One of the most difficult challenges truckers and fleet owners have to face regarding compliance is understanding the correct weight classifications. It is often debated that two terms in particular cause most confusion, IRP Registered Gross Vehicle Weight (RGVW) and 2290 Taxable Gross Weight. While they are often confused because numerically they appear quite similar, they serve different functions and are meant to be used by different regulatory agencies. Wrong selection of classes could lead to rejected filings, penalties, and significant delays at the vehicle registration.
The idea behind this guide is to explain both weight types in layman's terms, while Simple Truck Tax helps ensure your compliance without any headache.
IRP (International Registration Plan) weight designates Registered Gross Vehicle Weight (RGVW), the maximum weight of your truck legally to carry as set by the DMV of your state. This weight is used for:
IRP weight is not applied for federal taxes, these weights are only for state registration and enforcement.
If your state registers a truck at 80,000 lbs, then that is your IRP RGVW.
IRS-defined 2290 taxable gross weight is meant for only the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT).
It includes:
That is the weight you will report on Form 2290.
If your vehicle weighs 55,000 lbs or more, you will fill out Form 2290 and pay HVUT.
If it is less than 55,000 lbs, you are exempted from tax.
| IRP RGVW | 2290 Taxable Gross Weight |
|---|---|
| Used for state registration | Used for federal HVUT tax |
| Set by state DMV | Defined by IRS |
| Determines apportioned plate fees | Determines HVUT tax amount |
| Represents legally allowed maximum weight | Represents operating weight + load |
| Can be higher than actual operating weight | Based on actual maximum load combination |
They do NOT have to match:
But they must be chosen correctly to avoid conflicts during registration renewal and IRS cross-checks.
Choosing the wrong weight on Form 2290 has some grave consequences, including:
States compare your Schedule 1 with your IRP registration, so be accurate.
Simple Truck Tax is user-friendly and finds the correct weight that is accurate and compliant. Upon filing with us, you will have:
You can do this in just a few simple steps:
Now there is no remaining guesswork, as the process guarantees mutual registration and tax filing accuracy.
Knowing the difference between IRP RGVW and 2290 taxable gross weight might one day save you from making a tax mistake, going in for an audit, or facing registration delays. Getting the right weight classification results in clean and consistent filings that are fully compliant.
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