The IRS calls this document Stamped Schedule 1, officially named Schedule 1 (Form 2290), which serves as a taxpayer receipt for payment and proof of filing for the Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT).

This is the most critical document for owner-operators or trucking companies after successfully filing their Form 2290. Possession of this document signifies complete compliance with HVUT.

The Anatomy of Proof of Payment

The Stamped Schedule 1 is basically a receipt returned by the IRS once they have processed the Form 2290 and verified that the HVUT payment, or a valid tax suspension claim, has been made.

• The "Stamp": Historically, this document was physically stamped by an IRS agent. Today, when filing electronically (the preferred method), the document is returned with an electronic watermark (or digital stamp) that includes the IRS logo and the date of acceptance.
• Key Information: It provides a list of the business's EIN along with each vehicle's VIN that was reported as taxable and, for each vehicle, its taxable gross weight category.
• Speed: With the assistance of an authorized provider, electronically filing will generally return the Stamped Schedule 1 to the taxpayer via email within minutes of IRS acceptance and greatly speed up the compliance process compared to weeks with paper filing.

Why the Stamped Schedule 1 is Mandatory

The very important purpose of the Stamped Schedule 1 is not just to acknowledge taxes but for official, everyday trucking purposes.

• Vehicle Registration: State DMVs require a copy of the Stamped Schedule 1 to process or renew the truck registration for every vehicle subject to the HUVT, that is, 55,000 pounds or more. Without this document, the vehicle cannot be legally tagged or driven.
• Tax Suspension Validation: Even if you claim a tax suspension because your vehicle will travel less than the mileage limit-that is, 5,000 miles for commercial and 7,500 for agricultural-you must still file Form 2290 and receive the Stamped Schedule 1 in proof that the tax was properly addressed.
• Border Crossing: U.S. Customs and Border Protection may require this document as proof of payment when a taxable Canadian or Mexican vehicle enters the United States.

Note: For more information, visit IRS website