Pay Road Tax
For Trucks & Heavy Vehicles
What Is Road Tax for Trucks?
The road tax for trucks is the federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) - an annual excise tax that applies to highway motor vehicles with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more. This tax is reported and paid using IRS Form 2290, and the revenue goes directly to the Highway Trust Fund to finance road construction, bridge repairs, and highway maintenance across the United States.
Heavy trucks and commercial vehicles cause more wear on roads than passenger vehicles. The road tax ensures that operators of these vehicles contribute their fair share to the upkeep of the highways they use. Every truck owner, fleet operator, and business entity operating qualifying vehicles on public roads must file Form 2290 and pay their road tax each year.
Who Must Pay Road Tax?
You must pay road tax if you own or operate any highway vehicle with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more. This includes semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, heavy-duty tow trucks, large box trucks, and commercial buses. The requirement applies to individuals, owner-operators, LLCs, corporations, and all business types.
The taxable gross weight is calculated by combining the unloaded weight of the vehicle, the unloaded weight of any trailers typically used with it, and the maximum load it is designed to carry. Vehicles traveling fewer than 5,000 miles per year (7,500 for agricultural vehicles) are reported as suspended - no tax is due, but filing is still required.
Road Tax Rates for Trucks
- 55,000 lbs: $100 per year
- 60,000 lbs: $210 per year
- 65,000 lbs: $320 per year
- 70,000 lbs: $430 per year
- 75,000+ lbs: $550 per year (maximum)
The tax increases by $22 for every additional 1,000 pounds of weight. Logging vehicles qualify for a reduced rate at 75% of the standard amount. For vehicles placed in service after July, the tax is prorated for the remaining months in the period.
How to Pay Road Tax Online
FreewayTax makes it simple to pay your road tax online:
- Create your free account at FreewayTax.com.
- Enter your EIN and business information.
- Add your vehicles - VIN, weight category, and first-use month.
- Choose your IRS payment method - EFW or EFTPS.
- Submit and receive your Schedule 1 in minutes.
Road Tax Deadlines and Penalties
The road tax period runs July 1 through June 30. The annual deadline is August 31. Late filing results in penalties of 4.5% of the tax per month (up to 5 months), plus a 0.5% late-payment penalty per month and interest on the unpaid balance. Filing and paying on time avoids all penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Road Tax
What is the road tax for trucks?
The road tax is the federal HVUT on vehicles weighing 55,000 pounds or more. Filed using IRS Form 2290, it funds road construction and maintenance through the Highway Trust Fund.
How do I pay road tax for my truck?
File IRS Form 2290 online through FreewayTax. You can pay the IRS via Electronic Funds Withdrawal or EFTPS during the filing process.
How much is the road tax?
The road tax ranges from $100 (55,000 lbs) to $550 (75,000+ lbs). The rate increases by $22 per additional 1,000 pounds of taxable gross weight.
What happens if I do not pay my road tax?
The IRS charges penalties and interest on late filings. Without a stamped Schedule 1, most states will not allow you to register or renew your heavy vehicle.
