A Complete Guide to Filing 2290 for the 2021-22 Tax Year


It’s amazing to think that almost every product we grab off the shelf wouldn’t have made it there without a trucker. During the pandemic, we realized the crucial role truckers play. Many people don’t realize that truck drivers are required to meet certain requirements to remain IRS compliant and keep their trucks on the road. 

One of the most notable steps to maintaining your IRS compliance as a trucker is keeping an up-to-date Form 2290. Whether you are managing a fleet of trucks or on the road solo, here is all the information you need to know before filing the 2021-22 Form 2290. 

Form 2290, Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Return

Form 2290 was designed by the IRS to capture certain important information from truckers and to help them calculate their Heavy Vehicle Use Tax or HVUT payment. The HVUT payment applies to all taxable motor vehicles with a weight of 55,000 pounds or more. The IRS defines vehicle “use” as operating on public highways, this includes and federal, state, county, or city roads. 

The main takeaway here is that if you or your fleet of trucks are operating on public roads with vehicles weighing 55,000lbs or more, you are required to file Form 2290. For the trucking industry, Form 2290 is a fact of life on the road. 

What is the Deadline to File Form 2290? 

Your Form 2290 deadline is determined based on the month that the vehicle is first used. For many drivers, this deadline is August 31. For example, if your first month of use is July, your deadline will be the last day of the month following your month of first use, so this would be August 31. The same rule applies if your first month of use is any month other than July. 

What Information is Required to file Form 2290? 

According to the IRS, to complete this form successfully, drivers will need the following information:

  • Employer Identification Number

Drivers should enter their EIN rather than their social security number on Form 2290. Don’t have an EIN? You can apply for one with the IRS here.

  • The Vehicle Identification Number

Whether you are filing for your single truck or an entire fleet, you will need to provide the unique VIN of each vehicle. 

  • Taxable Gross Weight 

This is the total weight of the truck when it is unloaded but ready for the road. This weight will be used to help drivers determine their HVUT payment. 

Keeping Driver Documentation 

As a driver or the manager of a fleet, you need to know that the right information is available in the cab of your truck. There are many circumstances where you or your drivers will need to provide documentation to authorities, proving that the HVUT was paid and Form 2290 is up-to-date. 

This is where Schedule 1 comes in! This is the documentation that truckers will need on hand in their trucks. Upon filing Form 2290 successfully, drivers will receive a stamped Scheule 1. This copy has a watermark that provides proof of the HVUT payments. 

E-file Form 2290 in minutes

When it comes down to it, filing Form 2290 electronically is the easier option by far! Not only will save a trip to the post office, but you will avoid common errors made on paper forms and you will have peace of mind that the IRS actually received your Form 2290. 

Most importantly you can get your stamped Schedule 1 in minutes! Did you know that getting this in the mail from the IRS can take weeks?! Plus, you can easily access your Form 2290 and Schedule 1 at any time and from any place with ExpressE-File. 

For all of you who are seeing numbers signs flashing, relax it’s not actually more expensive to file electronically. You can e-file Form 2290 for just $6.90, that’s probably less than lunch at your favorite truck stop!
Get started now with a free ExpressE-File account.


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