HVUT - Heavy Vehicle Use Tax

Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) is paid annually by motor carrier vehicles operating on public highways. This annual tax is collected for highway maintenance/construction and evaluated based on the gross weight (exceeding or equal to 55,000 lbs.) and miles traveled in each member jurisdiction (more than 5,000 miles/yr).

Who Must File Form 2290?

Form 2290 must be filed by heavy vehicle owners every year. If the gross weight of the vehicle exceeds 55,000 lbs or have traveled more than 5,000 miles, the heavy vehicle use tax must be filed. The tax period starts every July and ends in June of the next year.

What is required for Form 2290?

Provide details about your business and vehicle like Business name, Address, Employer Identification Number (EIN), Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), Authorized signatory details, Gross vehicle weight, etc.

When to File Form 2290?

The annual tax period for HVUT is calculated from July ( current year) to June (following year). Individuals owning a heavy vehicle must file form 2290 every year before the due date (August 31st).

For new vehicles, the heavy vehicle use tax must be filed on the last day of the following month after its first use (i.e., if you start operating the vehicle in September, you must file HVUT within the end of October).

How to File Form 2290?

Electronically:

E-filing form 2290 through electronic return originator or IRS authorized e-file service provider like ExpressTruckTax.com can save your time. The e-service provider will get the required information to file form 2290 and will automatically validate your information and evaluate your heavy vehicle use tax for the current year without any manual input. The charges may differ accordingly. To know more about e-filing, visit the IRS websitewww.irs.gov/trucker..

Paper:

If you wish to paper file form 2290, mail the form with full payment to the address given below. If you haven’t paid the tax through EFTPS or electronic fund transfer, then mail form 2290 with voucher along with a check or money order.

Penalties

Penalties for HVUT non-compliance are expensive, i.e., equal to 4.5% of the total tax due if you fail to file tax before 31st August. For late filers, an additional monthly penalty equal to 0.5% of total tax due and additional interest charges of 0.54% per month will be owed.