Trucking tax center

Anyone who has registered or is required to register a heavy highway motor vehicle with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more in their name at the time of first use on the public highways during the reporting period must file Form 2290, Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return.

Filing deadlines

The filing season for Form 2290 filers is July 1 through June 30. The filing deadline for Form 2290 is based on the month you first use the taxable vehicle on public highways during the reporting period.

• For vehicles you first use on a public highway in July, file Form 2290 between July 1 and August 31.
• The tax for the current filing season will be prorated for vehicles you first use on a public highway after July. File Form 2290 by the last day of the month following the month in which you first used the vehicle on a public highway. See When to File Form 2290 for more details.

Vehicle registration

The filing deadline is not tied to the vehicle registration date. The vehicle’s registration renewal date does not change the filing due date for taxes. Taxpayers must file Form 2290 by the last day of the month following the month the taxpayer first used the vehicle on a public highway.

Ready to file? Here’s how

Gather your information

• Employer identification number. You cannot use your Social Security number. If you don’t already have an EIN, apply now. It will take us about four weeks to establish your new EIN in our systems.
• Use the same name on your Form 2290 as was assigned to you with your EIN. Your name control on Form 2290 must match your EIN.
• Vehicle Identification Number of each vehicle.
• Taxable gross weight of each vehicle. Use the Tax Computation table on page two of Form 2290 to calculate your tax based on each vehicle's taxable gross weight.

File

• E-file. E-filing is required if you are reporting 25 or more taxed vehicles on a Form 2290 and encouraged for all for faster processing. You can receive a watermarked Schedule 1 within minutes. Note. To avoid problems, ensure the watermark on your Schedule 1 is legible before submitting it to your state’s department of motor vehicles. You may need to reprint with fresh ink or on a different printer to ensure a legible watermark.
• Complete and mail Form 2290. See Form 2290 Instructions for the correct mailing address. Expect to receive your stamped Schedule 1 within 6 weeks after we receive your Form 2290.

Pay

• You must pay the tax in full with your Form 2290.
• Pay your taxes by credit card or debit card. You can pay by internet, phone or mobile device whether you e-file or mail your return.
• Electronic funds withdrawal. Authorize a direct debit as part of the e-file process.
• Electronic Federal Tax Payment System. This requires advanced enrollment, allow 5-7 business days for new accounts.
• Check or money order using Form 2290-V, Payment Voucher. Mail to: Internal Revenue Service
  P.O. Box 932500
  Louisville, KY 40293-2500

Need to file and pay Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax for prior tax periods?

If for any reason you need to file Form 2290 and pay Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax for prior tax periods, visit the 2290 e-file Providers page on IRS.gov. If you prefer to file on paper, visit Form 2290 on IRS.gov, select All Form 2290 Revisions, and complete the Form(s) 2290 for the tax period(s) you need to file.

Schedule 1 copies for filed Forms 2290

To receive a copy of a current Schedule 1, be sure you have already filed Form 2290 and fully paid the tax (if any tax was due). You may fax a request to 855-386-5124. You must include a copy of the Form 2290 and Schedule 1 previously filed. Please attach a signed cover sheet and indicate “Expedite Schedule 1 Request.” Include your name, phone number, fax number, the date the Form 2290 was filed and the number of pages being faxed. Your request must be signed by an authorized individual able to bind the company. You may also send a written request to: Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Cincinnati, OH 45999-0031.

Changes in vehicle status

• Claim a suspension for vehicles you expect to use 5,000 miles or less (7,500 for agricultural vehicles) during the reporting period. If the suspended vehicle exceeds the mileage use limit during the reporting period, the tax becomes due.
• Claim a credit for tax paid on a vehicle that is destroyed, stolen or sold or one that is used 5,000 miles or less (7,500 for agricultural vehicles). You may need to wait until the tax period has ended to make your claim.
• If e-filing, you can only change the weight and mileage of vehicles included on the originally filed Form 2290. You must file a paper form to report other changes.
• If you need to change your vehicle’s VIN as reported on Form 2290 for any reason, include a written statement telling us why.

For more information on the above and other situations, see Form 2290 Instructions.

Credit or refund for participation in a state vehicle replacement program

You may be eligible for a credit or refund of Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax if you are approved for and participate in a state vehicle replacement incentive program. To apply for a credit for the current year, complete line 5 of Form 2290, following the instructions to include the required information and file your return. To apply for a refund, complete Form 8849 with Schedule 6 (Form 8849), following the instructions for each. For help you may call the Form 2290 Call Site at the numbers and times indicated below.

Have questions?

Review the short interactive interview, Do I Need to Pay the Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax?, to help determine if you're required to pay highway use tax on a highway motor vehicle.

Need more help? Call the Form 2290 Call Site Monday – Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern time.

• From the U.S., 866-699-4096 (toll-free)
• From Canada or Mexico, 859-320-3581 (not toll-free)

Trucking industry publications

• Publication 510, Excise Taxes (Including Fuel Tax Credits and Refunds)
• Publication 4900, E-file and E-pay Your Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax PDF
• Publication 4941, No Dyed Fuel in Highway Vehicles PDF