Form 2290 Filing Categories Explained

For owners and operators of trucks in the U.S, Form 2290 is an important tax document. It is used for the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax, which is payable to the Internal Revenue Services IRS. However, the vehicles cannot all be classified under the same category. Knowing the different filing categories can help one understand possible compliance issues and more importantly, avoid paying unnecessary fees and charges.

Taxable Vehicles

Taxable Vehicle Defined

Any highway motor vehicle used on a public highway which has a gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more is referred to as a taxable vehicle.

Tax Rates For Taxable Vehicles

• Tax differs with weight: Vehicles that weigh from 55,000 to 75,000 pounds
• $550 flat rate per year: Vehicles which weigh over 75,000 pounds

Tax filing Requirement

• Trucking companies
• Owner-operators
• Businesses with heavy trucks for transport

Vehicles Exempted Due to Suspension

Definition of Exempt Vehicles and Qualification

Suspended vehicles are vehicles that qualify to be driven under suspension (for example, in this case, suspension from paying HVUT) if they are used for driving less than 5,000 miles in a tax period (7,500 miles for agricultural vehicles).

Filing Requirements

Additionally, under any kind of exemption, the vehicle owner is still required to submit Form 2290 and categorize it as a suspended vehicle, in order to set forth a cancellation of potential IRS penalties while also ensuring approval of the claimed exemption.

Agricultural Vehicles

Special Rules for Agricultural Trucks

• Agricultural vehicles are defined to include those vehicles that are used solely for farming .
• They fall undergo the category of higher mileage exemption (7500 miles instead of 5000).
• Tax is only applicable if the mileage is higher than the stated limit.

Who Should File for the Return?

Heavy trucks used by farmers and agribusiness should file Form 2290 but may qualify for suspension if mileage limits are met.

Logging Vehicles

Lower Tax Rates for Logging Trucks

• Logging vehicles are those which are limited to the transportation of forest products and are subject to lower tax rates .
• Unlike ordinary taxable vehicles, they are charged a rate 25% lower

Eligibility Requirements

• The most important requirement is that the truck must only be used for logging.
• The required vehicle should be registered as a logging vehicle as per state laws.

Credit Vehicles (Trucks That Were Sold, Destroyed, or Stolen)

Is a Refund Possible?

The owner has the right to claim a credit on the remaining tax amount to be paid against vehicle tax if the vehicle was sold, destroyed, or stolen before the tax period ends.

What is the Procedure for Filing a Credit?

• Refund is claimed for the amount paid from his pocket by completing Form 8849 Schedule 6
• Change will be reported when the next Form 2290 is filed.

It is very important for every truck owner to know the Form 2290 filing categories to properly comply to self-assess and avoid penalties. While your vehicle may be taxable, suspended, agricultural, logging, or even qualify for a credit, the proper assessment will save time and money.

To e-file with ease, you can use an IRS approved e-filing service which will ensure that you submit your Form 2290 accurately and swiftly.

Note: For more information, visit IRS website