Need A Thanksgiving Meal OTR?

Thanksgiving is already here and we gladly welcome the most turkey-filled time of the year! We thank all the members of the trucking industry who have been hard at work shipping turkeys all across the nation. About 46 million were delivered all over just so people can enjoy a traditional meal with their families.

If you are going to be OTR this holiday we hope that when you get the chance to go home you will be surrounded by family and friends to enjoy your own special turkey dinner. However, you can still enjoy a turkey meal on the road.

Cook Your Own Meal?

Of course, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try cooking a meal right in your rig.

Our team tried just that this year with mixed results. Check out our attempt to make a Thanksgiving meal with nothing but truckstop items below!

Where Truckers Can Find Turkey

But if you want to take a break from chaotic Thanksgiving travel to enjoy your own turkey lunch or dinner complete with a slice of pie then you can head to a restaurant like Cracker Barrel. Cracker Barrels usually provide excellent truck parking and have a comfortable, at-home atmosphere to make your Thanksgiving meal warm and welcoming.

You can also head to Denny’s for an excellent turkey meal. Because a lot of truck stops like Flying J have Denny’s built-in then it will make for a convenient stop to rest, shower, enjoy some turkey, and more.

Other notable places serving up awesome Thanksgiving meals include Iron Skillet, Country Pride, and more.

But what if we told you that there are places to score free turkey? Hold onto your britches, because it’s true! Head to the Boise Stage Shop in Boise Idaho off of I-84 exit 71 for a free turkey dinner with trimmings.

You can also head to the Cowboy Cafe in Lyman, Wyoming for an all-inclusive turkey dinner. You get all the good sides like stuffing, a dinner roll, potatoes, and even a slice of pumpkin pie. Just show your CDL at these locations to enjoy the free food.

Thank You From TSNAmerica

Here at TSNAmerica, we are very thankful for all the hard work you do to deliver supplies and needs all across the nation. We sincerely hope you will find the time to celebrate Thanksgiving with your loved ones and get the chance to enjoy a warm turkey meal on Thanksgiving!

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It’s Time To File For 2022 UCR Registration

The 2022 Unified Carrier Registration opened on October 1st, and the deadline is only getting closer!

It is important to note that there were no price adjustments from last year, so the amount will be the same depending on your fleet size!

The Unified Carrier Registration Act (UCR) is the primary method when it comes to registering commercial vehicles that travel through interstates.

The UCR must be completed along with the fee paid by December 31st, 2021 in order to legally operate your vehicle.

What Are The UCR Fees?

You must register and pay the UCR fee every year and the amount is based on the size of your fleet.

The chart below displays the filing fees: 

Register for UCR

You will need to enter your USDOT number to register for UCR. Once you complete this process and pay the fee, You have completed your UCR registration!

You need to have your USDOT number on hand to simplify and speed up this process. 

Any vehicle that meets any of the following requirements must have a USDOT number: 

• A vehicle that transports cargo or passengers

• Has a gross or combined weight of 10,001 lbs or more

• Transports 8 or more passengers for compensation

• Transports 15 or more passengers that are not for compensation

• Transports any hazardous materials

Need Help Registering For UCR?

TSNAmerica is here to help you through this process, like always! 

Give our team a call at 877.520.8640 and they can help register the UCR for you!

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Waited Until Last Minute? How to File by the 2290 Due Date

The 2021 Form 2290 due date is today!!

That’s right… Your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax is due on August 31, 2021.

Filing the 2021-22 Form 2290 by the 2290 due date is critical to avoid penalties and receive an updated 2290 Schedule 1.

Still need to file?

Here’s a comprehensive list of Form 2290 instructions 2021 for filing before the 2290 due date. 

Form 2290 Due Date 2021

The 2021 Form 2290 Rundown

Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax is an annual truck tax that covers the damage that heavy vehicles do to public highways.

In return for filing Form 2290 for 2021, you’ll receive an updated 2290 Schedule 1, which is necessary for truck operation.

Your 2290 Schedule 1 acts as a receipt of federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax payment, and must be presented when renewing tags, traveling internationally, and more.

IRS Late Filing Penalties

Failing to file 1 Form 2290 before the Form 2290 due date will result in penalties.

The IRS enacts a late filing penalty of 4.5% of the total federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax amount for these filers, with an added 0.54% interest each month.

In contrast, those who file Form 2290 for 2021 but do not pay their federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax will face a penalty of 0.5% of the tax amount, with 0.54% interest each month.

Failing to file will also cost you an updated 2290 Schedule 1, which you’ll need on the road.

Don’t risk it. Filing on time is simple.

Filing On Time

The fastest way to file is over the phone or online.

To file over the phone, simply call TSNA at 877.520.8640 and we'll file for you!

You also have the option to file IRS 2290 online with our sister product, ExpressTruckTax.

To file 2021 Form 2290 online quickly before the 2290 due date, follow these simple Form 2290 instructions 2021:

1.  Gather Your Information

Speed up your Form 2290 for 2021 filing process by gathering your information ahead of time. You’ll need business information, EIN (Employer Identification Number), VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), gross taxable weight, and authorized signatory details.

2.  Call TSNAmerica

Simply call 877.520.8640.

3.  Tell Them Your Business Information

Simply give your business name, address, and EIN. You must have an EIN to file.

4.  Choose Your Tax Year & First Used Month

Your tax year is 2021-22. If your vehicle has been in service in previous years and will continue to be in service this year, your first use month is July.

5.  Tell Them Your Vehicle Information

This includes VIN and gross taxable weight, which is the weight of your vehicle when fully equipped for service, minus the weight of you and the load. Find this number on your cab card or a sticker inside the door of your cab.

6. Decide how to pay your HVUT tax.

You can pay by Check or Money Order, EFTPS, or EFW.

That’s it!

Follow these IRS 2290 instructions and you’ll be finished in no time.

Never miss another 2290 due date. File now with TSNAmerica.

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We're Days Away From the 2290 Deadline–Here's What You Need to Know

The countdown for the 2290 deadline is coming for you!

Owner-operators must e-file IRS 2290 by Tueday, August 31, 2021. If not, expensive IRS penalties for failing to file will be headed your way.

The clock is ticking and time is running out, so here’s what you need to know before calling in to file.

Am I Required To File a 2290 Form?

If you’re reading this then we're 99.9% sure you are required to file by the upcoming 2290 deadline!

Owner-operators that have a vehicle with more than 55,000 pounds in gross weight must file Form 2290 for 2021 to receive their stamped Schedule 1.

You must have a Schedule 1 Form 2290 to renew your tags with the DMV or register for IRP.

File My 2290

What Information Do I Need When Filing?

Guess what?! You only need five pieces of information when you call for us to file your 2290 Form:

• Business Name & Address
• EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number
• Gross Taxable Weight
• Authorized Signatory Details

Wait, TSNAmerica Will File My 2290 Form for Me?

Yep, you read correctly! Filing your Form 2290 for 2021 is as simple as giving us a call.

Simply call 877.520.8640 and you’ll be greeted by one of our friendly US-based bilingual support team members ready to file your 2290 Form.

You’ll be prompted to provide the information listed below and in just 5-10 minutes your annual filing requirements will be complete! Best of all, a digital copy of your stamped Schedule 1 will be sent via email!

Call TSNAmerica Now
877.520.8640

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How to get an EIN for your Form 2290

With the 2021-22 Form 2290 renewal season happening right now, you should have already filed your heavy vehicle use tax. But many of you may still be wondering if you can file using your Social Security Number. 

Unfortunately, the good old days of simply using your Social Security Number to file those 2290’s are long gone, and if you don’t already have an EIN, you don't have much time left to apply for one before the August 31 deadline.

What’s an EIN?

An EIN, also known as an Employer Identification Number or a Federal Tax Number, is a unique nine-digit number that is used to file heavy vehicle use tax. TSNAmerica can help you get one, right now!

EIN numbers:

• Contain nine digits in the form of XX-XXXXXXX
• Cannot be transferred or cancelled
• Are used for business activities only
• Should not be used in place of your SSN

Why Do I Need One Now?

You may be wondering why you should begin this process now if you haven’t already. Well, the process of filing for and receiving an active EIN can be a bit time-consuming, and if not done in time, can delay your 2290 filing and even potentially cost you late penalties. 

On average, it takes the IRS 10 business days to activate an EIN, and in some cases, it can even take up to 15. Until your EIN becomes active, your return will be rejected again, and again, and again. With the August 31 deadline only 18 days away, it's time to get that EIN, now!

How Can I Get One?

Although the process of obtaining an EIN is free through the IRS, it can be somewhat of a daunting task to handle on your own. The good news is that even if you don’t have the time to go through the strenuous process of filing and waiting for an EIN to become active, we can do it for you!

Truck Services of North America specializes in making the entire process as simple and hands-off as possible for truck owners and operators. TSNAmerica’s tax specialists provide countless services for truckers and will take care of the EIN process in its entirety with a simple five-minute phone call.

Be sure to exercise caution, however, as there is no shortage of people out there charging upwards of $400 in return for assistance with the process. TSNAmerica provides this service for only $80.

After you have your active EIN, there’s only one thing left to do and that’s to file your 2290. Don’t want to deal with that process either? With another simple five-minute phone call, TSNAmerica will take care of that for you too and have your stamped Schedule 1 sent to you in a matter of minutes. If your return is rejected for any reason, TSNAmerica will even make any necessary changes and resubmit your 2290 until it is accepted by the IRS.

Misplaced Your EIN?

If you have already received your EIN number but forgot or misplaced it, here’s what you can do:

• If you’ve ever E-filed your 2290 with our friends over at ExpressTruckTax, then your EIN is automatically stored in your account. Just log in and view your business details on your dashboard, or pull up a previously filed return to find your EIN.
• Check with the bank or the institution that you applied for a license with. Both should have your EIN on record.
• If all else fails, call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. After you verify your identity, the IRS will be able to provide you with your EIN.

Get Your EIN Now!

To get in contact with TSNAmerica, you can call (877)-520-8640, email support@TSNAmerica.com, or use live chat support. TSNAmerica support is available every Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and we are always more than happy to assist with any questions or issues you may have. So don’t cost yourself extra time and money by waiting until the last minute. Let TSNAmerica help you today!

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Top 10 Reasons Why You Should File With TSNAmerica

TSNAmerica is now offering Form 2290 for 2021-22. TSNAmerica users have the opportunity to score additional benefits by filing Form 2290 for 2021-22. Here are some of the ways TSNAmerica can help you.

Right Your Wrongs: TSNAmerica's expert customer support team will make sure your filing is accurate so you can avoid costly mistakes. Filing with TSNA also gives users a chance to amend their return in case it is rejected due to mistakes.

Plus, before transmitting your Form 2290 to the IRS, we run an instant error check to look for any errors located that may cause rejection from the IRS.

File Now, Pay Later: Just because you are filing earlier, doesn’t mean you are required to pay any earlier than you normally would. There is also no extra charge applied for filing earlier, making it a top-rated value. File as early as today and have up to three months to save before paying your taxes.

Never Miss A Deadline: We know it's easy to forget deadlines, so as a courtesy to all clients, TSNA sends reminders of important dates by email. We are here to help you avoid late fees and additional penalties.

Quick And Easy: TSNA makes sure you receive your Stamped Schedule 1 within minutes and eliminates the need to wait to renew your vehicle at the registration office.

Short Wait Time: Avoid the hassle of long lines over the phone and in the office. When you file with TSNAmerica you eliminate having to listen to hold music As the deadline approaches hold times can get longer and longer. You can beat the rush easily when you file.

Paper Free: TSNAmerica prepares your paperwork so you won’t have to. With one phone call, you can wipe your hands of Form 2290 stress. This is the easiest method to file.

Multiple Ways To Pay: There’s no difference between what the IRS accepts and the methods of payment TSNAmerica accepts. You can use EFTPS, EFW, Check/ Money Order.

Client Support: Although the process of filing is quick and easy, TSNAmerica’s US-based bilingual support team is available to answer any questions you may have regarding your Form 2290

Top Security: Filing with TSNAmerica is a secure process. Your information will be protected by the latest data encryption.

Call TSNAmerica at (877) 520-8640 to reach a support team member and file your Form 2290 for 2021 today. Take the time to have the following items on hand to make filing as quick and easy as possible.

• Business name & address
• EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
• Gross Taxable Weight
• Authorized Signatory Details

File your Form 2290 for 2021 today!

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A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Dash Cam for Your Needs

Over the last few years dashboard cameras (dash cams) have become the must-have accessory for road voyagers. Next, to artificial intelligence, this new device has some hefty pros and cons. If you’re considering getting a dash cam for your next long-haul we have made a list of things for you to think about. Before you press record or invest in a dashcam we want you to make sure it’s the right thing for your truck.

Dash cameras can come in handy and can also lead to tragedy. Knowing the ins and outs of the specific camera you purchase is the most beneficial way to be sure it is right for you and the long-hauls you’ll be making. Hopefully, these basic pros and cons will give you an idea of what to expect from truckers new favorite things.

Pros

There are some obvious pros to dash cams that are changing the game for truckers and one of those would be that it prevents staged accidents. Often times passenger vehicles blame large trucks for accidents that just never happened. It’s easy to play the blame game when there are no witnesses or proof. Statistics say that of the car-truck crashes approximately 80 percent of them were at the fault of passenger vehicles. This number may be increased as more dash cams are installed. Dash cams can save you from a rise in insurance and keep you from being blamed for a staged accident.

Other Pros of Dashcams Include the Following:

Improve Driving Skills

CDL instructors and company freight trainers are beginning to use dashcams to train new drivers and help prevent common mistakes. Dash cams are becoming a new method of learning and are creating a culture of safety on the road. Some dash cams can even store information technology that may assist in the training process. CDL training is slowly improving with the help of gadgets like dash cameras.

Document Your Trip

Being away from family on long-hauls can be extremely tough, but once you come home watching the footage from the dashcam will give you a chance to bond with loved ones.

Prevents Theft

Cargo theft can cost you thousands, but with the use of a dash cam, you can capture the culprits and possibly retrieve the stolen cargo.

Cons

The cons of dash cams are a little lighter than the pros, but there are a few things that should be considered.

Driving Distraction

Dash cams can easily be a distraction. Technology has a mind of its own and while you’re driving something may happen and you feel the urge to fiddle. The combination of fiddling with one hand and using the other to operate a 55,000-pound truck may not end the best way.

Rule Breaking

There are some states where recording without consent is illegal. You may be arrested, charged, or even fined, so making sure you are aware of the laws of each state line you cross will save you from facing some heavy consequences.

The Best of The Best

Here is a list of five to performing and highly rated dashboard cameras truckers across the world are investing in. *In no particular order

• WheelWitness HD PRO Dash Cam with GPS
• Garmin Dash Cam 35
• ITRUE X6D Dual Car Dash Cam pro
• OldShark 3” FHD 1080P 170 Degree Wide Angle Dashboard Camera
• KDLINKS X1 Full-HD 1920 x 1080 165 Degree Wide Angle Dashboard Camera

There are a few features your next dash cam should have that we encourage truckers to use as a checklist.

• Dual Cameras
• Light and Dark Recording Option
• Variety of Range
• Storage Option - Information Technology
• G-Sensor
• GPS

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File Your 2021-22 Form 2290 Early To Get Ahead Of The Curve

We have an exciting announcement!

We are now accepting Form 2290 filing for the 2021-22 tax year to help you get your trucking taxes finished now!

How Does It Work?

By filing now, you will be among the first to get their stamped Schedule 1 in July when the IRS begins processing 2021-22 returns.

TSNAmerica is the most convenient Form 2290 solution around! We give you flexibility to make a simple phone call and have your Form 2290 on your behalf.

Our customer support experts make taxes a breeze. They’ll guide you through the whole process in a matter of minutes!

Then, when the IRS officially begins processing returns on July 1, we will transmit our clients’ finished returns immediately. That means you’ll be one of the first to get your taxes done this year.

You’ll also have plenty of time to make any 2290 amendments or corrections to your return if the IRS rejects it for any reason.

Additionally, if you choose to pay your HVUT tax amount to the IRS via check or money order, you can wait until August 31 to actually pay your taxes.

File Your 2021-22 Form 2290 Today!

Call (877) 520-8640 for the easiest 2021-22 Form 2290 filing experience!

 

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You Qualify For A Tax Payment Extension From The IRS

May 17, 2021 is approaching fast. For some, it’s their individual tax deadline but for those who have a lot on their plate and too much to wrap up, it's the deadline to file Form 4868. It may not seem like it, but the IRS is somewhat reasonable. They realize you could have possibly misplaced important documents and need more time, unexpected life events happen, and time can simply just slip away. This is why they have created Form 4868.

The Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S Individual Income Tax Return (better known as Form 4868) extends the deadline of the income tax return as far as six-months (October 15, 2021).

The 3 Ways To Request A Form 4868

1. Pay Electronically: When you choose this method you don’t need to file Form 4868. By making a payment the IRS will automatically process an extension of time to file when you pay part or all of your estimated income tax electronically. This can be done online or over the phone. 
2. E-File: You can e-file from your personal computer. Be sure to have a copy of your previous tax return. This information will be needed for verification. At this time you can choose whether or not to make a payment online, or send it in via postal mail.
3. Paper Filing: With paper filing, all you will need to do is fill out a paper Form 4868. You can choose to send it into the IRS by mail. Be mindful that if you are a fiscal year taxpayer, you must file a paper Form 4868.

Form Sections

Form 4868 is broken down into two parts. The first being identification and the second is where you’ll plug in all tax information.

Part I - Identification
This is the section where your name(s) will go. If you are filing a joint return you must list the names of both spouses, so they appear on the return. Mailing addresses, Social Security number (SSN), and employer identification number (EIN) are also fields included in this section.

Part II - Individual Income Tax
In this section is where you’ll be filling out the estimate of total tax liability, be sure to be as accurate as possible. Total payments, balance due, and the amount you’ll be paying will also need to be inserted here. Have these important pieces of information on hand for quick filing.

Did you know that filing an extension doesn’t put you at higher risk of being audited? Generally, an extension is issued automatically and they won’t hassle you about why you are in need of an extension. So there is no need to pull out the old, “My dog ate my homework” excuse.

Take the time to put in your extension today. We’d rather you be safe than sorry and paying some pretty costly penalties.

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Temporary Trip Permits & Temporary Fuel Permits

What do you do when you need to travel somewhere that you’ve never been and you don’t have proper authority?

Well, it can be tough if you lack IRP credentials and can’t legally travel in those jurisdictions.

So what do you do? Thankfully, you can get a temporary permit.

Who Needs Temporary Trip & Fuel Permits?

If you normally don’t travel interstate but find yourself needing to travel on a longer haul, temporary permits were created just for you.

So if you normally only work in West Virginia, but end up on a haul that takes you to Ohio, a temporary trip or fuel permit will be required.

So what are these permits?

Trip Permits: These are designed for you if you are traveling to a jurisdiction you lack credentials for. You will need a temporary trip permit in lieu of IRP registration. Thankfully, a temporary trip permit is a great solution for sporadic interstate travel, but are not an economical solution for long term freight solutions.

If you find yourself needing permits more than a few times a year, it is more economical to register under IRP or the state tax license required for the jurisdictions you’re traveling in.

Trip permits must be obtained prior to entering the jurisdiction, and since processing costs and times vary by state, it’s best to inquire as soon as you know you’ll need one.

Temporary Fuel Permit: When you’re traveling interstate, you can get a temporary fuel permit issued in place of the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) registration.

Like trip permits, these must be obtained before traveling into the jurisdiction you are not licensed to operate in.

Best of all, most permits are issued same day! Whether you’re headed to Michigan, Texas, or Ohio, trip permits will help you travel interstate with ease!

If you need a trip or fuel permit, reach out to the state you will be traveling through to obtain your temporary permit.  

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Try These Methods To Increase Your Salary This Year

It is always a good thing to be grateful for what you have, but it is also wise to be mindful that you can make more. Maximizing your career as a truck driver is easier said than done, but with determination you can make it happen.

There are a number of avenues that can be chosen to make a significant increase in your salary. We want to see you thrive in your career, so we are giving you a bit of insight into how exactly you can make the trucking industry work for you.

Add Some CDL Endorsements

Passing the CDL exam is a huge accomplishment and if you've made it past that step it certainly deserves a pat on the back. There are however certain things your CDL can’t do for you.

By adding extra permissions to your CDL you will be allowed to carry loads the CDL alone won’t permit you to. Having additional endorsements will give you a competitive advantage over other drivers, allowing you to have an opportunity to choose between loads that generally pay more. Getting your HazMat endorsement or Tanker vehicle endorsement will help in increasing your salary.

Gain Additional Experience

There are a few things truckers are required to have knowledge of, but a lot of times that knowledge only comes by experience. Experience is one of the most important criteria for truckers to have in order to get a competitive salary. Experience takes time, and getting to the point where you are making the big bucks requires a bit of patience.

It is proven that drivers with 5 to 8 years of experience earn anywhere between $50,000 and $70,000, including benefits. In comparison to inexperienced drivers, who make an average of $18 per hour, experienced drivers can make up to $50 per hour. Talk about a major difference.

Reputation Goes A Long Way

We’ve all been taught that reputation goes a long way and in the trucking industry it is no different. With a clean performance record truckers are presented with better driving opportunities that lead to better pay.

Companies are interested in protecting their reputation and hiring someone whose reputation coincides with that is ideal. Having a good reputation isn’t up to anyone else, but you. The money is out there, you just have to work hard for it.

Get With The Times

By improving your IT knowledge you are already more sought after than drivers with tons of experience, who still choose to use paper logging methods. Anyone who refuses to adapt to the modern age we are currently in are slowly being weaseled out. By being up on the latest IT trends you are now a more valuable asset to the industry. This makes your time more valuable to the company you’re with.

It is not possible to dodge hard work on your way up the industry ladder. In order to get paid more, you are going to have to do a lot more than ask for a raise. There are large salaries available in the trucking industry, it just requires people with a certain type of caliber to access them.

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