If you own or operate a truck weighing 55,000 pounds or more, the IRS requires you to file Form 2290 and pay the Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT). Staying on top of these filing requirements can help you avoid penalties and registration delays.
What do you need to know?
- Form 2290 must be filed to get license plates for your truck.
- Save the hassle and file electronically.
- The current Form 2290 tax year runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
- Your filing deadline depends on when the vehicle is first used on public roads, not when it is registered.
- For example, if your truck first hits the road in July 2026, your Form 2290 is due by August 31, 2026.
- If you put a new taxable vehicle into service later in the year, you’ll still need to file Form 2290, but the tax is typically prorated based on the number of months the vehicle is used.
Low-Mileage Vehicles Still Require Filing!
Even if you expect to drive 5,000 miles or less during the year, or 7,500 miles or less for farm vehicles, you must still file Form 2290. In these cases, the tax is generally suspended, meaning no payment is due unless the vehicle exceeds the mileage limit during the year.
Filing your Form 2290 correctly and on time can help avoid penalties and keep your trucks on the road.
As always, consult your trusted tax professional!