If you recently purchased a new truck or added vehicles to your fleet, you can save some money on your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) by prorating your Form 2290 return. Rather than paying the full annual tax, you only pay for the months you have the vehicle on the road, per IRS regulations. Let's see how prorated 2290 filing works and addresses truckers' concerns regarding savings and compliance.
A prorated Form 2290 is for a vehicle first put into use after the start of the IRS tax year-per July 1 through June 30. Instead of paying for the whole year, you transiently pay HVUT taxes starting from the month in which the vehicle came into use to the end of the tax period.
For example, if your new truck started up in December, you would only pay HVUT from December to June, meaning an average of five months savings in tax payments if it was to be annualized.
Truckers must file a prorated 2290 return by the last day of the month following the month of first use of the vehicle. Hence, if your new vehicle is in use in September, your prorated 2290 is due by October 31. Besides inviting speedy IRS-stamped Schedule 1 (an important document for registration of the vehicle to comply), it ends up being with the truckers quickly!
The IRS uses a formula to prorate HVUT based on the gross weight of the vehicle and the month of first use. Your payment will get smaller the fewer months there are left in the tax year.
Thus, by prorating and filing a 2290 return, truckers get to avoid paying more tax than necessary and better manage cash flow, especially when adjusting or expanding their fleet in the middle of the year.
An e-filing agency authorized by the IRS is the fastest and most convenient route to go for prorated 2290. Filers can make use of the online Form 2290 filings to accomplish things such as:
Electronic filing can save time, avoid some human error, and instantaneously prove payment, thus assuring compliance no matter where the route takes you.
You should keep these details at hand prior to starting:
This information will allow the system to automatically calculate your exact prorated HVUT tax amount, thus ensuring accuracy and compliance with IRS regulations.
If you’re managing several trucks, each time you add a new vehicle to your fleet, prorated 2290 returns can be filed. This flexible option keeps you from paying taxes on trucks that were not active during the entire year.
Fleet owners can save both time and money on every addition because of the bulk filing options afforded by trusted e-file providers.
If a new Form 2290 missed the deadline, the IRS could charge penalties and interest. Always file before the due date, so you can remain in good standing with your fleet and have your Schedule 1 as proof of payment for registration.
Setting alerts for automatic reminders or early filing through an e-file service will keep you from missing any deadlines.
If you overpay your HVUT, or if you sell a vehicle before the tax period is complete, you can claim that amount back or as credit against your next Form 2290 filing using Form 8849, Schedule 6. This keeps you paying taxes only for the months during which your truck has been working.
Agricultural and suspended vehicles may also qualify for prorated filing if they meet certain mileage specifications. For instance, if a farm vehicle operates below 7,500 miles annually, it could qualify for an exemption from HVUT, allowing it to file for suspended status instead of full payment.
Online prorated filing offers unmatched means for truckers:
With an IRS-approved e-file provider, you could handle your filing within minutes without agglomerating on paperwork or mailing delays.
Filing a prorated Form 2290 represents one of the simplest ways for a trucker to make some money while staying present (always) via IRS dictated) compliance. Whether you have one truck or an entire fleet to deal with, online filing keeps you accurate, quick, and always provides proof of payment.
Note: For more information, visit IRS website