Frequently Asked Questions

Form 2290

    What is Form 2290?

      Form 2290 is a Federal Excise tax that is imposed on vehicles operating on highways with a gross vehicle weight of 55,000 pounds or more. This tax is paid annually for all vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight above 55,000. This may also be referred to as Heavy Vehicle Use Tax.

    What is the purpose of Form 2290?

    • Pay tax for vehicles with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more.

    • Report tax exemption for vehicles which are expected to be used 5,000 or less (7,500 miles or less if it is an agricultural vehicle)

    • Claim credits for taxes paid on any taxable vehicles which are sold, stolen, destroyed or used 5,000 miles or less (7,500 miles, if agricultural vehicles)

    • To correct a VIN that may have been entered incorrectly

    • Report 2290 amendments such as increase in taxable gross weight and taxable vehicle exceeds the mileage limit.

    Who must file a 2290?

    • Anyone person or company that owns and operates a vehicle with a gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more, then you are liable for filing Form 2290.

    • You may be an individual, limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or any other type of entity.

    When should I file Form 2290?

    • Form 2290 must be filed by the last day of the month following the month of first use during the current tax period. The filing period starts on July 1st and ends on June 30th of the next year, all Heavy Vehicle Use taxes are due by August 31st.

    What is a taxable vehicle?

      Any vehicle that has a gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more counts as a Taxable Vehicle. These vehicles could be semi trucks, heavy duty tow trucks, box trucks, etc.


How should I file Form 2290?

    There are 2 ways you can file Form 2290:

  • The best method is to E-file with an approved E-file provider, such as freewaytax.com. The IRS recommends using an authorized E-File provider so you can receive your schedule 1 in minutes. This allows you to renew your tags or register your vehicle same day.

  • Manually fill out the form and mail it to the IRS. This process could take up to 45 days.


How should I pay Form 2290 (Heavy Vehicle Use Tax) taxes?

    You can pay your taxes through the following methods:

  • Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS): This is a service that the Department of Treasury has available for taxpayers to pay taxes. You must have an account set up with EFTPS to utilize this method.

  • Electronic funds Withdrawal (EFW): This method is by far the easiest of the three methods available. Freewaytax.com will allow you to enter your bank account and routing number which we will then forward to the IRS so they can debit your account directly.

  • Check or Money Order: This is pretty straight forward, you simply write a check or money order payable to the United States Treasury along with a form 2290-V payment voucher. This check can be mailed to the IRS office.


Do I need an EIN to report my 2290 taxes online?

    An EIN is required to file form 2290 electronically. Your EIN must be 15 days or older to be able to E-File form 2290 with the IRS. You can apply for an EIN here.


How do I calculate penalties and interest for late payment?

    In the event you are filing your Form 2290 after the deadline, there will be penalties and interest accrued.


    Penalty Cost:

      If your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax is not filed by August 31st, the IRS Will charge 4.5% of the total tax amount due.


    Interest:

      If you file late, you will not only incur a penalty but you will pay interest on that penalty as well. The interest is .5% of the total amount due.