The form 2290 is a tax form for heavy vehicles with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more. There are several websites that you can use to e-file your form 2290. However, you need to ensure that you use an e-file provider with IRS authorization.
You must file your IRS 2290 form by the due date to ensure that you don’t have to pay IRS penalties. To know if you should file an IRS 2290 form, you should know the criteria.
E-filing Form 2290
The IRS understands that it might be difficult for truck owners and users to file their IRS 2290 form in person. Hence, the IRS has authorized several online agencies to file IRS 2290 form online.
To file form 2290 online, you must create an account in an IRS authorized e-file service provider. After logging in, you will need to provide your name, Employee Identification Number (EIN), business name/address, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and taxable gross weight, among other details.
Since you are providing a lot of sensitive information, you need to ensure that the online filing website you choose is secure. So, make sure you choose a service provider with the best security systems enabling them to secure your data from ending up in misuse.
When is Form 2290 Due?
The due date for filing your form 2290 depends on when you first used your vehicle. If you are a regular user, then the due date for filing your form 2290 will be on an annual basis.
The tax period for form 2290 starts on July 1st and ends on June 30th of the following year. For the tax period 2021-22, the due date will be August 31st, 2021.
However, you should file your form before the due date so that you have enough time to make any corrections and avoid the last-minute filing stress. You can file your form 2290 anytime between July 1st to August 31st to avoid the penalties imposed by the IRS.
If you have purchased your vehicle recently, your due date will be the last day of the month following the month of first use. For example, if you first drove your vehicle over public highways on November 21st, your due date will be December 31st.
Choose the Right E-file Service Provider
The IRS encourages truckers to e-file your form 2290 as it is much faster and easier than manual filing. In addition, with e-filing, you will receive your Schedule 1 copy within minutes, making it an ideal option when you file closer to the deadline.
Certain e-file service providers offer several value-added services to make your filing experience easy and convenient. Some of these benefits include 24/7 customer support in English and Spanish and file by phone option.
Some e-file providers also provide additional benefits such as unlimited refiling. This option would come in handy if you made any mistakes while filing your form 2290 online for the first time.
Since the VIN is long, counting up to 16 characters, people tend to make mistakes while entering the same. Therefore, features like free VIN corrections can be highly advantageous.
In Conclusion
As a trucker, staying tax compliant is pivotal to ensure the smooth running of your business. And that includes filing your form 2290 before the due date.
Make sure you always carry your Schedule 1 copy in your truck as it acts as proof of payment and helps you remain stress-free while on the road.
