Category: trucking nation

Signing Form 8453-EX Just Got a Little Easier

Posted on October 1, 2015 by - e-sign, e-sign feature, expresstrucktax, Form 8453 EX, trucking nation

Hello, Trucking Nation! Per usual, ExpressTruckTax is here to help make the lives of our loyal and hard-working customers a little easier. For today’s topic, we want to focus on our trusty and fast e-sign feature, which eliminates long waits and any frustration.

To file the Excise Tax Declaration, or Form 8453-EX, the IRS requires both the taxpayer and tax practitioner to sign. 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, he/she can follow detailed instructions on how to complete the process on their end.

Once you get to the 8453-EX page, follow the steps below:

  • Click on “Step 2: Send the form to your client by one of the following means.” (See image.)
  • Once opened, click “Send for E-Sign” to email a link to our secure e-sign page. Your client will need to click the link, enter their EIN to access the form, and then follow the steps to finish the process. 
  • You will receive notification once your client has signed, and then it’s your turn. Just log back into your account, continue to the 8453-EX page, and click on the link to apply your signature. From there, you can click “Next” to move on to the final page and transmit the return to the IRS.

What Are The Benefits of the E-Sign Feature?

  • It’s safe and secure
  • Clients can e-sign in seconds
  • No more waits for faxes
  • Works from any device 

We hope these instructions are beneficial to you, but if you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us! You can call our support team at 704.234.6005 or email us at support@expresstrucktax.com.

Remember, Trucking Nation, we’re here for you!

The HVUT Deadline for Vehicles First Used in Sept. Is upon Us

Posted on September 30, 2015 by - credit vehicle, expresstrucktax, heavy vehicle use taxes, HVUT, Schedule 1, taxable vehicle, trucking nation

Well, Trucking Nation, the deadline to file Form 2290 for Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes (HVUT) is coming up—October 31—for vehicles first used in September! If you traded in or purchased a new vehicle last month, or if you’re just now putting your truck on the road, then this one applies to you.

Don’t worry, paying the HVUT online is quick and easy, and we’ve got you covered. In order to file a regular-use vehicle, its taxable gross weight must be at least 55,000 pounds and travel approximately 5,000 miles during the current tax period; and for an agricultural vehicle, the mileage use must be at least 7,500 miles.

Start Now to Get Your Filing out of the Way!

1. Sign in or Create an Account

2. Enter in Your Truck and Payment Information

3. Transmit Your Form to the IRS and Receive Your Schedule 1 in Minutes

If you need any assistance, ExpressTruckTax offers year-round support so you can get the help you deserve. They’ll even show you how to file for a Credit Vehicle, or a taxable vehicle that was sold, destroyed, or stolen recently, to get your tax money back.

You can call the support team at 704.234.6005 or email them at support@expresstrucktax.com.

#TruckTechTuesday: The ExpressTruckTax App

Posted on September 29, 2015 by - #TruckTechTuesday, E-File Your 2290, ExpressTruckTax app, Schedule 1, secure app, stamped Schedule 1, trucking nation

Hello, Trucking Nation, it’s #TruckTechTuesday! Today’s talk is all about our ever so reliable app for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Not having room for a computer and desk in the cabin of your truck has inspired us to create an ExpressTruckTax app for when you’re on-the-go.

What Can You Do?

With our free, safe, and secure app, you can e-file your 2290 from the palm of your hand, anywhere at any time. After the 2290 is completed, you will get your Stamped Schedule 1 within the usual 15-20 minutes. You’ll also be able to correct and resubmit rejected returns, add multiple businesses to your account, bundle your returns to get the best value, use prepaid EIN’s to e-file for multiple businesses, and take advantage of bulk pricing and unlimited filing options to save the most money. Yes, we like deals here!

Click your device of choice to download the ExpressTruckTax App:

iPhone

iPad

Android

No matter where the road takes you, ExpressTruckTax is here to offer easy e-filing on-the-go while ensuring that you still get your Schedule 1 in minutes.

If there is anything #TruckTech related that you wish to see featured here, drop us a line on our Facebook or Twitter! And as always, don’t hesitate to contact us if you need assistance or have any questions. Our support team is here to help! You can email us at support@expresstrucktax.com or call us at 704.234.6005.

How to Add Sold/Destroyed/Stolen Credit Vehicles

Posted on September 24, 2015 by - credit vehicle, expresstrucktax, IFTA return, tax return, taxable vehicles, trucking nation

Hello, truckers! Do you have any taxable vehicles that were sold, destroyed, or stolen before June 1 of the current tax year? If you do, and they were not used for the remainder of the tax period, you’re able to claim a prorated credit or refund for some of the taxes paid. We’re here to tell you how!

To get started, follow the steps below:

1. Once you click Start New Return on your ExpressTruckTax dashboard, a pop-up will appear with three options to create a new tax return. Select Form 2290. (If you wish to receive a check from the IRS instead of credit, you can select Form 8849 Schedule 6.)

2. To reach the Sold/Destroyed section, fill out required information in the steps leading up to it:

  • Select which month your vehicle was first used.
  • Enter any taxable or suspended vehicles that you are filing for.
  • Add a suspended vehicle of the prior year if applicable. 
  • Once you’re there, select Add Credit Vehicle. 

Note: If you sold a truck and are adding a new truck, the credit amount from the truck sold will be applied to the tax amount owed on the new truck. In addition, if you are filing for a credit for a sold vehicle, there is a new regulation that requires you to enter in the name and address of the person who purchased the truck.

3. Provide the required vehicle details in the fields below, including your VIN number, taxable gross weight, and loss event, then click Save. 

We hope these instructions are beneficial to you, but if you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us! You can call our support team at 704.234.6005 or email them at support@expresstrucktax.com.

Remember, Trucking Nation, we’re here for you!

#WellnessWednesday: Yoga for Truck Drivers

Posted on September 23, 2015 by - big toe pose, chair pose, national yoga month, stiff muscles, trucking nation, upward salute pose, Yoga

We know, we know—yoga? While you may feel uncertain about it now, I’m going to list a few ways that yoga can benefit your posture, muscle groups, even your well-being. And since September is National Yoga Month, what better time is there to discuss this very popular exercise regime?

You can spend hours upon hours sitting down, and there are few things less painful than a stiff neck or sore back. What yoga does is help stretch those stiff muscles, loosen joints, increase endurance and strength, and improve physical stamina. We say it’s time to fix those areas that have been under constant pressure for so long!

To be on the safe side, let’s stay away from yoga poses that involve lying down. We don’t quite know how clean those truck stop parking lots are. Instead, poses that involve standing up will work wonders, as they are easy to do at rest areas, truck stops, or someplace off the road with a serene backdrop.

Chair Pose

  • Stand with your feet together, then raise your arms above your head, perpendicular to the floor. 
  • Bend your knees, extending slightly over your feet while your torso forms a right angle over your thighs.
  • Draw your tailbone down to the floor, keeping your lower back long. 
  • As you continue bringing your hips lower, there will be a slight bend in your upper back.
  • Lastly, look directly forward and hold the pose for up to one minute, inhaling and exhaling as you go.

    Upward Salute Pose

    • Stand with your feet together and arms at your sides, then press your weight evenly across the balls and arches of your feet.
    • Turn your arms so your palms face forward and fingers point toward the ground.
    • Sweep your arms out to the sides and up toward the sky. 
    • Press your hands firmly together by touching the bases of your palms, and then your fingers. 
    • Extend your elbows, reach up, and turn your thumbs slightly down toward the crown of your head. 
    • Tip your head back slightly and gaze at your thumbs.

    Big Toe Pose

    • Stand upright with your feet parallel, about six inches apart. 
    • Keep your legs completely straight and bend forward from your hip joints, moving your torso and head at once. 
    • Since you will probably have shoes on during this pose, skip intertwining your fingers with your toes, and instead use a band or strap to hook under your feet, and hold the position. 
    • Lift your torso and straighten your elbows. 
    • Exhale when you release your torso, bend toward your feet again, and repeat for as long as you’re comfortable.

    Although these poses seem simple, I’m confident that they will not only release your muscle tension and strengthen your body from the inside-out, but also make you look and feel good.

    Do you have some tips on practicing yoga on the road? Or maybe you would like to share some highlights from your own wellness journey. Either way, drop us a line on Facebook or Twitter!

    You can also call us at 704.234.6005 or email us at support@expresstrucktax.com if you have any questions. We love hearing from you, Trucking Nation!

    How to File a VIN Correction with ExpressTruckTax

    Posted on September 10, 2015 by - expresstrucktax, Form 2290, Form 2290 Amendment, trucking nation, VIN Correction

    Hello, Trucking Nation! Having a correct VIN on your Form 2290 is very important, especially if you’d like to register a vehicle or renew its tags. So, if you’re looking to file a correction, you’ve come to the right place.

    Not only is the process quick and easy, it’s also free for those who have e-filed their Form 2290 with us! If you haven’t done so yet, it’s simple to do! ExpressTruckTax is here to help.

    Let’s get started! Follow the three steps below:

    Step 1: Create an Account or Log In

    Once you’re in, click Start under Form 2290 Amendments, then select which amendment you’d like to file. In this instance, you will select VIN Correction.

    Step 2: Make the Correction

    Select to correct a return that you have either e-filed with us or somewhere else. Enter the vehicle’s first-used month, select Add VIN Correction, and enter the vehicle’s originally-reported VIN (the incorrect one).

    If you have not filed through us before, enter the gross weight, check whether the vehicle is taxable or suspended, and then enter the new, correct VIN. If you wish to correct the VIN of more than one vehicle, click Save and Add Another. Now, if you have filed through us before, you only need to enter the incorrect and correct VIN to proceed.

    Step 3: Review and Submit

    If you haven’t done so already, this is the time to check for errors before submitting your information to the IRS. We wouldn’t want to file another amendment, now would we? The good news is that our Instant Audit also scans your return for any gaps or mistakes.

    This is the big one! All that’s left to do is click the green Transmit button to securely submit your VIN correction, and after the IRS accepts, a new and improved stamped Schedule 1 will be sent to you in minutes.

    As always, if you need any help or have any questions, you can call the support team at 704.234.6005 or email them at support@expresstrucktax.com.

    Remember, Trucking Nation, we’re here for you!

    #WellnessWednesday: Getting Enough Sleep

    Posted on September 9, 2015 by - #wellnesswednesday, expresstrucktax, sleep, trucking nation, wellness advice

    Hello, Trucking Nation! ExpressTruckTax is back to give you more wellness advice. We’ve been covering some basics when it comes to staying healthy on the road, such as how to maintain a balanced diet, achieve mindfulness, and exercise to eliminate back pain. There is one topic, however, that I’d love to discuss with you, and that is getting enough sleep.

    In 2013, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced new federal regulations to improve the safety of truck drivers, including a maximum average workweek of 70 hours. The FMCSA had also retained the 11-hour daily driving limit and 14-hour work day.

    That’s a lot of hours to be driving if you ask me. Therefore, getting enough sleep is one of the most important steps you can take in order to stay healthy and alert. While you know it’s true, you may be thinking about those common interruptions that tend to keep you awake, like too much light, sound, or vibration, and wonder if there is a way around it. Well, truckers, there is a way! Let’s take a look at some tips that can help you catch more zzz’s:

    Reduce Sound

    To get a good amount of sleep without the interruption of noise from other cars, trucks, or people, truck stops and rest stops are familiar places that allow peace and quiet. Another option is to wear a pair of earplugs—that should do the trick!

    Eliminate Exposure to Sunlight

    If your hectic schedule only allows you to sleep in your truck during the day, you should block out as much sunlight as possible. For maximum darkness, close all of your curtains, wear a sleep mask to cover your eyes, or lay a sunshade across your windshield, which can also block the outside heat from coming in.

    Decrease Smells and Odors

    You may like sleeping with your windows down, but it’s important to stop any bad odors from entering your truck, such as diesel exhaust, so roll them up to your comfort level! Some other suggestions are to remove trash regularly and park far away from dumpsters, sewage treatment plants, and other relatable locations.

    Minimize Movement and Vibration

    As mentioned earlier, a truck or rest stop are ideal places to fall asleep, as they can also minimize any movement or vibration that you would feel if you parked on the side of the road.

    Even though your sleeping hours are affected by a busy work schedule, it is possible to fall asleep with only peace and quiet in the background. After all, getting restorative sleep is not only necessary for your health, but also for your job.

    Do you have some tips on how to get enough sleep on the road? Or maybe you would like to share some highlights from your own wellness journey. Either way, drop us a line on Facebook or Twitter! We love hearing from you, Trucking Nation!

    You can also call us at 704.234.6005 or email us at support@expresstrucktax.com if you have any questions.

    Happy Labor Day, Trucking Nation!

    Posted on September 7, 2015 by - expresstrucktax, Labor day, trucking nation

    Everybody at ExpressTruckTax would like to wish you a very happy Labor Day! Your commitment and determination within the trucking industry does not go unnoticed. Therefore, hard-working men and women of America, we hope you’re able to get the rest you deserve while enjoying the company of good friends, food, and family on this special day!

    If you need assistance or have any questions, our support team is offering 24/7 emergency assistance via email at support@expresstrucktax.com. If you simply can’t resist the sound of our voices, you can give us a call tomorrow at 704.234.6005 as we’ll be resuming normal support hours.

    Remember, Trucking Nation, we’re always here for you!