Category: Schedule 1

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!

Free VIN Corrections: Only with ExpressTruckTax

Posted on June 16, 2015 by - 2290 Amendment, 2290 Free VIN Correction, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, Schedule 1, VIN Corrections

Everybody makes mistakes, even truck tax professionals. That’s why at ExpressTruckTax we are a  firm believer in second chances!

After you e-file with us the first time, we offer you free VIN corrections just in case you make an error. That way you don’t have to pay another fee to file again just because you may have mixed up two numbers. It’s one of the endless perks we offer our returning users.

However, if you didn’t file with us originally, you can always e-file a Form 2290 Amendment quickly and affordably through ExpressTruckTax.

From start to finish, the whole process of e-filing corrections and amendments through ExpressTruckTax is very easy! Plus, it only takes a few minutes and then it’s right back to your life!

In fact, if you’ve filed with us before, then the amendment process will be very familiar for you. Here’s how to file for VIN corrections of Form 2290 Amendments:

Step 1: Log in or Create an Account

  • Once your account is created, or you’ve logged in, click “Start” under Form 2290 Amendments.
  • Then select the Amendment you would like to file. For this case, you will choose VIN correction (though we also offer amendments for vehicle weight increase and exceeding the mileage limit).

Step 2: Correction Time

  • Select whether you’d like to correct a return you previously e-filed with us, or one filed elsewhere.
  • Next enter your vehicle’s first-used month.
  • Select Add VIN Correction, and enter the vehicle’s originally-reported VIN (the one entered incorrectly). Then enter the gross weight, whether the vehicle is taxable or suspended, and lastly enter the new, correct VIN.
  • If you need to correct the VIN of more than one vehicle, click “Save and Add Another.” If you only need to correct one, just click “Save” and you’re done!

Step 3: Review and Submit

  • Before you submit your information to the IRS, be sure to check for errors one last time. You definitely don’t want to have to file another amendment! Our Instant Audit will also scan your return for gaps and errors.
  • Now hit the big green “TRANSMIT” button to securely submit your VIN correction. Now all you have to do is wait for IRS approval!

Once the IRS accepts your correction, you’ll get a shiny new Stamped Schedule 1! Most users receive theirs within 10 minutes of submitting their correction.

You can also choose to set up additional notifications, and you can elect to have your return faxed to you or mailed to your carrier, home office, or even your accountant. Whatever works for you!

As always, if you find yourself in times of trouble, 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. Whatever you need, we’re here for you.

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!

Don’t Wait or You’ll Be Late: E-File by the May 31st Deadline

Posted on May 21, 2015 by - 2290 deadline, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, form 2290 credit vehicle, HVUT, Schedule 1, Vehicle first use month

Although the start of the 2015-16 tax year is right around the corner, there are still reasons for many of you to file for the 2014-15 tax year, today. If you’ve been waiting until the last minute to take care of your HVUT, then it’s officially your time to shine. However, there are many other reasons besides procrastination that warrant filing, so let’s see who should be E-filing today.

Who Needs to E-file NOW:

1. Those With a First Used Month of April 2015

For all new vehicles, you have until the end of the month following the vehicle’s first use month to file your 2290. For example, if you purchased a vehicle and first put it on the road in April of 2015, then you have until May 31, 2015 to file the 2290 for that vehicle without incurring late penalties.

2. Those Who Haven’t Already Filed for the 2014-15 Tax Year
If you have not already filed your 2290 for trucks that have been used throughout the 2014-15 tax year running from July 1, 2014 through June 31, 2015, you should E-file immediately. All those E-filing for the 2014-15 tax year for trucks used before April of 2015 are already late and will incur penalties. But the sooner you file, the lower the penalty, so get on it asap!

3. Those Who Sold, Traded In, or Lost the Vehicle They Filed for This Tax Year
If you had a vehicle that was sold, stolen, traded in, or lost that you already filed taxes on for the 2014-15 tax year, then you will need to file a credit vehicle on your 2290. Some refer to this as “Transferring a 2290” from an old vehicle to a new one. Filing with a credit vehicle allows you to receive tax credits on taxes already paid for the 2014-15 tax year on the old vehicle. This way, you won’t end up paying any extra tax to get that Schedule 1 for your new ride. For more information about this process, you can visit our blog post that explains exactly how to E-file your 2290 with a credit vehicle.


I’m Late… Now What?

The IRS imposes a penalty of 4.5 percent of the total tax due, assessed on a monthly basis for up to five months. In addition to this penalty, interest will accrue on the total amount at .54 percent per month, and the IRS can also impose an additional monthly penalty equal to .5 percent of the total tax due.

Also note that International Roadcheck 2015 will be taking place from June 2, 2015 through June 4, 2015, so now is as good a time as ever to ensure that your vehicle is on the road legally by renewing its tags and registration. At the end of May and June brings the registration deadline for several different states, including Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Missouri, West Virginia, and Maine.

If you are a driver in any of these states then you need to E-file as soon as possible, if you haven’t already. At ExpressTruckTax, we are the fastest and most reliable way to get you the stamped Schedule 1 you need, so be sure and E-file today to get your new registration and tags so you can avoid the hassle during International Roadcheck.

As you can see, it can be rather costly not to file those 2290’s on time, and the longer you wait the more it’s going to cost. So stop wasting time, and start saving your money today by filing with us at ExpressTruckTax. We have made the filing process quicker and simpler than ever, and offer the best value in the industry for E-filing your 2290.

If you have any questions, our US-based support team is available through phone, email, and even live chat. To reach us, call 704.234.6005, or email us at support@expresstrucktax.com, and we’ll be happy to assist you in any way that we can.

It’s Time for Spring Cleaning: Go Paperless with ExpressTruckTax!

Posted on May 4, 2015 by - Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, Schedule 1, Truck Tax

Are you a firm believer in “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”? Well, if you’ve been filing your 2290 anywhere but right here, then it is broken. And we can fix it! Here at ExpressTruckTax, we can make the transition from paper filing to E-filing easy.

So let’s indulge in a little spring cleaning and ditch your mountain of paperwork for our paperless solution. Our support team will help every step of the way, from your initial account setup to helping you through your E-filing process.

We can even enter your business details for you in order to save you time and frustration. No matter where you are in the transition, you can count on our 24/7, USA-based Support Team for all of the help you need, day or night.

We’ll Make the Transition Smoother

If you’re new to ExpressTruckTax, here are just some of the ways our Support Team will help get you started.

  • We’ll create your login and send it to you.
  • We will even input your business details like your Address, EIN, & Contact Information if you like.
  • We’ll also help you Bulk Upload your vehicle details into Truck Zone, or we can do it for you. All you need is a CSV file with your truck info.
  • We can walk you through the E-filing process to ensure you file correctly the first time! Whatever it takes to give you the support experience of a lifetime! 

Even MORE Reasons to Get Started with ExpressTruckTax

There is so much ExpressTruckTax has to offer over the alternatives:

  • No lines at the IRS office
  • No tax calculations (we do all the math for you!)
  • Fewer errors- it’s a fact that paper filers make more mistakes! 
  • Secure & IRS-certified
  • Paperless & Eco-friendly
  • TruckZone, your very own virtual garage
  • And you can receive your stamped Schedule 1 in minutes- no snail mail! 

And that’s not all! The benefits of switching to ExpressTruckTax are endless!

All of your tax records are organized in your personal account so you can look up your information any time you need to. And once it’s there, it’s there for life. This means every year you can save time on filing by copying the previous year’s return so you don’t have to re-fill out form after form.

With us you get the full package, the complete V.I.P experience, because our customers mean the world to us, and we will stop at nothing to make your lives easier.

With everything we have to offer, we make change less frightening and more fun. So create your ExpressTruckTax account today and try it out. If you still have questions, call our dedicated Support Team at 704.234.6005. Together, we can make your tax experience less of a nightmare and more of a dream come true!

Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions- Form 2290 Style!

Posted on March 24, 2015 by - E-file Form 2290 mobile, Employer Identification Number, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, Mobile App, Schedule 1, Truck Tax

Annual HVUT renewals may be the furthest thing from your mind on a gorgeous Spring day! 
But here at ExpressTruckTax, we’re already counting down the days! We live to provide year-round, exceptional E-filing support, and we just can’t wait for tax season to kick off. 

So in preparation for our favorite time of year, it’s time for another installment of Frequently Asked Questions, Form 2290 style!
Bragging rights for you, if you already know the answers to these tricksy E-filing quandaries.

But if you don’t, don’t feel bad! We get these exact questions and more on a near daily basis.

1.How can I E-file from my tablet or smartphone?

It’s easy! All you need is a WiFi connection! There are two ways to E-file on-the-go. 1. Use our Mobile site in your phone/tablet browser: ETT2290.com. 2. Download our free iOS or Android app! Once you login, you’ll follow the same three easy steps to E-filing success!

Do keep in mind though, that you can only E-file a basic Form 2290 from the mobile site and app. If you need to claim a credit vehicle or E-file a correction or Form 8849 for a refund, these can only be filed through our full site at ExpressTruckTax.com.

2.How does the IRS electronically “stamp” my Schedule 1? And why can’t I see it?!

The IRS indicates that your return has been accepted by placing an electronic watermark in the center of your Schedule 1. Check out the photo (right) to see a sample. It should say “E-File” with the date received below. Depending on your printer settings, this mark may appear very faint, but rest assured, it’s still a valid Schedule 1.

To learn more about retrieving extra copies of your stamped Schedule 1 (for free!), read Everything You’ve Ever Wondered about the Stamped Schedule 1.

3.How do I transfer my 2290 to a new vehicle?

You don’t! It’s impossible to literally transfer a 2290 from one vehicle to another. You can, however, claim a credit for the old vehicle to avoid paying any extra tax.

Simply login and start a new Form 2290, enter the vehicle information for the new truck, then claim a credit for the older sold/lost/destroyed truck on the same Form. You’ll only pay the difference. For a step-by-step guide, check out this blog: Transfer your 2290.

4.Can I use my Social Security Number instead of an EIN?

First, we should clarify what EIN means for those who may not know. An Employer Identification Number is a federally-issued ID of 9 unique digits. And no, you cannot use a SSN instead. While this was allowed in the past, the IRS no longer accepts SSN in place of EIN’s for tax purposes.

If you don’t have an EIN, you can obtain one for free by registering online through the IRS. Or if you’re short on time, you can call our friends at ExpressTruckTax Plus to obtain it for you. We wouldn’t recommend them if they weren’t awesome, so rest-assured you’ll receive the same stellar support you’re used to with us! Reach out to them at 803.386.0320 or email at ettplus@expresstrucktax.com.

One last tip: be sure to wait at least 10 business days after your EIN is issued before E-filing. It takes about that long for the IRS to activate your number, and before that happens, any return filed will be rejected.


5.Why didn’t I receive my stamped Schedule 1?

There are two usual suspects in this case. 1. The Schedule 1 email went to your Spam/Junk box. 2. You didn’t transmit the return.

If it’s not in your Spam Box, log back into your account and make sure the return was transmitted. From your Dashboard, you can easily view the status of every return E-filed with us. If it says, “Not complete. Continue where you left off,” then you know you did not submit the return to the IRS.

If it was transmitted, it will say “Transmitted” or “Accepted,” and you’ll be able to view & print the stamped Schedule 1 right there.

Hopefully this blog not only answered your questions, but made your brain get a little bigger too. After all, it can never hurt to know more about tax regulations. Who knows when this information will come in handy during trivia night or to help a friend in need!

If you’re still confused, just call our Support Team for assistance! They’re available via phone at 704.234.6005, by live online chat, or by email at support@expresstrucktax.com.

For More Answers to your Frequently Asked Questions, read on to Part 2!

TruckZone: Your Digital Garage

Posted on March 11, 2015 by - Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, Schedule 1, Truck Tax

It’s a stunningly beautiful day here in Rock Hill, SC, and the Support Team hopes it’s sunny and warm where you are too.

But I can’t help but remember that Spring approaching also means that tax season is approaching, the season of renewing your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax.

We may still be a couple months out, but time will surely fly. Why not get a head start now?
If you’ve never E-filed with ExpressTruckTax before, then now’s a great time to get your TruckZone setup. It’ll save you time come renewal season, and moreover, TruckZone will save you time year after year.

TruckZone is like a digital garage. Whether you have one truck or one thousand trucks, this exclusive feature will make E-filing a breeze by securely storing your general vehicle information and tax information in one organized, accessible place.

Here’s how to get started: After logging in, click the TruckZone tab along the top menu. You’re ready to import your vehicles!

2 Ways to Import Vehicle Information into TruckZone


  • 1. Manual Upload: Click the +Add Vehicle button. Then enter the vehicle’s VIN, Gross Weight, and whether it is suspended, used for agriculture, or logging. That’s all you need to start E-filing!

    If you’d like to be extra organized, (yes, please!) you can also add the Unit/Fleet #, License Plate #, or Fleet Name, as well as IFTA and state specific details like its NY HUT or Oregon HUT number. When you’re done, click Save, or Save and Add Another to input more vehicles.

    Rinse and repeat until all vehicles are securely stored in TruckZone.

  • 2. Bulk Upload: If you already have your vehicle information organized in an Excel or CSV file, then you can import that information directly into TruckZone. Whether you have hundreds or thousands of vehicles, you can import them all at once.

    Just click the Bulk Upload button (next to the Add Vehicle Button), and under ExpressUpload, click continue. Then choose the file type to upload, and you’re done! It couldn’t be easier.

    You can always edit these details anytime by logging back into your account and heading over to TruckZone. 

The Benefits of TruckZone

With your entire fleet organized in TruckZone, you can not only E-file for specific trucks with ease, you can also find a specific Schedule 1 or 2290 without sifting through hundreds of file folders and documents. (Yuck!)

Using the Advanced Search bar, you can search for vehicles by VIN, Gross Weight, or Truck/Unit #. So if you’d like to file for just a specific unit, simply enter the unit number, then check the box next to each truck in that unit, and poof, they’ll be added to the return with no extra typing. You can do the same if you need to find a previous Schedule 1. Just search for the vehicle, click on it, and then click the HVUT tab to view all tax details related to that truck.

TruckZone is just one of the many exclusive features that sets ExpressTruckTax apart. Why else would we be the reigning, defending champions of the E-filing world?! As industry leaders, we’re always adding more features and shortcuts to take the sting out of tax filings.

Create an account now and try it for free. You only pay when you E-file. Have a question? The Support Team has answers! They provide dedicated support 24/7 from our hometown of Rock Hill, SC. And they do it in English & Spanish, too!

Call them at 704.234.6005 or email them at support@expresstrucktax.com.

7 Ways to Be Productive During a Snow Storm

Posted on February 17, 2015 by - Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, Schedule 1, Truck Tax, trucking news

Happy #TruckerTuesday, Trucking Nation!

And what an eventful Tuesday it is! For you West Coaster’s who may not know, the East coast has been hit with a huge winter storm, and our hometown of Rock Hill, SC, is currently covered in a thick sheet of ice!

We South Carolinian’s aren’t accustomed to weather like this, so at the first sign of a snow flurry, everything pauses. And since road conditions are less-than-ideal at the moment, we know a lot of you truckers are stalled too!

But just because we’re trapped inside, it doesn’t mean we can’t be productive! In fact, Snow Days are a great time to catch up on the tasks you’ve been putting off.

So resist the urge to go sledding (at least until you’ve done some “grown-up” stuff), and let’s be productive together!

If you need a little inspiration, these 7 tips will help.

1. Organize your Business Records

Amidst the every-day hustle and bustle of trucking life, it’s easy to put off (and completely forget about) keeping your compliance records and finances organized–until of course, a deadline sneaks up on you!

But this Snow Day is a chance to avoid all of the pain and stress of last-minute recordkeeping.
Take some time today to catch up on your trip sheets, and you’ll be in a much better position when the end of the 2nd IFTA quarter rolls around.

Ready to level-up your organization game? If the messy pile of receipts and papers on your desk is winning the war, consider using a business management program to de-clutter your life. There are several programs on the market designed just for truckers and fleet managers. TruckLogics, for example, has Accounting, IFTA, and Trip Sheet features to keep every aspect of your transportation business in tip-top shape.

2. E-File your Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes

While you’re taming your wild paperwork, it’s also prime time to get your heavy vehicle use taxes out of the way! All you need is 1. An WiFi or 4G connection 2. A computer, tablet, or smartphone 3. Our free iOS or Android app, and 4. Your business & vehicle information.

In 10 minutes or less, you can complete a Form 2290, a 2290 Amendment, or Form 8849, and securely submit it to the IRS and receive your new stamped Schedule 1 via email immediately. Rain, snow, sleet, or hail, you can E-file your truck taxes all the same. That’s one more thing you can check off your list!

3. Clean Your Cab

Okay, so we can’t exactly call it Spring cleaning when everything is covered in a sheet of ice, but you get the idea.

Get a few steps ahead of Mother Nature, and start cleaning out your cab, closet, junk drawer or whatever other unholy area of your living space has been neglected. Start by going through your closet and sorting clothes into three piles: Keep, Trash & Donate. If you haven’t done this in a while, be prepared to find some wild stuff!

And if you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can even do a little “nesting” once you’ve finished cleaning. Just because the cab of your truck is tiny doesn’t mean it can’t feel like home sweet home. Invest in a throw rug (it’s easier to clean & replace than your floor), hang some curtains, and make your sleeping area extra lush with a new mattress topper and fluffy pillows. For more inspiration, check out my other blog Tips for a Cozier Cab.

4. Brace Yourselves: April 15th is Coming

With less than 2 months remaining, the tax deadline will be here before you know it! And this snow storm couldn’t have come at a better time. By now, everyone should have received their 1099’s and W-2’s from their employers, so there’s no reason why you can’t file now!

Unless of course, there is a reason you don’t want to file yet…in which case, you should use this time to go ahead and file an extension with the IRS. With a program like ExpressExtension, you can quickly E-file to automatically extend your W-2 filing and 1099 filing deadline for 6 months. 

5. Break a Sweat

When it’s cold outside, it’s time to get hot inside…by working out, I mean! Ward off frostbite and keep your circulation going by trying some of these easy indoor exercises. I know what you’re thinking: “I don’t have any space in my truck,” or “I don’t have any exercise equipment on hand.”

Oh, ye of little faith! No matter where you are, you definitely have enough room to do some isometrics. Here’s an easy & effective one: Get in the driver’s seat, grip the wheel with both hands, and then try to push them toward each other for 10 seconds. Then release. After 10-20 reps, you’ll start feeling the burn!

6. Learn Something New

Don’t just exercise your body; exercise your mind! Do a crossword puzzle, play sudoku, or (dare I say it?) read a book! Even if the storm has knocked out your power, a book will still magically work in these primitive conditions! Alternatively, you can also listen to an audiobook or start learning a new language. YouTube is filled with free tutorials on every language under the sun! Become that bilingual babe you always wanted to be!

7. Recharge

This one may seem like cheating, but it’s actually quite important. While the whole world is frozen, take this opportunity to just stop and recharge yourself. You work hard every other day of the year, maybe it’s time to take a cue from Mother Nature and get some R&R.

Sleep in late, meditate, catch up with a loved one, or just have a Netflix marathon. Whatever you do, turn your brain off for just a little while and enjoy yourself. You deserve it!

(If your conscience won’t let you not work, then just do one or two things on this list first to absolve yourself of any guilt.)

Hopefully this list has inspired you to count this day as a blessing in disguise! The weather may be yucky, but there’s no need to write off today completely. You can still be a productive, upstanding citizen of the Trucking Nation! Now get to work, and most importantly, stay safe out there!

#ThrowbackThursday with our partner: the South Carolina Trucking Association

Posted on February 12, 2015 by - Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, Schedule 1, throwback Thursday, Truck Tax

It’s time for another installment of #ThrowbackThursday featuring our partners at the South Carolina Trucking Association!

The year was 1932. The place: Greenville, South Carolina.

For over a decade, truck & bus operators had been meeting in Greenville to discuss issues in the transportation industry, but on this fateful day, they decided to make it official and found the Motor Carriers Association of South Carolina.

Now known as SCTA, the organization’s first major task was overturning state legislation that favored railroad companies. 

South Carolina then had a 20,000 pound weight limit for trucks which forced companies to ship their goods via railroad up and down the east coast.

With their newly-unified voice, the trucking industry’s presence in SC was finally strong enough to overpower the influence of the railroad companies, and the legislation was overturned. Companies could now ship their goods via truck from north-to-south uninhibited.

That was the first of many battles that SCTA fought on behalf those who work in and who are dependent upon the trucking industry. Today, they have over 600 member companies; some are large national corporations, but most are small, family-owned businesses–just like us!

That’s why we’re so proud to be partnered with SCTA. We too are dedicated to helping owner-operators and small fleets in our home state of South Carolina by providing them with the most affordable and easy-to-use E-filing program that money can buy!

With this partnership, SCTA members will have easy access to our E-filing solutions through the member site SCTA2290.com.

Check out the training video we made for SCTA members! Account manager Patti will walk you through how easy it is to E-file a Form 2290 with ExpressTruckTax.

  • Step 1: Create an account and choose which form you’d like to E-file (we offer Form 2290, 2290 Amendments, Form 8849, and more). Then enter your business name, contact info, and EIN.
  • Step 2: Enter the vehicle’s first-used month, followed by it’s VIN, gross weight, and whether it is used for logging or agriculture.
  • Step 3: Finally, choose from three convenient payment methods and securely transmit your return!

Through the portal, SCTA members will enjoy all of the perks our ExpressTruckTax users enjoy. Not only do our E-filers receive their stamped Schedule 1 via email just minutes after filing, but they also get free VIN corrections for any return E-filed with us, as well as unlimited free access to our stellar support team!

From our hometown of Rock Hill, we provide 24/7 support in English and Spanish. Just call us (704.234.6005), message us on live chat, or email us at support@expresstrucktax.com.

From all of us here at ExpressTruckTax: Welcome, SCTA members, to the ExpressTruckTax family! It’s an honor to serve our fellow South Carolinians. Whenever you need us, you can count on us being there!

Instant Notifications on Your 2290’s Status: Only with ExpressTruckTax

Posted on February 10, 2015 by - Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, Schedule 1, Schedule 1 notification, VIN Corrections

Biting your nails, pulling your hair, refreshing the page over and over as you wait for approval from the IRS. That’s no way to spend your down time!

The days of logging into your account repeatedly (or worse- waiting for the mail carrier!) to bring you word from the IRS are over. 
When you E-file with ExpressTruckTax, there’s no guesswork and no stress. As soon as you hit “transmit,” you can rest assured knowing you’ll receive a notification the instant your return is processed.

In fact, there’s 4 convenient ways to stay up-to-date on the status of your return.

4 Instant Notifications

  • Email: This one is automatic. All of our E-filers receive an email the moment the return has been processed by the IRS. If your return is accepted, you’ll receive an email with your new stamped Schedule 1 attached. If your return was rejected, you’ll receive an email with instructions for how to fix it. (And as a bonus, VIN corrections are free to E-file with us too!)
  • Text: From the payment options page, enter a phone number of your choosing to receive a text alert when your return has been accepted. You will not, however, receive your stamped Schedule 1 via text, but that can be retrieved by logging into your account at any time.
  • Fax: To receive a hard copy of your Form 2290 and stamped Schedule 1, simply enter a fax number on the payment page. And it doesn’t even have to be your fax. Fax it to your accountant, your carrier, or your home office–or all of the above if you like!
  • Postal Mail: No printer? No fax machine? Then opt for the postal mail delivery to get a hard copy of your 2290 and stamped Schedule 1 sent straight to your door. We’ll mail it out same day if your return is accepted by the IRS.


Retrieve a Return–Anywhere, Anytime

If you should ever lose your stamped Schedule 1 or need a hard copy, just login to your account. All returns E-filed with ExpressTruckTax can be viewed, downloaded, and printed from the Dashboard of your account. You can also fax a previous 2290 or Schedule 1 to as many fax machines as you like, and it’s free too!

This is just one of the many ways ExpressTruckTax works to make your life easier. Taxes are arduous enough without adding the stress of the unknown on top of it. With us, you’ll always know where you stand and what you need to do next.

But just in case you don’t, you can contact the support team for speedy answers to all of your questions. We’re available via phone at 704.234.6005. You can also chat with us online or get 24/7 email support at support@expresstrucktax.com, in English or in Spanish!