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Who Must File HVUT Form 2290 in the 2023-2024 Tax Year?

Who must file HVUT Form 2290?

If you own a commercial truck, you may be required to file HVUT Form 2290 for the 2023-2024 tax year. Failure to file or pay late can result in penalties, so it’s important to understand who must file, when, and how to file correctly. This blog will guide you through the process and provide helpful tips to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.

Who must file HVUT Form 2290?

As a commercial truck owner, you have a lot of responsibilities to keep your business running smoothly. One important aspect of truck ownership is understanding and complying with tax regulations, such as the HVUT Form 2290. 

This form is used to report and pay taxes on heavy vehicles operating on public highways, and failure to file or pay late can result in significant penalties. 

To help you navigate the filing process for the 2023-2024 tax year, we’ve compiled this guide to answer the question, “Who Must File HVUT Form 2290?” 

In this blog, we’ll explain the filing requirements, deadlines, and payment options, so you can stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.

What is HVUT Form 2290?

The Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) Form 2290 is a tax form used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to collect taxes on heavy vehicles operating on public highways. The tax applies to vehicles with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more and is calculated based on the vehicle’s weight and mileage. 

The HVUT is an annual tax that truck owners must pay, and the funds collected are used to maintain and improve the country’s highways and infrastructure. Truck owners must file HVUT Form 2290 correctly and on time to avoid penalties and comply with IRS regulations.

How To Determine The Taxable Weight of Your Vehicle? 

To determine the taxable weight of your vehicle for HVUT Form 2290 purposes, you will need to know the following information:

  • The unloaded (empty) weight of the truck, trailer, and semi-trailer.
  • The weight of any trailers or semi-trailers customarily attached to the vehicle.
  • The manufacturer specifies the maximum load weight that the vehicle can carry.

To calculate the taxable weight, add the unloaded weight of the vehicle, the weight of any trailers or semi-trailers customarily attached to the vehicle, and the maximum load weight.

If the total weight is 55,000 pounds or more, the vehicle is subject to the HVUT tax. If the total weight is less than 55,000 pounds, then the vehicle is not subject to the HVUT tax. 

eFile 2023-24 Form 2290 & Get Schedule 1

How is The Tax Rate Calculated?

The tax rate for HVUT Form 2290 is based on the vehicle’s taxable gross weight and the month in which the vehicle was first used during the tax period. For most vehicles, the tax rate is $22 per 1,000 pounds of taxable gross weight, up to a maximum of $550 per year. For vehicles that were used for less than a full year, the tax rate is prorated based on the number of months the vehicle was used.

For vehicles considered “suspended” or exempt from the tax, such as those used for agricultural purposes or driven less than 5,000 miles per year, the tax rate is $0. However, these vehicles must still file the HVUT Form 2290 to claim the exemption.

Who Must File HVUT Form 2290 in the 2023-2024 Tax Year?

The filing requirements for the HVUT Form 2290 for the 2023-2024 tax year remain the same as in previous years. Any individual or business that owns and operates a heavy vehicle with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more on public highways during the tax period, which runs from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, must file the HVUT Form 2290 and pay the appropriate taxes. This includes trucking companies, owner-operators, and other businesses that use heavy vehicles for commercial purposes.

In addition, if a heavy vehicle was registered in your name during the tax period, but you didn’t operate the vehicle, you still must file HVUT Form 2290 and pay the taxes.

It’s important to note that if you acquire a heavy vehicle during the tax period, you must file HVUT Form 2290 and pay the taxes by the last day of the month after the vehicle was first used.

Different types of vehicles that require HVUT Form 2290

The following types of vehicles are subject to the HVUT Form 2290 tax:

  • Heavy Trucks: Any vehicle with a gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more is subject to the HVUT tax. This includes heavy-duty trucks used for hauling cargo or other commercial purposes.
  • Buses: Buses used for commercial purposes, such as public transportation or charter services, are subject to the HVUT tax if their gross weight is 55,000 pounds or more.
  • Trailers and Semi-Trailers: Trailers and semi-trailers customarily attached to vehicles with a gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more are also subject to the HVUT tax.
  • Agricultural Vehicles: Certain vehicles used exclusively for agricultural purposes may be exempt from the HVUT tax if their gross weight is 55,000 pounds or more. However, these vehicles must still file HVUT Form 2290 to claim the exemption.

It’s important to note that the gross weight includes the vehicle’s weight, any trailers or semi-trailers, and the maximum load weight specified by the manufacturer. If vehicles meet the weight criteria and are used on public highways, they must file the HVUT Form 2290 and pay the appropriate taxes.

eFile HVUT Form 2290 For 2023-24 Tax Year

Exemptions From Filing the HUVT Form

There are several exemptions from filing the HVUT Form 2290:

  • Light Vehicles: Vehicles with a gross weight of less than 55,000 pounds are not subject to the HVUT tax. If your vehicle weighs less than 55,000 pounds, you must not file the HVUT Form 2290 or pay the tax.
  • Agricultural Vehicles: Certain vehicles used exclusively for agricultural purposes may be exempt from the HVUT tax if their gross weight is 55,000 pounds or more. To qualify for this exemption, the vehicle must be registered under the owner’s name or the entity that operates it, and it must be used exclusively for farming purposes. 

This includes vehicles transporting agricultural products, livestock, or machinery to or from a farm. However, these vehicles must still file HVUT Form 2290 to claim the exemption.

  • Logging Vehicles: Vehicles used exclusively for transporting harvested forest products are exempt from the HVUT tax. To qualify for this exemption, the vehicle must be registered under the owner’s name or the entity that operates it, and it must be used exclusively for logging purposes.
  • Government Vehicles: Vehicles owned and operated by the federal government, state governments, local governments, or Indian tribal governments are exempt from the HVUT tax. This includes vehicles used for military purposes, public safety, or other government operations.
  • Blood Collector Vehicles: Vehicles used by blood collector organizations are exempt from the HVUT tax if used exclusively for blood collection. To qualify for this exemption, the vehicle must be registered under the name of the blood collector organization, and it must not be used for any other purpose.
  • Mobile Machinery: Vehicles not designed for transportation on public highways, such as cranes or well-drilling equipment, are exempt from the HVUT tax. To qualify for this exemption, the vehicle must be used exclusively for its intended purpose and not for transportation on public highways.

It’s important to note that even if a vehicle is exempt from the HVUT tax, it may still be required to file the HVUT Form 2290 to claim the exemption. Additionally, if a vehicle is used for a non-exempt purpose during the tax period, the owner or operator must file the HVUT Form 2290 and pay the appropriate taxes.

When to file HVUT Form 2290?

The HVUT Form 2290 must be filed annually by the owner or operator of any taxable vehicle with a gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more. The tax year for HVUT Form 2290 runs from July 1st to June 30th of the following year.

For the 2023-2024 tax year, the HVUT Form 2290 can be filed starting from July 1, 2023. The deadline to file the form and pay any taxes owed is August 31, 2023.

If a new vehicle is in service during the tax year, the HVUT Form 2290 must be filed by the last day of the month following the month the vehicle was first used. For example, if a new vehicle is in service on September 15, the HVUT Form 2290 must be filed by October 31.

File HVUT Form 2290 Online For 2023-24

eFile Form 2290 With The IRS Authorized e-Filing Provider Ez2290

When filing your HVUT Form 2290, choosing the right e-filing provider is crucial for a stress-free and streamlined experience. Ez2290 is an IRS-authorized e-filing provider that offers a range of features and benefits to make e-filing your HVUT Form 2290 as easy and convenient as possible. Here are some reasons why you should consider e-Filing your HVUT Form 2290 with Ez2290:

  • Free VIN Correction: If you make a mistake entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on your HVUT Form 2290, it can lead to delays in processing and potentially even penalties. With Ez2290, you can make unlimited VIN corrections for free.
  • Automatic Tax Calculations: Ez2290’s e-Filing system automatically calculates the tax owed based on your vehicle’s weight and other factors, so you don’t have to worry about doing the calculations yourself.
  • Bulk Upload Feature: If you have multiple vehicles to file for, Ez2290 offers a bulk upload feature that allows you to upload all your vehicle information simultaneously, saving you time and effort.
  • Bank-Grade Security: Your sensitive information is protected by Ez2290’s bank-grade security measures, so you can rest assured that your data is safe.
  • Penalty Prevention: If you file your HVUT Form 2290 late or make errors, you may be subject to penalties and interest charges. Ez2290’s e-filing system helps prevent these penalties by filing your form accurately and on time.

In addition to these features, Ez2290 offers 24/7 customer support to answer any questions about the e-filing process. With these benefits and more, Ez2290 is a top choice for anyone looking to e-file their HVUT Form 2290 quickly, easily, and securely.

Calculating Federal Excise Tax HVUT For Heavy Trucks, Trailers, And Tractors

How To Calculate HVUT For Heavy Trucks

A simple way to calculate your HVUT tax accurately and file your 2290 tax forms online.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requires truck owners, fleet owners, and trucking businesses to pay a certain amount of tax on the heavy vehicles that utilize the federal highways for transportation.

This is because heavy trucks wear off the highways a lot faster than lighter vehicles. The inherent heaviness of the vehicles in addition to the load weight that the vehicles transport, has an impact on the highways.

As a result, the federal highway administration through the IRS collects a small amount of tax from heavy vehicle owners.

Regardless of the number of owners a heavy vehicle has, the federal excise tax, HVUT must be paid, and the 2290 forms must be filed.

But of course, not all vehicles qualify for HVUT taxes. 

The motor vehicles that meet the federal highway vehicle usage requirements qualify for HVUT, and the vehicle owners must pay the computed tax.

The following discussion will cover all the important aspects of HVUT and help you learn the simplest way to calculate the HVUT for your heavy highway vehicle.

So, let’s get started.

What Is HVUT?

Heavy Highway Vehicle Usage Tax or HVUT is a federal excise tax imposed on heavy vehicles, such as trucks, tractors, truck-tractors, combination trucks, and other heavy vehicles that utilize the highways to transport goods, materials, and commodities.

The IRS Form 2290 exclusively deals with HVUT tax information reporting. 

Businesses and individuals who own and operate heavy trucks weighing 55,000 pounds or more are required to prepare and file their HVUT tax form 2290 to the IRS.

In addition to reporting the HVUT tax, the trucking business also needs to pay the HVUT tax owed to the IRS. The tax is calculated basing the gross taxable weight of the vehicle and the month in which the vehicle was first operated on highways.

Why Do You Need To Pay HVUT 2290 Tax?

HVUT tax is a federal excise tax. 

This means it’s a federal tax mandate that every trucking business and truck owner must follow. 

HVUT 2290 tax is also a significant source of transportation funding.  

The HVUT taxes, collected throughout the June-July cycle, are used for federal highway infrastructure.

The funds are specifically used for a variety of safety and highway development programs, including but not limited to:

  • Highway infrastructure
  • Highway improvements & maintenance
  • Bridge maintenance activities
  • Highway law enforcement
  • Congestion relief projects
  • Local highway safety programs
  • Research, engineering, and alike activities
  • Safety programs, such as driver education and training, vehicle inspection programs, vehicle size, weight enforcement, and others.

How To Calculate HVUT For Heavy Trucks, Trailers, and Tractors?

Let’s understand the HVUT tax computation with an example.

Say, you own a highway truck that you typically use to transport commercial goods.

The vehicle weighs 56,000 pounds, and you started operating the vehicle on the highway in February for the first time.

Remember that a heavy vehicle that weighs about 55,000 pounds is taxed at $100. 

With every 1000 pounds, the vehicle adds to its gross weight, an additional tax of $22 is added.

The tax computation for this use case would be as follows.

Tax rate for vehicle weighing 56,000 pounds = $122

$100 for 55,000 pounds + $22 for the 1000 pounds in excess of the 55,000 pounds.

Now, assume that the gross weight of the vehicle (the unloaded, “empty” weight of the vehicle including the operational equipment and installations) increased during, say April, to 58,000 pounds.

Note: 2290 Amendment form must be filed to report an increase in the gross taxable weight of the vehicle.

The additional tax would be $22 x 2000 pounds = $44.

Add this amount to the total tax above, which brings the net tax payable to $122 + $44 = $166 (before deductions)

If you’ve received a refund from the IRS for overpaying your HVUT taxes previously, then such an amount must be deducted from the net tax payable.

The product after the subtraction is the total net tax you owe to the IRS.

So, assuming that you received $50 in HVUT tax refund, the total net tax payable is $166 – $50 = $116

You must prepare and file a 2290 form to report the same to the IRS and pay your HVUT.

Calculate HVUT For Free

Note: HVUT is applicable on both agricultural and non-agricultural vehicles. However, the logging status of the vehicle will imply a slight change in the tax rates applicable. Qualified logging vehicles are taxed at $75, which is $25 less than the tax imposed on non-logging vehicles (which are taxed at $100).

Where To eFile HVUT Form 2290 & Pay HVUT Tax Online

Preparing your HVUT 2290 forms and paying your HVUT with an IRS-authorized eFile provider, like EZ2290, is a good start.

Over 10,000 trucking businesses like yours trust EZ2290 for its convenient eFiling experiences and seamless bulk 2290 eFiling solutions.

EZ2290 offers a simple 5-step process to eFile your 2290 and pay the 2290 tax online.

Step 1: Create your FREE EZ2290 account

Step 2: Import your vehicle & business data SECURELY

Step 3: eFile your 2290 tax forms QUICKLY

Step 4: Pay your 2290 tax via available ONLINE payment options

Step 5: Get IRS-stamped Schedule-1 INSTANTLY

Get Started For Free & File Your 2290 Forms

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