2021-2022 FHVUT 2290 Renewals Begin Today!

Once again, it’s time to begin filing 2021-2022 FHVUT 2290 renewals (Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax). The Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT), or Form 2290, is an annual Federal Excise tax enforced on heavy vehicles (equal to or exceeding 55,000 pounds) that operate on public highways. Transportation companies are held liable for filing an HVUT annually and include individual truckers or owner/operators, LLCs, corporations, partnerships, etc. Unlike many state and federal government taxes, this tax must be paid on the upcoming year, not the previous year. It is essential that businesses file their HVUT forms correctly and on time to avoid paying penalties, interests, and IRS audits. For vehicles in service during July 2021, renewals are due by August 31, 2021.

Companies are typically required to fill out an HVUT/2290 form for the following reasons:

• Figure and pay the tax due on vehicles that exceed 55,000 pounds
• Figure and pay the tax due on vehicles that you purchased during the period
• Claim tax suspension when a vehicle is only expected to be used for less than 5,000 miles
• Pay the tax due on vehicles that you filed a tax suspension claim for, but exceeded 5,000 miles
• Claim credit for taxes paid on destroyed, stolen, or sold vehicles (or used less than 5,000 miles)

The tax is calculated on a tiered structure based on the taxable gross vehicle weight of the vehicle(s). An increase or decrease in maximum load customarily carried may change the taxable gross weight, which may place the vehicle into a new tier. Logging vehicles are eligible for a reduced rate if:

• It is used exclusively for the transportation of products harvested from the forested site, or it exclusively transports the products harvested from the forested site to and from locations on a forested site (public highways may be used between the forested site locations); and
• It is registered (under the laws of the state or states in which the vehicle is required to be registered) as a highway motor vehicle used exclusively in the transportation of harvested forest products.

Some vehicles and groups are exempt from the HVUT but may still have to file a tax form with the IRS or notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of their exempt claim status. Organizations that are exempt include:

• The Federal Government
• The District of Columbia
• State or local governments
• Indian tribal governments (only if the vehicle is used for an essential tribal government function)
• The American Red Cross
• Mass transportation authorities (if it is created under a statute that gives it certain powers normally exercised by the state)
• Non-profit volunteer fire departments, ambulance associations, or rescue squads

DISA's Transportation Compliance team can ensure you only file HVUT/Form 2290 Tax Renewal forms when required and claim credits or tax suspensions whenever applicable. For more information or assistance from our professionals, contact DISA here or call us at (281) 730-5509.

Founded in 1987, DISA is the industry-leading provider of employee screening and compliance services. Headquartered in Houston, with more than 35 offices throughout the U.S. and Canada, DISA's comprehensive scope of services includes drug and alcohol testing, background check, occupational health, and transportation compliance. DISA assists employers in making informed staffing decisions while building a culture of safety in their workplace.