Why Filing 2290 Is a Must for IRP Renewal

When operating a commercial vehicle, both Form 2290 filing and IRP (International Registration Plan) renewal are of paramount importance. Did you know that filing your 2290 is a prerequisite for renewing your IRP registration? If you are an owner-operator or a fleet owner, here is what you risk if you skip this process.

What Is Form 2290?

Form 2290 or Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return is an IRS form remains relevant to taxation on vehicles equal to or greater than 55,000 pounds and uses public highways. The taxes further enable the government to maintain roads vital to transportation, such as freeways, interstates, and residential roads.

What Is IRP Renewal?

The union between the US States and Canadian Provinces has an agreement known as International Registration Plan (IRP) within the limits lies an apportioned registration of commercial vehicles traversing across multiple jurisdictions. IRP renewal must be completed once every year and are useful in more than one state for the continuous legal operation of the vehicle.

Why Form 2290 Filing Is Required for IRP Renewal

• It’s a Mandatory Requirement by State DMVs: Most state DMV offices will not let you proceed with renewing your IRP registration until you bring evidence of paying your 2290 HVUT tax. Not filing it will result in application denial or untimely processing.
• Prevents Registration Delays and Fines: Paying 2290 tax late makes you eligible for losing out on renewing your IRP, leading to more downtime for your truck along with lost revenue. What’s even more concerning is the potential of being stuck with steep fines or getting your vehicle seized just because you let your IRP registration lapse.
• Shows Your Truck Is Road-Legal: The IRS provides proof of the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax payment in the form of 2380 Schedule 1 and this particular document posess the statement for claiming your IRP renewal. The document ensures the vehicle owner follows all compliance dictates led forth by the federal and state legislation.

When Should You File Form 2290?

The filing dates for the IRS Form 2290 are set every year from July 1st through August 31st in case the truck is already in service for new vehicles it is required to be filed before the month following the month of first use.

Remember to file early so you do not get delays that may affect your IRP renewal timeline.

What You Need to File 2290

For your convenience, you may consider the following 2290 filing checklist:

• Employer Identification Number (EIN) : You need an EIN. A Social Security number will not suffice.
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Taxable Gross Weight of Your Vehicle
• Payment Method : EFTPS, debit/credit card, or check/money order
• Email Address : To receive your stamped Schedule 1

E-Filing: The Fastest Way to Get Your Stamped Schedule 1

Identified needs can lead to problems if not resolved. To beat waiting times, most truckers e-file Form 2290 with an IRS approved provider. E-filed Schedule 1s are normally issued within a few minutes, allowing faster progression towards IRP renewals.

Paperwork shouldn’t keep your business from running. As simple as it is, filling Form 2290 is one of the many steps in maintaining a federal compliance requirement, but irreplaceably one of the most important steps in renewing your IRP registration. Add it to your compliance checklist so you don’t have issues maintaining your fleets profitability.