HVUT - Heavy Vehicle Use Tax

What is HVUT?

HVUT is the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax assessed annually for operating heavy vehicles on public highways at registered gross weights equal to 55,000 pounds or more. The total taxable vehicle weight is computed by considering the following aspects:

  • A full service equipped vehicle's unloaded weight.
  • A full service equipped Trailer's or Semi Trailer unloaded weight used in combination with the vehicle.
  • Maximum load weight customarily carried on the vehicle and in combination with the trailers or semi-trailers.

Who Must File?

Small, medium and large truckers who operate heavy vehicles with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds and more on a public highway are required to file Form 2290 to report the HVUT tax annually to the IRS and get a stamped Schedule 1 copy from the IRS in return.

What is required?

You are required to have the below information to file IRS HVUT Form 2290,

  • Business Name and Address.
  • Employer Identification Number (EIN).
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
  • Vehicle’s Taxable gross weight.
  • Third Party Designee Information
  • IRS Payment Option

When to File?

The annual tax period to file Form 2290 and report the Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Taxes begins on 1st July and ends on 30th June. The Annual renewal of form 2290 is due by August 31st of each year. For New Vehicles, file IRS Form 2290 by the last day of the month following the month of the vehicle’s first use.

How to File?

Electronically:File Form 2290 electronically or through any electronic return originators (ERO), or IRS approved e-file service provider such as ExpressTruckTax.com. To know more information on e-file, visit the IRS Trucking Tax Center.

Paper: You can also file through paper filing. Mail Form 2290 to the IRS address. If you did not pay the tax using the Electronic Funds Transfer or Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), mail Form 2290-V and your check or money order along with Form 2290.

Penalties

The penalty will be equal to 4.5% of the total tax due if you fail to file the IRS Form 2290 by August 31st. It is charged every month up to five months. Late filers also meet an additional monthly penalty equal to 0.5% of the total tax due.