Category: HVUT

ExpressTruckTax is Secure!

Posted on July 6, 2015 by - eFiling, EFTPS, Expresstrucjtax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, IRS scammers, safe, safe and secure, safety and compliance, Schedule 1, secure, Tax Professional, tax scams, Truck Tax

Year after tax year, scam artists seem to crop up, claiming they’re CPA’s that can file your 2290 for you. They may even go so far as to print out a fake Stamped Schedule 1 right before they close up shop and disappear.

Unfortunately these types of scams are very common, especially taking advantage of truckers who speak English as a second language.

Here at ExpressTruckTax, we guarantee you a safe, secure, and completely 100% scam-free experience when you file with us. Not to mention we are an IRS Authorized E-file Provider and a link to our website can be found directly on the IRS’s website.

How To Identify A Scam

Trying to identify a scam isn’t always easy, but you should always look for these two red flags.

“Cash Only” E-filing

E-filing providers who claim they only accept cash for their e-filing fee are most definitely not playing by the rules. Those who go by the book will have several payment options available, none of which are “cash only”. And you should definitely never have to pay cash for your taxes. The IRS only accepts three payment methods: Direct Debit, EFTPS, and Check or Money Order. If they ask for anything else, it’s a scam!

Not Listed on IRS Website

You may not always check, but you should. One of the easiest ways to identify and avoid being scammed is to check the IRS website for verified e-filers. If they’re not on that list, the risk they’re a scam goes up. So only use e-filer providers that you trust!

Unless you know and trust a company completely, avoid anyone who isn’t an IRS-certified e-file provider. And you should definitely avoid any company who only wants you to pay in cash! Always know who you’re giving your money to.

Beware of fake Stamped Schedule 1’s! A legitimate Stamped Schedule 1 from the IRS will look like this, complete with the IRS’s real watermark:

It will be that clear and crisp and will contain all of your correct information and vehicles. Anything that doesn’t look like this is not legitimate and will not be accepted by the DMV.

The Secure Promise from ExpressTruckTax

As an industry leader and an IRS-authorized e-file provider, ExpressTruckTax can promise security and peace of mind when you e-file through us.

Our product is McAfee Certified HackerProof and we utilize SSL, which securely encrypts communications between your device and our US-based servers.

With us, you’ll get a legitimate Stamped Schedule 1 emailed right to you within minutes after your return is accepted! Your tax payment will always go straight through us and to the right place—the IRS—in minutes.

With the help of our US-based support legends (operating from right here in Rock Hill, South Carolina!), you can rest assured that your taxes will be filed quickly and correctly. So if you have any questions or need any help, just give them a call at 704.234.6005 or sent them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support in English and Spanish.

There’s no guesswork, just secure e-filing with ease!

Skip the Traffic: E-file With ExpressTruckTax Today

Posted on July 1, 2015 by - Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, IFTA, new tax year, Schedule 1, Tax Professional, Taxable gross vehicle weight, Truck Tax

Today is the day, Trucking Nation! The IRS is now accepting Form 2290, and giving out that coveted Stamped Schedule 1.

The renewal period begins now and runs from today until August 31. So head to ExpressTruckTax now and get to e-filing! Or you can use our free app on your iOS or Android device to conveniently e-file wherever you are!

If you pre-filed with us, today is the day we will securely transmit your 2290’s to the IRS (way ahead of everyone else). And you should get your approval later today along with your Stamped Schedule 1.

Not sure if it’s time for you to file? We’ve compiled a super-quick guide with all the details you need to keep your HVUT game on point!

What is Form 2290?

IRS Form 2290 is a tax paid on a heavy vehicle that is registered, or required to be registered in your name under U.S., Canadian, or Mexican law. That means if you have a vehicle with a gross weight of 55,000 lbs or more, you must pay Heavy Vehicle Use Tax in order to renew your vehicle’s registration.

When you e-file with ExpressTruckTax, you can get everything done in one place without having to wait. ExpressTruckTax is a one-stop solution for e-filing, calculating taxes (without actually breaking out a calculator), transmitting your return, making your payment, and getting your Stamped Schedule 1 automatically via email. It’s that easy!

Bonus Time: If you use the promocode ETT10 you can get 10% off the cost of filing! AND If you Like Us on Facebook after you e-file, you’re automatically entered into our next Summer Series of Giveaways contest! We’ll select one lucky winner between now and July 15th to win a $25 Gift Card…and it could be you!

Short on Time?

If you’re short on time, on the road, or would rather have your very own processing agent handle e-filing your 2290 for you, contact our full-service division, ExpressTruckTax Plus! They can e-file your Form 2290 for you over the phone, same day!

They can handle all your authorities, permits, registrations, IFTA filing, and pretty much everything you would ever need to operate your heavy vehicle. You can call them at 803.386.0320 or email them at ettplus@expresstrucktax.com to get started.

Today’s HVUT Cheat Sheet

Leading up to today, we’ve written a lot of blogs about every situation you would find yourself in while beginning your e-filing journey. Here are a few of the more important blogs that will help you e-file:

  • What do You Get get for $9.90?
    • ExpressTruckTax is more than just an e-filing product, it’s the best value in the industry! But what exactly do you get for $9.90?
  • Forgot your Password
    • If you forgot your password, let us help. Remembering all those passwords can be rough, but you don’t have to create a new account—learn how to recover your password here!
  • How to Create an Account
    • If you’ve never filed with us before, this is the blog for you. We’ll walk you through the process of creating an account from start to finish, and with pictures!
  • FastTransfer Feature
    • If you have already e-filed with us in the past, your information can be applied to your 2015-16 Form 2290. Here’s a step-by-step process on how it works.
  • Truck Zone
    • Truck Zone is your very own virtual garage. And it’s an exclusive feature just for ExpressTruckTax. You’ll never forget another truck again because we’ll store them for you on our secure server. 
  • IRS Offices Now by Appointment Only
    • Some of the IRS offices are now by appointment only. Check here to see if your city is on that list.
  • 7 Common E-filing Mistakes to Avoid
    • We all make mistakes, but here’s how to avoid the common ones we see year after year when e-filing season begins again.
  • 6 Tips for E-filing Success This Renewal Season
    • Have a successful renewal season with these 6 easy tips on how to e-file!
  • The Do’s and Don’ts of E-filing Your 2290
    • Tips on how to make e-filing even easier by being prepared throughout the tax year.

Didn’t find answers on our E-filing Cheat Sheet? Our support legends are here for you! Do not hesitate to give them a call at 704.234.6005 or shoot them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/7 support in both English and Spanish.

Don’t wait or you’ll be late, e-file with ExpressTruckTax today!

#TruckTechTuesday: Safe Trucking

Posted on June 30, 2015 by - #TruckTechTuesday, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, Schedule 1, Truck Tax

It’s #TruckTechTuesday again, Trucking Nation! That means we get to explore the exciting world of technology that’s geared specifically toward heavy vehicles.

While the world of truck technology is fairly new, the market is growing astronomically. With both large companies (like Wal-Mart, Volkswagen and Peterbilt) and small—virtually unheard of—companies (like AirFlow, Peloton, and Haishan Deng) working to make the trucking industry better.

Trucking Awesome (Concept Trucks)

We’ve been talking a lot about trucks with sleek bullet-like designs, and while there are more similar concepts closer to being released, this week we’re changing the pace. Introducing The Chameleon by Haishan Deng.

The Chameleon is a centipede-esque truck with a segmented body that allows the truck to adjust in order to fit any container size. Not to mention, on top of that, the body of the trailer is constructed out of a soft tarp-like material that allows the truck to absorb energy during an impact.

This truck concept would revolutionize the truck industry! Due to it’s material, the truck is more lightweight so it will lessen the blow of impacts with other vehicles as well as cutting back on fuel intake. That means roads and the environment will both be safer once this truck becomes a reality.

Truck Tech Accessories

There are a lot of accessories out there for truck drivers. From dash cams to Peloton, both of which we’ve already talked about in previous blogs, truck extensions are getting really high tech.

But this week we’re going somewhat old school with Talon’s digital tire pressure monitoring system.

Monitoring tire pressure is a serious problem in big trucks. But with Talon, their device allows you to monitor the tire pressure of up to 22 wheels at a time. That means you can have some peace of mind out on the open road.

Plus, it can also monitor the temperature of your trailer, and it alerts you if that temperature or if the air pressure in any of your tires becomes too low.

Apps for Road Warriors

With Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Season beginning tomorrow, this week’s app is our very own ExpressTruckTax app, available for free for your iOS & Android devices.

With ExpressTruckTax, you get so much more than an e-filing system, you get the best value in the Trucking Industry!

And we have an app! That means you can e-file from virtually anywhere. That and you get the same great ExpressTruckTax product and support. You can even pull up your Stamped Schedule 1 from your phone!

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 e-filing, Trucking Nation!

What do You Get for $9.90?

Posted on June 29, 2015 by - 2290 Amendment, 2290 Free VIN Correction, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, Form 2290 corrections, HVUT, Schedule 1, Truck Tax, VIN Corrections

You may have heard us constantly say we’re “the best value in the industry”, but what exactly do you get for the price?


Well, for starters:

  • No other IRS-authorized E-File Provider offers a price this low.
    • Priced at just $9.90, we truly are the best value in the industry. And with us, you get more than just e-filing: you get a great product and superior customer service.
  • We have the best customer support team in the industry.
    • In fact, we call them Support Legends because no matter who you get connected to, they can handle your questions with ease. All of them are fully trained and here all year around—whether it’s HVUT season or not. 
  • We work closely with truckers, owner-operators, and trucking associations.
    • That means we understand the industry and the frustration that comes with filing heavy vehicle use tax. Unlike other providers, we can provide you the best value and the best product specifically for the trucking industry!

    And all of that comes free! We haven’t even scratched the surface of everything ExpressTruckTax can do for you—and for just $9.90! We’ll be saving you some dolla dolla bills y’all.

    What You Get For the Price

    • The Ability to E-file Your 2290 With Ease
      • ExpressTruckTax provides you with a great and easy-to-use product. In fact, we have the most efficient e-filing process out there! All you have to do is follow three easy steps, and then you’re done. You can get your Stamped Schedule 1 in minutes and get back to your life. It really is as easy as 1-2-3!
    • Stamped Schedule 1 (in Minutes!)
      • Getting your Stamped Schedule 1 with ExpressTruckTax is really easy! From start to finish, your journey to your Stamped Schedule 1 should take less than 10 minutes. Then you have your proof of filing and you’re well on your way to renewing your vehicle registration for the coming year. You can access your Stamped Schedule 1 with ExpressTruckTax one of three ways: 
        • 1. We will automatically email it to you
        • 2. There will be a copy in your ExpressTruckTax account on your Dashboard page
        • 3. You can have us fax or mail it to you, or anywhere you want.
    • Truck Zone
      • Truck Zone is a virtual garage that has been integrated into ExpressTruckTax. Whether you have one truck or a multitude, Truck Zone can help you securely organize all of your vehicle information. That way you only have to enter it once, and Truck Zone will remember it for you year after year.
    • Email Notifications
      • As soon as your Form 2290 is accepted by the IRS, you will get an email from us containing your Stamped Schedule 1. If your Form 2290 is rejected, we will also send you an email notification immediately with the exact reason for the rejection. That way you can pinpoint the exact error, correct it, and then you can re-transmit your 2290 to the IRS free of charge!
    • Form 2290 Archive
      • We also archive your Form 2290 and Stamped Schedule 1 on our secure server year after year. That means you can use our FastTransfer feature to copy your HVUT from a previous year so you don’t have to start over from scratch. Or if you ever lose your Stamped Schedule 1 and need to pull up a new one, we’ve got you covered.
    • Free VIN Corrections
      • Sometimes you can make some mistakes. Maybe you mixed up a letter or a number, or maybe you’re confusing one VIN with a different truck. It happens! That’s why we give you free VIN corrections. And it only takes a few minutes to file your correction with ExpressTruckTax.
    • Credits for sold/destroyed/stolen vehicles
      • If you sold your truck during the tax year and purchased a different vehicle, you can claim the credit for the sold truck and file your 2290 for your new truck on one return! The credit from the truck you sold will be automatically applied to the amount of Heavy Vehicle Use Tax you owe on your new truck.
    • Our Support Legends
      • They’re so good, I had to list them twice! If you have any questions about any part of the e-filing or amendment process, we have an amazing support team. Just give them a call at 704.234.6005 or shoot them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support in both English and Spanish. There is no problem they can’t solve!

    Gross Vehicle Weight Increase: 2290 Amendments

    Posted on June 26, 2015 by - 2290 Amendment, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, Form 2290 corrections, HVUT, Schedule 1, Taxable gross vehicle weight, Truck Tax

    If you’ve been following our 2290 Amendments series thus far, we’ve discussed Free VIN Corrections and how to handle an Increase in Mileage Limit. But what if your truck puts on a little—or a lot—of weight.

    An increase in the gross weight of your vehicle could mean you have to pay an increase on the heavy vehicle use tax you owed during the tax season. But only if your truck goes up to the next weight class, that is.

    What is a Weight Category or Class?

    There are eight weight classes for trucks and three weight categories. They range from light duty, which is 6,000-14,000 pounds, medium duty, ranging from 14,000-26,000, and heavy duty, which ranges from 26,000 to more than 33,000 pounds.

    These three categories then each break down into eight smaller weight classes. The weight class of your vehicle dictates how much you will pay in heavy vehicle use taxes for the tax year. The heavier the vehicle, the higher the taxes.

    What Happens if My Gross Vehicle Weight Increases?

    When your GVW increases during the tax year, all you have to do is e-file a 2290 Amendment for an increase in Gross Vehicle Weight! And when you use ExpressTruckTax, e-filing that amendment is quick, easy, and economical.

    In fact, it’s only a three step process!

    Step 1: Log In or Create New User

    • If you’re a returning user, login
    • If you’re a new user, create your account
    • Enter your business information (if you haven’t already)
    • Then click “Start” under Form 2290 Amendments
    • Choose the kind of Amendment you want to file. 
    • In this case, you want to click “Start” under “Taxable Gross Weight Increase.”

    Step 2: Input Vehicle Information

    • Select your vehicle’s first-used month
    • Select the month where your vehicle’s weight change occurred
    • If you e-filed your 2290 with ExpressTruckTax this year, select the vehicle or vehicles you would like to amend from your previous return and choose the new weight class.
    • If you are changing the weight of more than 1 vehicle, click “Save & Add Another.”

    • If you’re finished, simply click “Save” and move on to the next screen where your tax is prorated for you.

    Step 3: Transmit Your Return

    • Choose from three methods of payment to pay your increased tax to the IRS.
    • You can pay by Direct Debit, EFTPS, and check or money order (No credit or debit cards with the IRS)
    • Then our Instant Audit feature reviews your return for errors and you’re done!
    • You can securely transmit your amendment to the IRS and receive your new Stamped Schedule 1 in minutes!
      • Pro-Tip: Be sure to submit your amendment by the last day of the month following the month in which the weight increase occurred. That means, if the increase occurred in August, you need to file your amendment by the end of September.

    And that’s it! You can e-file your amendment as easy as 1,2,3. From start to finish the whole process only takes 10 minutes or less. We’re just that good!

    If you need any help e-filing your 2290 Amendments, our dedicated support legends are here year round to answer all of your tax related questions! So don’t be shy, give us a call at 704.234.6005 or send us an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24 our support in English or Spanish.

    And starting July 1, ExpressTruckTax will be giving 10% off of their already super-affordable filing price! All you have to do is enter the promo code ETT10. What a deal!

    Increase in Mileage Limit: E-filing 2290 Amendments

    Posted on June 22, 2015 by - 2290 Amendment, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, Form 2290 corrections, HVUT, Schedule 1, Truck Tax

    Tax season and tax amendments go hand in hand. After you file your Form 2290, at the end of the tax season (August 31), you may notice that there are some changes you need to make on your tax forms.

    We’ve already discussed Free VIN Corrections, but you may be wondering about how to file an amendment to increase or change your mileage limit.

    There are three types of amendments you can e-file when it comes to your Form 2290. The second of those amendments (since we’ve already addressed the VIN Corrections), is the mileage limit amendment.

    What is a Mileage Limit?

    A mileage limit is the amount of miles a suspended heavy vehicle is allowed to drive on public highways before tax is owed on that vehicle. Typically, the limit for suspended vehicles is 5,000 miles, and if this is exceeded, tax is immediately due. However, for agricultural vehicles, this limit is 7,500 miles!

    Keep in mind that this limit only applies to the total miles your vehicle drives on public highways during the tax year, regardless of the number of owners.

    The Form 2290 Mileage Increase Amendment is for suspended vehicles that exceeded the mileage use limit for the tax year, so if you filed as suspended, but just went over that limit, then it’s time to start e-filing!

    I’m Over the Mileage Limit! Now What?

    So what happens when you go over the mileage limit? Well, Trucking Nation, that’s when you start e-filing your handy dandy Form 2290 Amendment!

    Now you don’t have to worry about filing amendments just yet, but you should be pre-filing. However, there’s a chance you might need to e-file an amendment in the near future. But that’s why we’re here!

    And at ExpressTruckTax, as e-filing industry leaders, our amendment process is quick and easy!

    Step 1: Log In or Create New User

    • If you are a returning user, log in to your account.
    • If you are a new user, choose to create an account.
      • Pro-tip: If you don’t want to go through and create a whole new account, you can also choose to link your ExpressTruckTax account with Facebook or Google+.
    • Then, click “Start” under Form 2290 Amendments.
    • After that, choose the kind of amendment and click start under “Mileage Exceeded.”

    Step 2: Make Your Corrections

    • If you are a returning user, you can choose to amend a return you e-filed with us.
    • If you are a new user, you can choose to amend a return that was paper-filed or e-filed elsewhere.

    • Next, choose the vehicle you are filing the amendment for.
    • Again, if you haven’t filed with us, enter the vehicle’s information, such as the VIN, taxable gross weight, and whether or not it’s used for logging.
    • Finally, hit “Save” or “Save & Add Another” if you’re e-filing an amendment for more than one vehicle.

    Step 3: Review & Submit!

    • The prorated tax is then calculated for you!
    • Click “Next,” and enter your method of payment. The IRS accepts Direct Debit (EFW), EFTPS, and check or money order (The IRS does not accept credit/debit cards).

    • Then, just review your information one last time, and then let our system perform an Instant Audit to make certain everything is correct.
    • Finally, securely transmit your amendment to the IRS, and you should get your Stamped Schedule 1 in minutes!

    When it comes time to e-file Form 2290 Amendments, we’ll be here for you! So if you have any questions or need any help when it comes to e-filing, you can talk to us.

    Just give us a call at 704.234.6005 or send us an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support in English and Spanish!

    And don’t forget, that there are only 8 days left to pre-file your HVUT! That means there’s still time to get a sweet discount on e-filing when you use the promocode PREFILE, and you can still be entered in our Swag Bag Giveaway. So don’t delay, pre-file today!

    7 Common E-filing Mistakes to Avoid

    Posted on June 19, 2015 by - 2290 Amendment, e-Filing, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, Form 2290 corrections, HVUT, Truck Tax

    With pre-filing season in full swing and the regular filing season peeking over the horizon, there are some common mistakes we should address.

    Time and time again filers tend to make the same mistakes when it comes to filing their heavy vehicle use taxes. So let’s go over them so they’re fresh in your mind when you e-file or pre-file this tax season!

    1. Incorrect EIN or VIN

    Your EIN is your Employer Identification Number, and your VIN is your Vehicle Identification Number, and both are equally important. In order to file your HVUT, you will need to know both, and both will need to be correct. So check, double check, and triple check if you have to, because if those ID’s are even one letter or number off, your return could be rejected by the IRS. And nobody wants that! But if it does happen, don’t fret! You can retransmit rejected returns for free with us!

    2. Computation Errors

    We know tax calculations can be hard, but that’s why when you e-file with us, our system will calculate the amount due for you! Now you don’t have to worry about doing all that complicated tax math. All you have to worry about is what you need to pay and remembering your EIN and VIN so you don’t make any errors on your tax forms. Then, once you’re ready to submit, our Instant Audit feature can help you eliminate any errors you may have made before you complete your return.

    3. Incorrect Filing Status

    If you know you will travel fewer than 5,000 miles on public highways during the tax year, then you should file your vehicle as suspended. This saves you time and money, and if you ever exceed the mileage limit, you can always submit an Amendment through ExpressTruckTax!

    4. Incorrect Filing Year

    If you’re pre-filing this month, like all of the cool kids, be sure that you’re selecting the correct tax year! Instead of electing to file for the current tax year, you want to select advance filing for the 2015-16 tax year. Like so:

    5. Duplicate Vehicle Information

    You definitely don’t want to enter a single vehicle more than once, but if you do accidentally enter details for the same truck twice, you can remove it easily by clicking the “remove” button next to the duplicate vehicle.

    6. EIN Not Registered

    It takes up to 10 business days for a new EIN to be entered into the IRS system. So if you don’t have one yet, you need one ASAP! That way you’ll be prepared in time to still pre-file before the tax season begins July 1. If you already have your EIN, don’t forget you have to wait for the IRS to activate your EIN before you can e-file! If you don’t, you’ll keep getting an EIN Not Registered error when you try to begin your HVUT.

    7. Incorrect First-Used Month

    This error might not get your return rejected, but it will cause some problems when it comes time to get your new tags. The tax year for HVUT begins July 1st. This means that for all renewals, the first-used month is automatically July—even if you’re filing in August! There is only one instance where you would choose a later month, and that’s if your truck is purchased after the beginning of the tax year. For example, if you purchase a new truck in September, then that would be the first-used month.

    What it all boils down to in the end, Trucking Nation, is to make certain you check, re-check and re-check your taxes again before hitting submit. You never know what you could miss!

    But if you find yourself unsure or if you have any questions, we’re here for you! We have a dedicated, year-round support team just to help you. So give us a call at 704.234.6005 or send us an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24 hour support in English and Spanish! And let us help you avoid these common e-filing mistakes.

    #FreightTechFriday: What’s New in Truck Tech

    Posted on June 12, 2015 by - Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, rigminders, truck tech, trucking news

    The world of technology is expanding, and so is the trucking industry alongside it. There are more technologies out for truckers now than there ever have been. 

    Between apps like ExpressTruckTax, to truck extensions like Trailer Tail, truckers can now be more economic and more environmentally friendly.

    And best of all, there’s even more trucks, truck extensions, and trucking apps coming out all the time to make the industry more environmentally friendly. Not to mention, these advancements in technology can make the lives of the people transporting our goods safer and easier.

    It’s a whole new world out there, Trucking Nation! Let’s take a look!

    Trucking Awesome (Concept Trucks)

    High-tech truck concepts have been dominating blogs and social media posts lately. These futuristic concepts are not only helpful for the trucking industry and the environment, they’re also really, really cool!

    Don’t believe me? Check out AirFlow’s new concept BulletTruck:

    With this new concept truck, AirFlow is hoping to revolutionize the trucking industry in both aerodynamics and fuel consumption.

    In fact, this summer AirFlow drove their BulletTruck prototype from Connecticut to California to show off the gorgeous design as well as test it’s amazing aerodynamics. Well, that and to show off it’s fantastic fuel mileage.

    AirFlow has increased the mileage from the roughly 7 MPG trucks are averaging now to averaging 13.4 MPG on a trip across the country! If that’s not revolutionary, I don’t know what is.


    Truck Extensions

    Your truck is essentially an extension of yourself. You spend a lot of time hauling goods and travelling from place to place, essentially seeing all of North America.

    That means you probably don’t want your truck looking drab; it should be a reflection of you and your awesome personality! Well, that and it doesn’t hurt to make your truck a little more environmentally friendly, with extensions like AirTab and Trailer Tail, that we talked about in a previous blog.

    But there’s even more awesome technologies out there for truckers and drivers alike! Perhaps the most recent one gaining a lot of traction in the trucking market are Dash Cams.

     

    Dash Cams are smallish cameras that go on your dash and film while you’re driving. This way any accident you get into, you have proof of fault. Well, that and you can take some fantastic video and pictures of your journey across the continent!

    Apps for Road Warriors

    Smartphone applications are the largest market for truck technology (and for technology in general). There are apps for almost everything these days, including several trucking-specific ones. From tax calculators to truck tax apps galore, you can find them for your smartphone or tablet.

    A big chunk of the app market for truckers, especially lately, are reminder apps. From simple calendars to apps that are a little more complex and contain pre-loaded trucking industry deadlines.

    That’s where RigMinders comes in. Rigminders is a reminder app geared specifically toward truckers, and it contains lots of pre-loaded industry deadlines, such as when 2290’s are due and when IFTA is due as well.

    Then on top of all that, you can also load personal deadlines and truck maintenance deadlines. You’ll never forget another appointment, tax due date, or whatever you want!

    Rigminders will send you push notifications on your phone and an email reminding you of your upcoming deadlines. You can even set how many notifications you want, what types of notifications you want, and when the reminder will be sent to you (5 days before, 1 day before, etc).

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

    And as always, if you find yourself with some tax questions, give our dedicated support legends a call at 704.234.6005 or email them at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24 hour support in both English and Spanish!


    The Do’s & Don’ts of E-filing Your Form 2290

    Posted on June 11, 2015 by - do's & don'ts, EIN, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, Gross Vehicle weight, HVUT, Schedule 1, taxable vehicles

    The pre-filing season is in full-force, Trucking Nation! And with great e-filing comes great responsibility. 

    We’ve talked about the how-to’s and the benefits of e-filing and pre-filing, but what we haven’t talked about is what “to do” and “not to do” for the rest of the tax year.

    A little bit of time spent preparing for your HVUT can save you the headache of filing an amendment or correcting a rejected return later. And here at ExpressTruckTax we want to make sure you have everything you need to e-file successfully!

    Here are the Do’s and Don’ts of E-filing your 2290!

    Do Pre-file

    This year ExpressTruckTax is offering pre-filing for the 2015-16 tax year throughout June! When you pre-file with us, not only are you entered into our Swag Bag Give-Away, you’re also done with your HVUT for the year. Once the tax season begins on July 1 and the IRS begins accepting 2290’s, we’ll securely transmit your return for you so you don’t have to worry about it.

    Don’t Wait until the Last Minute

    With pre-filing available for all of our customers, why would you want to wait until the last minute to file your Form 2290? It’s just not a good idea! Especially since if your return is rejected and you waited until the last minute, you risk missing the deadline and you may have to pay penalties for not filing on time. So get it done early so you’ll still have time even if you make some mistakes.

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    Do Keep Records

    You need to keep detailed records of your trip and mileage, because not only is it required, it could also help you if you need to file for a suspended vehicle. When you file for suspended vehicles, you need to be able to prove that you’re under the mileage limit to the IRS. So keep everything in order, because you never know when you’ll need it.

    Don’t Put off Filling out Trip Sheets

    Like I said, if you plan on filing for a suspended vehicle, you’ll need proof, and your trip sheets, in addition to being required, help to accomplish that. Not to mention that keeping good records is always smart when you’re filing any sort of taxes. So do them right away because if you wait until later, you risk forgetting the exact mileage and that can come back to bite you later.

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    Do Call if You Need Help 

    If you need any sort of help e-filing your HVUT, we have a dedicated support team to help you! We’re here to answer your questions and walk you through the process from start to finish to make sure it’s a stress-free experience for you.

    • Pro-tip #1: Read Our How-To Guides

    If you don’t have access to a phone, you can send us an email, find us on chat on our website, or you can read any number of how-to guide blogs we’ve written to help you! We have one for just about everything: Pre-filing, E-filing, Account Creation, and we even have a quick orientation video!

    Don’t Try to Do It on Your Own

    If you don’t know what you’re doing at any point in the e-filing process, then call us! Nobody wants to have their return rejected by the IRS. So if you have questions or there’s something you’re not sure about, let us walk you through it! 

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    Do Get Your EIN early!

    In order to file your Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes, you need to have an Employer Identification Number. If you don’t have an EIN, you need to get one right away because it takes some time before it becomes active and you are able to e-file or pre-file for the tax year.

    Don’t File a Tax Return with a New EIN

    It takes 10-15 business days for your EIN to become active. Any returns filed before the EIN has been activated will be rejected. So if you need to get an EIN, apply online directly with the IRS, and do it now so you’ll be able to e-file for the tax season!

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    Do Know Your VIN and Gross Vehicle Weight

    You need to know both your VIN and GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) to file your Form 2290 correctly. You can calculate your own Gross Vehicle Weight simply by adding together three numbers:

    1. The unloaded (tare) weight of the truck
    2. The unloaded weight of the trailer
    3. The maximum weight of the cargo customarily carried by the truck/trailer.

    Don’t Guesstimate Your Gross Vehicle Weight
    When you don’t enter your correct GVW, you could wind up paying more than you need to for your HVUT. It will also spell trouble if you head to a weigh station and your Schedule 1 details don’t match the scales. So follow our simple 3-step calculation method listed above to accurately calculate your Gross Vehicle Weight.

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    Do Know the Types of Taxable Vehicles

    • Regular: A regular heavy vehicle is any vehicle, weighing 55,000 lbs or more, that has driven over the 5,000 mile limit on public highways. For these vehicles, e-file your Form 2290 as normal and pay your heavy vehicle use tax.
    • Suspended: Suspended vehicles are any heavy vehicle or agricultural vehicle that have been driven under their mileage limit for the tax year. For heavy vehicles, this limit is 5,000 and for agricultural vehicles this limit is 7,500 miles. Having a suspended vehicle means after you file your heavy vehicle use tax, you won’t owe any tax! Yay!
    • Agriculture: Agricultural vehicles are any vehicles used for farming or agriculture. These vehicles can be driven 7,500 miles on public highways until they are no longer considered suspended, at which time, HVUT is due.
    • Logging: Logging vehicles are any vehicles that are used to transport forest materials within or from a foresting site, or a vehicle that moves forested materials from one site to another. With logging vehicles, companies and drivers alike are eligible to pay less taxes for the tax year. So if you drive a logging truck, make sure you specify when you’re e-filing!

    Don’t Miss out on Savings

    If you drive a suspended or logging vehicle, you’re eligible for a tax discount! (See above) If you drive an agricultural vehicle you can log more mileage during the tax year before your vehicle is considered a “regular, non-suspended” vehicle.

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    Do E-file with Express Truck Tax

    Great people, great price, great product! Not only are we IRS-certified and secure, ExpressTruckTax is also easy-to-use, and we have a great support team always standing by to help answer your tax questions.

    If you find yourself with any questions or concerns throughout your e-filing or pre-filing process, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 704.234.6005 or send us an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24 hour support in English or Spanish.

    Happy pre-filing, Trucking Nation!

    Pre-filing for All: E-filing for 2015-16 Tax Year Now Available!

    Posted on June 3, 2015 by - 2015-16 Tax Year, Advance Form 2290 E-Filing Option, Advanced Filing, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, Pre-filing, trucking news

     

    Looks like the cat is out of the bag, Trucking Nation! And we’re happy to announce that we are offering pre-filing for everyone this HVUT renewal season!

    Beginning right now, this very second, we are offering pre-filing for everyone who wants to get ahead of the game. Pre-filing now means you have an extra month to get your taxes done and get back to your life!


    The Advantages are Endless

    Now, you may be wondering what the benefits of pre-filing are, or how pre-filing affects you. Well, just like when you e-file with us normally, the benefits of pre-filing are endless!

    Here’s what pre-filing can do for you:

    • Pre-filing gives you more time (a month’s worth!) to amend your return if it gets rejected or if you make a tiny mistake.
    • Even though you’re pre-filing, it doesn’t mean you have to pre-pay! And there’s no extra cost to pre-file with us either—still the best value in the industry.
    • You can still use the same 3 payment methods you’re used to: Direct Debit, EFTPS, and Check or Money Order. BUT if you schedule an EFTPS payment for the deadline on August 31st, or elect to pay by check or money order, then you won’t have to pay your taxes until the deadline day. That’s three whole months to save up your tax!
    • Your return will be at the very top of the stack when the IRS begins processing returns on July 1. This means you’ll get your Stamped Schedule 1 before anyone else too!
    • Then you can get back to your life! After you pre-file you don’t have to worry at all because we’ll take it from there. We will securely transmit your return to the IRS for you and then email you your Schedule 1.
    And so much more! Pre-filing is a way for you to get your Form 2290 out of the way, fast. No muss, no fuss, just getting on with your life. Don’t believe me? Just have a look at Marvin & Larry!

    1 Promocode, 2 Awesome Benefits

    Here’s the next best thing about pre-filing. During the month of June we’re offering 10% off the filing fee when you use the promocode PREFILE at checkout!

    And to top it all off, everyone who pre-files with us in the month of June is entered to win a Swag Bag, complete with a $50 gift card and a bunch of ExpressTruckTax goodies, or swag, as the kids are calling it these days!

    If you find yourself with questions, we’re here for you! So give us a call at 704.234.6005, shoot us an email at support@expresstrucktax.com, or find us on chat on our website. We’ll provide you with all the help you need, day or night in English and in Spanish! Don’t be a Larry, pre-file with us today!