Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax and Form 2290 Electronic Filing – An Overview for the Smart Consumer
Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax, more commonly known as Heavy Vehicle Use Tax, refers to the tax paid by professional truck drivers. As the name implies, the tax applies to all people who use large machines for business on streets and highways across the country. If you are a truck driver or trailer owner, here are some questions and answers to help you pay for it.
What constitutes “heavy” in this tax scheme?
In principle, “heavy” applies to the weight of at least 55,000 pounds. If a truck or trailer weighs this much, Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax applies to it. Typically, trucks and trailers that carry a full load fall under this category.
What about exceptions to the tax rule? Are there any I should know?
Yes, there are several exemptions applied to the Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax rule. For example, vehicles used for commercial purposes that cover less than 5,500 miles per year are tax exempt. A similar exemption also applies to vehicles used in agriculture. The tax provision states exclusion for agricultural rigs that cover less than 7,500 miles.
Several tax exclusions are also available for charitable or government-related vehicles. For example, Red Cross vehicles and so-called bloodmobiles are not required to pay. The law also duly excuses vehicles used for volunteer purposes. If the truck or trailer you use falls in any of these categories, it means you do not have to worry about anything.
What will happen if I need to pay? How do I file it?
If you do not belong to any of the excluded categories, then you need to file Form 2290. Electronic filing is an available method many truck owners have used because of its convenience and you could try it too.
Electronic filing offers convenience since you can do everything faster. All you have to do is log on to the Internet and download the form. Fill out this form with the necessary information and pay the required fees. Once you have paid the fees, print out the receipt, scan it, and then send it along with the form to the IRS office.
Are there other options if I do not want to try Form 2290 electronic filing method on my own?
Yes, there are other methods such as doing everything in person, using traditional mail, or hiring a company do it for you.
In doing a personal filing, you risk the chance of awaiting long lines just to get the form in your hands. Another long line might await you to pay the necessary tax. If you are prepared to do this, remember to be patient because tempers can heat up during the process. Read more