classic games that will engage the brain just as well: dominoes, checkers, Chinese checkers (marbles), Bunco (dice), chess, and backgammon. Plus, there are many new incarnations of these games available.

Playing games, interacting with others in person (or online) can be just what ‘the doctor ordered’ to help you remain sharp and focused while on the road. The great thing about these mental gymnastics? You can play anytime and anywhere you park your rig.

When it comes to filing that 2290 HVUT, using an 8849 Schedule 6 for a refund, or filing that VIN correction, the team at ExpressTruckTax.com wants you to know that we don’t play around.

Our system makes it easy and fast to complete your filings. Plus, we are here to guide you through the steps so you can get on with your day.

Give us a call Monday – Friday, 8 am to 6 pm EST – or drop us an email with any questions you may have. Plus, drop in anytime and visit with us on Twitter or Facebook. It’s always nice to chat with friends!

Gross Vehicle Weight Increase: E-Filing Form 2290 Amendments

Posted on September 27, 2016 by - 2290 Amendments, e-file 2290, expresstrucktax, form 2290 amendments, Gross Vehicle weight, gross weight increase, VIN Correction, weight, weight classes, weight increase

Gross Vehicle Weight Increase
Gross Vehicle Weight Increase

As part of our series on e-filing Form 2290 Amendments, we have to discuss the elephant in the room.

Yup, that’s right… Gross vehicle weight increases! If your truck goes up to the next weight class, that means you have to pay an increase on the heavy vehicle tax you owed during tax season.

Weight Classes

There are eight weight classes for trucks, and three weight categories. They include light duty, which is 6-15k lbs, medium duty, coming in at 14-26k lbs, and heavy duty, which ranges from 26k-33 lbs.

These three categories then get broken down into eight smaller weight classes. The weight class then determines how much you will owe in heavy vehicle use taxes for that year. The heavier your vehicle – the higher your taxes will be.

Gross Vehicle Weight Increases

With ExpressTruckTax, all you need to do is e-file a Form 2290 Amendment to account for your vehicle’s gross weight increase. It’s easy, it’s economical, and we’ll tell you how to do it!

After signing in, you start your amendment like we’ve discussed in our previous posts. Once inside the amendment form, you select your vehicle’s first-used month, and then select the month where your vehicle’s weight change occurred.

If you already e-filed your HVUT form with ExpressTruckTax this year, you just select the vehicle(s) you need to amend from your previous return and choose your new weight class. If you’re changing the weight for multiple trucks, click “Save & Add Another.”

Pro-Tip: If you e-filed your 2290 with us this year, you are able to e-file a FREE VIN correction.

After that, you simply choose your payment method like you would for your regular 2290, and follow through to transmittal.

Don’t forget, you need to submit your amendment by the last day of the month following the month in which your weight increase occurred. If your weight increase occurred in February, you would need to file your amendment by the end of March.

The good news is, that’s all you need to do! It’s a pretty simple process, actually.

If you need help e-filing any amendments, call us at 704.234.6005, or hit us up on Facebook and Twitter. We’ll be here to help in any way we can!

Related Blog: Exceeding the Mileage Limit

Exceeding the Mileage Limit: E-filing Form 2290 Amendments

Posted on September 23, 2016 by - 2290 Amendment, 2290 Free VIN Correction, Agricultural Vehicles, expresstrucktax, Form 2290 corrections, mileage limit, Mileage Limit Exceeded, suspended vehicles

E-Filing Form 2290 Amendments
E-Filing Form 2290 Amendments

As we move further away from 2290 deadline season, it becomes more clear that filers might need to make amendments, corrections, and changes to the 2290’s they’ve already filed.

Of course, we’re not going to cover all of those corrections that can be made in one post. As part of our ongoing discussion about e-filing Form 2290 Amendments, we’re focusing on what to do when you Exceed the Mileage Use Limit.

Mileage Limits on IRS Form 2290

Mileage use limit for a heavy vehicle on public highways is 5,000 miles (or) less (7,500 miles (or) less for agricultural vehicles). The mileage use limit applies to the total mileage a vehicle is on the road during a period, regardless of the number of owners.

Just like when we talked about VIN corrections, ExpressTruckTax has an option for those who exceed the mileage use limit.

Exceeding the Limit

What should you do when your suspended vehicles exceeds the mileage use limit?

It’s not unusual for a suspended vehicle to exceed its mileage use limit, which is why the IRS allows you to file an amendment if your vehicle exceeds the mileage use limit.

So how do you do it? Traditionally, you to need to calculate the tax on Form 2290, page 2, based on the month the vehicle was first used in the period. After that, you file the amended Form 2290 and Schedule 1 by the last day of the month following the month in which the mileage use limit was exceeded.

However, if you want to file your amendment fast, login to ExpressTruckTax.com, where it’s easy to file a mileage limit amendment and accurately calculate the tax due to IRS. Best of all, you will get your Schedule 1 for the new claim within minutes.

If you’ve e-filed with us before, you can select that return from our system. We also accept new filers, as well.

If you have questions about e-filing a 2290 amendment, please call us at 704.234.6005 – we’re here ready to answer your call in Rock Hill, SC, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Related Blog: Form 2290: Adding Suspended Vehicles

ExpressTruckTax Mobile App: E-File Form 2290 on the Road

Posted on August 22, 2016 by - 2290 deadline, android, e-file, e-file 2290, E-file due date, E-file form 2290, expresstrucktax, features, Form 2290, form 2290 due date, ios, Mobile App

E-File Form 2290 from the Road
ExpressTruckTax Form 2290 Mobile App

As we go into the final stretch with truck taxes, we want to remind you about the ExpressTruckTax mobile app.

We believe it’s one of the easiest ways you can file form 2290 online for 2016-2017.

All About the ExpressTruckTax App

If you didn’t know, we offer a mobile app for both iOS and Android. As a truck driver, you’re always on the go. Why not be able to access a saved copy of your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Form 2290 and stamped Schedule 1 – anytime, anywhere.

Key Features of the App

What can you do with the ExpressTruckTax mobile app? Not only can you e-file truck tax Form 2290, you can do everything that you can do on the ExpressTruckTax website, and more!

With the ExpressTruckTax app, you can:

  • Automatically calculate your tax amount
  • Correct and resubmit any rejected returns for FREE
  • Add and manage multiple businesses and EIN’s with one account
  • Save time by using the prepaid return credits for 2290 filing fees
  • Take advantage of bulk pricing and unlimited filing options

Benefits of E-Filing with the ExpressTruckTax App

First of all, the app is free to download. You won’t have to pay until you e-file your 2290 form.

Secondly, you can take it anywhere. And we mean that! With the app in hand, you have the power to e-file whether you’re at home or on the road.

Best of all? You can receive a push notification once the IRS accepts your return! No more wondering!

When Is the 2290 Form Deadline Due Date?

The Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Form 2290 deadline is August 31st, 2016.

Instead of pushing off the 2290 truck tax due date, download our app and e-file today!

That’s just over a week away. E-file now!

Save Time & Bulk Upload Multiple 2290 Forms

Posted on August 4, 2016 by - Bulk Upload, Carriers, e-file 2290, E-file form 2290, expresstrucktax, file HVUT, fleets, Form 2290, HVUT form 2290, IRS HVUT Form 2290, tax zone, truckzone

Save Time & Bulk Upload Multiple 2290 Forms

One of the best things about the trucking industry is how diverse it is.

One trucker might be an owner-operator, the other might be a company man for a large fleet. Either way, they’re going to have to file Form 2290. Taxable vehicles include any highway motor vehicles that have a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more.

So that probably covers your entire fleet. But how can you file HVUT for all of your vehicles? The answer is simple: bulk uploading and ExpressTruckTax’s TruckZone feature.

Why Should I Bulk Upload?

First of all, it’s easy. Instead of entering each record one-by-one, you fill out a spreadsheet and our program does the rest.

Here’s what you do:

  • Login to our system, download the official spreadsheet. 
  • Go field by field and enter the appropriate information in the right format. 
  • After the form is complete, head back to ExpressTruckTax and upload the file.
  • Our software will check for errors and make sure each field is correct. 
  • Note, if you already have your own spreadsheet use our smart upload. We will make sure fields match on our end, so that you don’t waste time making a new spreadsheet. 
  • Make sure everything looks right.
  • Pay and transmit!

Finally, once you get your fleet’s vehicles uploaded, your trucks will be saved year to year thanks to our TruckZone.

What Is TruckZone?

When you need to e-file Form 2290 for multiple vehicles, TruckZone is a lifesafer. Working as virtual fleet, TruckZone keeps all of your vehicles on record so you can access them at any time.

Let’s say you need to file HVUT for 10 trucks. This feature lets you create your own truck tax zone where you can select the 10 trucks which need an HUT filing. In a few minutes, you can e-file form 2290 for all 10, and receive 10 stamped Schedule 1’s in just minutes.

Related Blog: Bulk Uploading: HVUT for Fleets

With TruckZone and bulk uploading in your virtual tax toolbox, you’ll be the master of heavy vehicle use taxes!

If you have any questions about using TruckZone, give our customer support experts a call at 704.234.6005.

E-Sign Form 8453-EX – ExpressTruckTax Feature Spotlight

Posted on July 22, 2016 by - accountant, CPA, e-sign feature, expresstrucktax, Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax, Form 2290, Form 8453 EX

E-Sign Form 8453-EX
E-Sign Form 8453-EX – Feature Spotlight

Around these parts, we do what we do to make things easier for truckers. Which in our case, usually means helping truckers understand and e-file Form 2290 – just because that’s our expertise.

But some truck drivers and carriers are unaware that we actually support a few other tax forms and features, too. One of these being Form 8453-EX.

What is Form 8453-EX, you ask? Also known as the “Excise Tax Declaration for an IRS e-File Return”, the 8453-EX is a declaration by a taxpayer to authenticate an electronic Form 2290 and authorize an intermediate service provider to transmit their return using a third-party transmitter.

Basically, if somebody else files your taxes on your behalf, you need to file this form.

A taxpayer e-filing directly through ExpressTruckTax doesn’t have to file an 8453-EX, though. But if you’re an accountant or other service provider filing on behalf of a trucker, an 8453-EX has to be signed to authorize the transmission.

What Is the E-Sign Feature?

This feature is beneficial to both truckers and accountants alike. With the e-signing feature for Form 8453-EX, CPA’s can get instant permission to e-file for their client as a third party!

Once you’ve finished the e-filing process for a client, our system will prompt you and your client to sign Form 8453-EX. 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.

Once they’ve e-signed (or rejected the form), it will return to the ExpressTruckTax system and you’ll be notified.

How Does E-Signing Help Me?

If you haven’t put it together yet, ExpressTruckTax offers a safe and secure way to get your clients to e-sign Form 8453-EX in seconds. Best of all, e-signing works on any device—computer, tablet, and mobile phone.

Plus, you get to avoid coordinating faxes on an old fax machine.

How Do I E-Sign Form 8453-EX?

When e-filing with ExpressTruckTax, all you need to do is click the link to email the electronic form to your client, and after they receive it, they can follow detailed instructions on how to complete the process on their end.

If you have any questions about e-signing 8453-EX, live chat with us over at ExpressTruckTax.com.

What to Do if Your Form 2290 Tax Return is Rejected by the IRS?

Posted on July 8, 2016 by - 2290 Amendment, 2290 e-file, e-file 2290, expresstrucktax, Form 2290, HVUT Penalties, retransmission, stamped Schedule 1

What to Do If Your Form 2290 Return is Rejected by the IRS?
What to Do If Your Form 2290 Return is Rejected by the IRS?

So you were very proactive this year, and you decided to go ahead and e-file irs form 2290.

But then you discover, your 2290 tax return has been rejected by the IRS. So what does that mean for you?

Basically, you need to keep filing until you get things right.

Thankfully, we here at ExpressTruckTax believe in unlimited retransmissions for rejected returns.

Now we’ve heard some people would rather just not file their 2290s than bother with re-transmissions – but that doesn’t make any sense.

What are the Penalties for Failing to File Form 2290?

Basically, you’re going to get hit with a bunch of financial costs if you fail to, or are late, paying
Form 2290. HVUT penalties can range from 4.5 percent of total tax due, assessed on a monthly basis up to five months to an additional monthly penalty equal to 0.5 percent of total tax due for late filers.

Additional interest charges of 0.54 percent per month accrue as well.

Do I Need to E-File Tax Form 2290?

When you e-file your 2290 with ExpressTruckTax, you receive your Schedule 1, which shows an IRS e-file watermark with the date the return was received and processed. This will be accepted by all DOT’s, DMV’s, and other federal authorities.

ExpressTruckTax automatically emails the stamped Schedule 1 after the IRS accepts your 2290. We can also send you updates via text and fax–plus we can even notify your company/carrier.

Your stamped Schedule 1 counts as your proof of payment.

What if you e-filed your tax form 2290 and then something changes—like your vehicle weight?

Just File a 2290 Amendment

When the information on the vehicle you filed for changes, the IRS wants you to file a Form 2290 Amendment. If you want to get that taken care of quickly, just e-file it with ExpressTruckTax. The choice is simple.

So don’t skip out on your tax filing, just because you’re frustrated. In fact, with unlimited retransmission—its all easy!

So if your 2290 is rejected this truck tax season, don’t worry! Instead, login to ExpressTruckTax, and we’ll take care of what we can.

See, it pays off to be proactive!

Related Blog: 7 Common E-Filing Mistakes to Avoid