According to the recent IRS article regarding Filing for Truck Drivers, it’s recommended that all truck drivers who have registered or are required to register large trucks and buses with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more should opt for e-filing Form 2290, Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return, by the payment deadline of August 31, 2023, for vehicles initially used in July 2023.
This annual federal excise tax is imposed on heavy highway motor vehicles operating on public roads. It’s important to note that the filing deadline isn’t linked to the vehicle’s registration date. Form 2290 must be filed by the last day of the month following the month in which the vehicle was first used on a public highway during the taxable period, regardless of the renewal date of the vehicle’s registration.
Taxpayers with 25 or more taxed vehicles registered in their name are required to e-file Form 2290 and make the corresponding tax payment. However, they should also file a return for vehicles they anticipate using for 5,000 miles or less (7,500 for farm vehicles), even if no tax is due initially. If a vehicle exceeds the mileage use limit within the tax period, the tax becomes applicable.
For vehicles introduced to public highways during July 2023, Form 2290 should be filed and the applicable tax paid between July 1, 2023, and August 31, 2023. If additional taxable vehicles are put into service during months other than July, the tax should be prorated based on the months of service. Detailed information about the filing deadline can be found on IRS.gov’s table designed to assist in determining the appropriate deadline.