If you drive a big rig, you likely have spent a good amount of time getting special training to ensure that you and your big haul stay safe on the road. You realize and understand that you are sometimes subject to stricter traffic laws than citizens driving a regular vehicle, and you probably put a lot of time and effort into making sure you would pass the test for your commercial driver's license. That said, one area where you are also treated a little differently than most other people but may not have much about is your taxes. Certain truckers are required to file a special tax form called Form 2290 with the IRS. Here's what you need to know about this special form.
Who is Required to File?
First things first, if your heavy highway motor vehicle does not have a gross weight of 55,000 miles or more, you do not have to complete an IRS 2290 filing. Your typical van or pick up truck does not apply here, only bigger rigs. With that said, if you drove your vehicle for less than 5,000 miles in the tax year, you should know that you have to file the form but you will not have to pay any taxes. Farm truck drivers can get out of paying the tax if they've driven less than 7,500 miles in a year.
Do I Need Any Special Information to File?
Anyone filing Form 2290 must have their EIN (Employee Identification Number) available at the time of filing. The IRS uses both your EIN and your name itself to help keep things organized in their system. Your social security number alone will not cut it. If you file Form 2290 without your EIN, it will be rejected and you will have to file again.
How Much Time Do I Have to Complete a IRS 2290 Filing After Purchasing a Vehicle?
You are legally required to file a 2290 with the IRS by the last day of the month following the month of first use. So, for example, if you were to start using a vehicle on July 1, you would have to file a 2290 by August 30. Keep in mind that the tax year for Form 2290 runs from July through June each year.
You likely did a lot of studying to become a big rig truck driver, but one important requirement of the job that you may not have spent any time learning about is how to pay your heavy highway vehicle use tax. The IRS has a page dedicated to Form 2290 on its website that can provide you with any additional information you might need to complete this important filing.
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