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2290 Highway Tax Explained: What Truckers Need to Know Before Filing

2290 Highway Tax Explained: What Truckers Need to Know Before Filing
11-26-2025

2290 Highway Tax Explained: What Truckers Need to Know Before Filing

The 2290 Highway Tax-Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax, in full- is an obligatory annual tax laid on the heavy vehicles running over the public highways in the US by the IRS. Like any other person in the trucking industry, an owner-operator, a small fleet operator, or a large trucking company, filing Form 2290 on time and in the proper manner is important to meet compliance, renew tax tags, and keep trucks legal on the road.

If you need to get your 2290 highway tax filed over the internet with immediate IRS Schedule 1 issuance, this guide provides you with all that you need to know - and how to file quickly through an authorized e-file provider by the IRS.

What Is the 2290 Highway Tax?

The 2290 highway tax is a federal excise tax levied on vehicles having an operating weight of 55,000 lbs and above. The funds raised via this tax are utilized by the IRS in repair and maintenance of highways in the country.

Who Needs to File the 2290 Highway Tax?

If:

  • You own/operate a heavy vehicle 55,000 lbs or more
  • Your truck runs 5,000+ miles a year (7,500+ miles for agricultural vehicles)
  • You purchased a new truck and need Schedule 1 for registration
  • You need Schedule 1 for DMV renewals, IRP plates, IFTA, or insurance purposes

Why File 2290 Highway Tax?

Filing the 2290 HVUT keeps your truck legally on the road; without a valid Schedule 1, you cannot renew your tags, obtain IRP plates, or clear a compliance check.

Through an online provider, you can file online and receive:

  • Instant Schedule 1
  • Faster DMV/IRP renewals
  • Accurate filing without errors
  • Access anytime for fleet filing

Due Dates of the 2290 Highway Tax

The HVUT tax year is from July 1 to June 30.

It is filed by August 31 every year.

For newly purchased vehicles, it must be filed by the last day of the month after first use.

The highway truck rates are dependent on weight as set by the IRS:

55,000-75,000 lbs: $100 + weight-based tax

Above 75,000 lbs: $550 annual tax

Farm vehicles: exemption rules apply

How to File the 2290 Highway Tax Online (Fast & Simple)

E-filing is the fastest and easiest way to file Form 2290 and instantaneously generate Schedule 1.

Steps to File:

  • Enter your business name, EIN, and address
  • Add truck details (VIN, weight, mileage use)
  • Pay your HVUT tax securely
  • Download your Schedule 1 with the IRS watermark instantly

Penalties for Not Filing Your 2290 Highway Tax

  • Late payment to IRS may incur:
  • 4.5% penalty of tax due
  • Monthly interest
  • Delayed renewals at DMV/IRP

Consequences of noncompliance during audits

The 2290 highway tax is one really vital federal law for all operators of heavy-duty vehicles. By filing timeously, you are able to keep your operational endeavors in compliance while keeping your vehicle registrations active.

Ready to file online and get your 2290 Highway tax and Schedule 1 in minutes? Then, go ahead and do it

Begin Your 2290 Filing Today by Registering with SimpleTruckTax

Start e-Filing Your 2290 Now!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to keep the content accurate and up to date, we do not guarantee its completeness, reliability, or accuracy. Any actions you take based on this information are strictly at your own risk. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or inconveniences that may arise from the use of this blog. For professional advice, please consult our customer support : (628) 267-4400.