Find out everything you need to know to file HVUT Form 2290 and remain in good standing with the IRS.
It’s been a busy year with a lot of unexpected and difficult events, but American truckers have been keeping us going. You’ve also been doing a lot to keep your business safe. Since it’s almost time to file Form 2290 again, we want to make sure you know what the IRS penalties are and how you can avoid them.
All owners of vehicles that weigh 55,000 pounds or more have to file Form 2290 with the IRS every year. If those vehicles travel more than 5,000 miles during the tax year, owners will also need to pay the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT). The HVUT is mandatory, but commercial drivers and trucking professionals can keep Form 2290 filing safe and keep their expenses low by preventing fines and penalties.
What Does the IRS Penalize For on HVUT Form 2290?
When it comes to Form 2290 filing, the IRS penalized for missing the deadline, filing late, paying the HVUT late, or providing fraudulent or accidentally incorrect information.
For more information on calculating HVUT, click here.
Avoid Form 2290 Errors
It can be easy to make mistakes, especially if you are filing close to the deadline, but it’s important to take precautions because simple errors can lead to major IRS penalties. Tax software can be a great way to avoid last minute mistakes and fines. When you e-file 2290 forms with ExpressE-file, we run an internal audit and check all your information for errors before we transmit it to the IRS. This lowers your likelihood of discrepancies or typoes that could get your business fined by the IRS. When you file Form 2290 online, it is easier to catch and correct mistakes.
Meeting your Deadline
One of the biggest ways to steer clear of IRS penalties is to know your deadline, file Form 2290 on time, and pay your HVUT by the due date.
The IRS Form 2290 deadline is based on your truck’s first use month (FUM). Unless you bought a new vehicle, that’s July 1st. The HVUT Form 2290 deadline for the 2020-21 tax year is August 31, 2020. As long as you file Form 2290 with the correct information and pay your HVUT by that date, you shouldn’t have to worry about IRS penalties.
Here are the four things you need to know when filing your HVUT Form 2290 online.
What are the HVUT Form 2290 penalties?
If you are not filing the Form 2290 by the deadline, the penalty is 4.5 percent of the total amount due. This fine can keep increasing for up to five months after the missed deadline.
When you don’t pay the HVUT on time, you will be fined .5 percent of the total tax and also a monthly interest charge of .54 percent.
Worst case scenario, truck owners can even get their license revoked.
How to Stop Form 2290 Penalties
If you get penalized by the IRS and you have a reasonable explanation for why you missed the Form 2290 filing deadline, you can send the IRS a letter and request penalty relief. You should not attach an explanation to your Form 2290 if you are filing late.
The best way to avoid IRS penalties to file on time with a reliable e-file provider. 2290 online filing simplifies your process and saves you time. Here are our top tips on what to look for.
Get your Schedule 1 in minutes for just $6.90. ExpressE-file is here to offer excellent software and expert support for the lowest price in the industry, so you can meet your HVUT Form 2290 deadline safely and easily every year.
