Do You Need To File a Form 8849?

If you’re new to trucking the numbers used for necessary forms may be a bit overwhelming. There’s 2290s, 8849s, 4868s, 1099s, and 123s, we might be exaggerating with the 123s, but you get the gist, it’s a lot of forms and a lot of numbers to remember. We won’t bore you and got through each form 1 by 1, but we will tell you about the two most relevant ones for this filing period.

What is Form 2290?

The form that you have probably heard the most about, as of late is Form 2290. So what is Form 2290, and how does it relate to you, if at all.

Form 2290 is used to figure and pay the tax due on highway motor vehicles used. Your next question

is probably does it even apply to you, and the answer is it might. All vehicles with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more that travel by highway is required to file a Form 2290.

After paying taxes you will be given a Stamped Schedule 1 that serves as proof of payment from the IRS. This document is important, as it is needed in order to register your commercial vehicle.

Do You Need to File Form 8849?

There are exemptions and claim suspensions that apply to some vehicles meeting certain requirements. The requirements are as follows:

• The vehicle used 5,000 highway miles or less during the period. 
• The vehicle is an agricultural vehicle and used 7,500 miles or less during the period.
• The Vehicle was stolen during the period
• The vehicle was destroyed during the period
• The vehicle was sold during the period 

The above list leads us to the importance of Form 8849. If any of the above are true about a vehicle you owned then you must first file a Form 2290 and pay the correct amount of Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) and then complete the Form 8849.

Claims and Refunds

In order to claim credits or refunds for vehicles stolen, destroyed, sold, or only used for 5,000 miles or less and 7,500 miles or less for agricultural vehicles, the Form 8849 is required. The things you’ll need to file a Form 8849 are your name, address, details on the vehicle you are seeking a claim/refund for and your Employee Identification Number (EIN). Be sure to double check that the EIN you are using is consistent with what the IRS has on file. 

*If an EIN is needed you are able to apply for one online with the IRS.

File With Truck Services of North America

Truck Services of North America (TSNA) is offering pre-filing! File as early as today, with one phone call. Support team members are standing by to assist you with all of your Form 2290 needs.

File With ExpressTruckTax

The great thing about our sister company, ExpressTruckTax is that it makes all of your Form 2290 filing simpler. It even gives you a chance to auto generate a Form 8849 if you are in need of one for the current filing period.

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Top 10 Reasons Why You Should File With TSNAmerica

TSNAmerica is now offering Form 2290 filing for truckers who have a vehicle with more than 55,000 pounds in gross weight. TSNAmerica users have the opportunity to score additional benefits by filing prior to the start date of the Form 2290 filing. Listed are ways that TSNAmerica can be beneficial to you.

Right Your Wrongs: By filing earlier you can avoid costly mistakes. Prefiling with TSNA gives users a chance to amend the return in case it is rejected due to mistakes. Truck services of North America offer free VIN corrections to all of its pre-filing clients.

Error Check: Prior to submission of your Form 2290 there is an instant error check ran to look for any errors located that may cause for 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: It is too easy to forget deadlines, but as a courtesy to all clients, TSNA sends reminders of important dates through email. Helping you to avoid late fees and additional penalties.

Quick And Easy: TSNA makes sure you receive your Stamped Schedule 1 within minutes. Eliminating 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 pre-file you eliminate the chance of 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 opt-in to pre-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 stresses, until July. Making this method the easiest way 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, Direct Debit, 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 (803) 386 0320 to reach a support team member and file your Form 2290 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

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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 on 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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You Qualify For An Extension From The IRS

April 15th is approaching us fast. For some, it’s only Tax Day and 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, 2019).

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: When you e-file you can do it on your personal computer or through a tax professional. 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 in two ways. The first way is through the mail and the other would be through a private delivery service. 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 final part 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, in the order that 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 faithful, “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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Your Guide To The Perfect ELD For Your Fleet Needs

Aside from compliance requirements, there are a couple of things to consider before purchasing your dream ELD. Taking the time to know whether or not you are exempt from the new mandate, and what game-changing features that make your job a whole lot easier will save you time and money before Dec. 16.

The ELD Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations:

Requires ELD use by commercial drivers who are required to prepare hours-of-service (HOS) records of duty status (RODS).

Sets ELD performance and design standard, and requires ELDs to be certified and registered with FMCSA.

Establishes what supporting documents drivers and carriers are required to keep.

Prohibits harassment of drivers based on ELD data or connected technology (such as fleet management system).

Provides recourse for drivers who believe they have been harassed.

Three Add-Ons for the ELD Feature Checklist

#1 Instant Messaging

There is no requirement for having an instant messaging feature including with your ELD, but this feature would enable all parties to stay in direct communication during a route. Streamline communication between drivers and dispatch aids in dissolving miscommunication and confusion, similar features with the same motive can be found by using apps like the TruckLogics app.

#2 Dash Camera

For some the use of a recording device may seem like a disaster waiting to happen but, 100% of truck drivers who were falsely accused of being at fault of a truck-passenger accident would agree that they wished there were proof to show they weren’t to blame. 

Not only does a dash camera protect individuals and companies against fraudulent claims, but it also can be used for education purposes in training processes for more effective coaching.

There are also a number of insurance carriers who recognize the benefits dash cameras have on the safety and reward forward-thinking companies with reduced subsidies and premiums.

#3 Safety Alerts 

Many of the ELDs that are FMCSA complaint have features that help in improving the safety of the road, but there are some that take it a little further in offering alerts on not just speeding, but hard braking, and lane departures.

ELD Exemptions

Those who must comply with the transition typically know who they are, however, there are exceptions to the new mandated requirements. Even though it seems as if the world is going full-on electronic, time cards and paper RODs fall in line with those being exempt. 

Drivers who operate under the short-haul exceptions are able to continue using timecards, and those who use paper RODs less than 8 times over a 30-day span are exempt as well. The 30-day period is not restricted to a single month but does apply to any 30-day period. 

Drivers who operate a vehicle manufactured before 2000, based on the VIN they qualify to no have to make the transition along with drivers conducting drive-away-tow-away operations, in which the vehicle being driven is the commodity being delivered. At this time, with exemption being likely to change, transporters of livestock and insects are not required to have an ELD and are not required by the FMCSA to carry documents regarding the exemption. 

Meeting ELD Compliance

When searching for the perfect ELD device there are several aspects to consider. The main aspect transporters should look for is whether or not the device is registered at FMCSA.

A compliant ELD solution will provide:

Separate accounts for administrators, both non-drivers and drivers.

Integral Synchronization with the Electronic Control Module (ECM).

Automatic recording of information such as; location, date, time, engine hours, vehicle miles, and driver identification.

Although there are basic compliance requirements for ELDs it is wise to make sure the selected device offers the use of cellular networks, USB, and even Bluetooth. 

The cellular network feature is vital in transmitting data between engine-connected vehicles and smartphones and tablets. The most reliable way of transmitting information is through the use of US and Bluetooth, in the event that there is no cellular service. 

Waiting until the end of the year to begin the search for an ELD to make the perfect match for specific fleet needs, will more than likely end in an additional extension for the mandate. 

By making the migration from AOBRDs to ELDs in the first quarter when IFTA reports are due to the pressure of having the first choice be the best choice is eliminated.

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It's Crunch Time! The IRS Deadline is Tomorrow

Time to File Your Tax Forms!

You only have one day left!

Tomorrow, January 31st is the deadline for your IRS Form 1099, IRS Form W-2, and IRS Form 940 or 941! As a trucking business owner, you have to make sure your employee and contractor tax forms are filed on time. The differences can be confusing, but TSNAmerica has parented with our sister product Taxbandits to provide you with everything you need to file on time!

Before we jump into it let’s review the basics. 

What You Need to Know About the 2018 1099-Misc Form, W-2, & More

Knowing what tax forms you are required to file and how to submit them on time is important for you as a business owner, your employees, subcontractors, and anyone else you paid during the previous tax season. However, depending on various factors, they may require different or even multiple forms.

IRS Form W-2 is for reporting your employees’ wages and other compensation.

IRS Form 1099-MISC is for reporting payments made freelance drivers, leased owner-operators, or other contracted workers in your trucking fleet.

IRS Form 941 is used to report employment taxes for those who own and operate a business with employees, including adjustments for tips, sick pay, and any overpayment or underpayment made during the tax season. Like your IFTA report, IRS Form 941 is a quarterly Federal Tax Return and must be filed as such.

IRS Form 940 is an annual federal tax report form used to document and pay unemployment taxes. The form calculates the employer's federal unemployment tax liability, adjusts for any state unemployment taxes paid, and calculates any due unemployment taxes from there. The form also compares unemployment tax due for the year to the taxes already paid.

Don't forget, you may need to file one or more of these forms by the deadline tomorrow! Also, remember to file your 4th Quarter IFTA report with your base jurisdiction! 

Start Your Free Account Today!

Pay Only When You Transmit!

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How You Can Prepare For Hurricane Season

The relatively quiet Atlantic hurricane season is now swirling with activity as Tropical Storm Florence grows in strength and Tropical Storm Gordon slams into the Gulf coast. If you haven’t been affected by the increase in storms, consider yourself lucky.

However, every road veteran knows that it’s easy to find yourself stuck in inclement weather. Pop-up storms, blizzards, tornado warnings, and more can strike without a moment’s notice. When you start the day a few states away in an area with perfect weather, it can be difficult to know what to expect along your route. Unfortunately, you can’t predict mother nature’s actions, but you can be prepared when she strikes. 

Hurricane Safety Tips For Truckers

Whether you are an over-the-road or a local driver, you should be prepared for any situation.

1. Prepare For High Winds

Before a hurricane hits, there will most likely be lots of strong winds, which is dangerous for drivers. Strong winds can pull and sometimes even flip your rig. If you are pulling dry vans or reefers, you are at a higher risk when it comes to high winds. Keep in mind that your rig can still be damaged even when parked.

2. Watch Out For Weather Warnings

Check weather conditions before and during your journey. Also, pay attention to weather warnings. If there is a state of emergency, you will want to take a different route or delaying shipment to affected areas. The U.S. Department of Transportations keeps track of road conditions and closing, so we highly recommend that you check there before pulling out.

3. Avoid High Water

This might seem like an obvious piece of advice, however, avoid driving through high water and don't assume that piles of debris are only branches. Hurricanes blow and float things around, so keep an eye on the oncoming road for any possible hazards. If you can’t see the road or you are unsure, stop your vehicles. The worst thing you can do it play through it. 

4. Bring Emergency Equipment

Whether you’re an over-the-road or local driver, you should carry emergency items in case you’re caught in a dire situation where these tools could save your life. Also if you find yourself stuck for a few hours or even a few days, these items could make a significant difference for your level of comfort.

Having bottles of water and nonperishable food items is essential. Canned food and packages of crackers will do the trick, just don’t forget your can opener. A fork may come in handy as well.

Bring an extra change of clothes and make sure you are switching out your change of clothes depending on the season. Always have a reflective vest so when you exit your truck others will see you.

With winter on its way, remember to have a hat that covers your ears, waterproof gloves, extra socks, and warm boots. Extra blankets are also great to have, including an electric one.

Other emergency items you should bring include:

• Utility knives 
• Flashlights 
• Batteries
• Extra phone battery or portable charger 
• Hand-crank radio
• Matches or a lighter
• Fully stocked first-aid kit
• Auxiliary power unit
• Portable heater
• Extra Fuel

Stay Safe Out There

Winter is coming, along with it hurricanes, storms, snow, and more! Be sure to be safe and prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store for us this season. Know what weather to expect during your routes and have the right tools in your cabin the event of an emergency.

If you have more safety items to include or tips on how to drive a semi truck sagely during inclement weather, please share them in the comment section below. For more trucking blogs click here and be sure to follow us on social for the latest news and trucking tips and tricks.

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Attention! Today is the IRS Form 2290 Deadline

ATTENTION ALL TRUCKERS! ATTENTION! Your Form 2290 for the 2018-19 is due by MIDNIGHT! Yes...MIDNIGHT TONIGHT! If you or a fellow driver has a rig registered in your name and haven’t filed Form 2290 yet, TSNAmerica is the perfect solution for last minute filing. So trust me when I say you don’t have any time to waste, so for faster filing here is how to easily file Form 2290 for 2018 over the phone now.

How To Easily File Form 2290 for 2018 Over the Phone

The fastest way to complete your Form 2290 filing is by filing over the phone with one of our bilingual support representatives. Who knew that one phone call could stand in the way of you getting run over by IRS penalties and interest? Give us a call and receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 in just a matte of minutes via email. Here is how to get started:

To file IRS Form 2290 over the phone successfully you will need the following information. We suggest having your information on hand before calling: 

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

Once you have this information on hand, give us a call at 803.386.0320 to handle your Form 2290 filing. Once you file your Form 2290 you will receive your stamped Schedule 1 via email in minutes. You will need your stamped Schedule 1 to register vehicles and to renew your rig’s tags. Trust me when I say you don’t want to be caught off guard with expired tags.

Note: Be sure to always keep a copy of Schedule 1 Form 2290. Without it, you will be unable to renew your tags at the DMV or register for IFTA, IRP, or UCR.

IRS Form 2290 DeadlineCountdown

As you can see, there’s not much time left to file! Take a few minutes to find your information and file IRS Form 2290 over the phone with TSNAmerica.

File My Form 2290 for 2018 Now

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You Need To Know How To File 2290 Form 2018 by August 31st

The August 31st deadline for filing 2290 Form 2018 is coming at us full force. We have fastened our seatbelts and are ready for the race to deadline day but want to make sure you are prepared to file by the Form 2290 due date. Failing to file IRS Form 2290 will result in some pretty hefty penalties from the IRS that can easily be avoided when you file using TSNAmerica and obtain your Schedule 1 Form 2290. Today, we will provide you with a quick IRS Form 2290 crash course because, at the end of the day, you need to know how to file 2290 Form 2018 by August 31st.

You Need To Know How To File 2290 Form 2018 by August 31st

Filing IRS Form 2290 is not as hard as you may think, especially when you file over the phone with TSNAmerica. Before you rush to pick up the phone to call us, it is essential to know if you are required to file and what information is needed to successfully transmit your 2290 Form 2018 to the IRS. 

Who is Required to File

Owner-operators who have a vehicle with more than 55,000 pounds in gross weight must file a 2290 Form 2018. Filing this form and paying your heavy highway use taxes will also result in you receiving a Schedule 1 Form 2290. You must have this document to renew your tags with the DMV or register for IFTA, IRP, or UCR.

File IRS Form 2290 Today!

What is the Form 2290 Due Date?

IRS Form 2290 is due on *drumroll please*... THIS FRIDAY, AUGUST 31ST! Yes, you read correctly. You have until midnight on Friday to file.

IRS Form 2290 DeadlineCountdown

Information Needed To File

You’re going to love this part. You will only need five pieces of information to file a 2290 Form 2018. Take a few moments to gather the following information before giving us a call: 

1. Business Name & Address
2. EIN (Employer Identification Number)
3. VIN (Vehicle Identification Number
4. Gross Taxable Weight
5. Authorized Signatory Details

How To File Your 2290 Form 2018

Filing 2290 Form 2018 at the last minute is super easy. Why? Because when you give us a call at TSNAmerica, we file for you over the phone. After being greeted by one of our friendly US-based bilingual support team members, you will be prompted to provide the information need to file (listed above), and in just 5-10 minutes you will complete your annual filing requirements and receive a digital copy of your stamped Schedule 1 Form 2290 via email. It really is that simple!

Now that you know how to file 2290 Form 2018 give us a call today while you still have time! Our team is standing by ready to assist you so you can get back to what you enjoy most!

Call TSNAmerica Now

803.386.0320

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What Happens If You File Your IRS 2290 Form 2018 Late

As you can see, there’s not much time left to file IRS 2290 Form 2018. If you are unsure of the Form 2290 due date, the heavy highway use taxes must be filed by midnight on Friday, August 31. Yes...Friday of THIS week! If you have contemplated not filing your truck tax by this date because of the hassle of it all or you don’t have your full tax payment, you may want to rethink that decision, especially after you learn about the penalty for filing taxes late. Also, we would like to add that the penalties and interest for not filing is far higher than not paying your truck tax. Here is the “411” on what happens if you file your IRS 2290 Form 2018 late.

IRS Form 2290 DeadlineCountdown

What Happens If You File Your IRS 2290 Form 2018 Late?

Time is passing us by so it’s time for you to get a move on with your Form 2290 filing. If you fail to follow IRS Form 2290 instructions and file by August 31, you will incur an expensive penalty for filing taxes late. Failing to file will result in penalties that are equal to 4.5% of the total truck tax amount due, and will increase monthly for up to five months.

The penalties don’t stop there–the penalty for filing taxes late for your heavy highway use tax payment is .5% of your total tax amount. An additional interest charge of .54% per month joins the “penalty family” as well.

If IRS penalties weren’t enough, your vehicle will be suspended until you can provide proof of the HVUT payment, which is validated with your stamped Schedule 1 that is received after you file IRS 2290 Form 2018. 

Start My Form 2290 Filing

Easily File Your IRS 2290 Form 2018 Over the Phone

Yes, you read the subheader correctly. You can easily file your IRS 2290 Form 2018 over the phone in just minutes when you file with TSNAmerica! Once you gather all your required information give us a call at 803.386.0320, and one of our friendly US-based bilingual support team members will file your IRS Form 2290 on your behalf in minutes! You know what happens if you file taxes late, so let TSNAmerica help you avoid those hefty IRS penalties.

File Over The Phone With TSNAmerica:
803.386.0320

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Warning! The IRS Form 2290 Due Date is Friday

Your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax is due Friday, August 31st! If you want to avoid severe IRS penalties and interest, you will need to file before midnight.

Whether you are having some trouble filing or simply don’t wanna visit the IRS office, give us a call and file over the phone! Don’t wait until the last moment. Get your Form 2290 filing out of the way with a quick 5-minute phone call.

File My 2290 Today

What is a 2290 Form in Trucking?

IRS Form 2290 is a federal tax form used to file Heavy Vehicle Use Tax, also known as HVUT. If your taxable motor vehicle weights more than 55,000 Ibs, is registered in your name, and travels on public highways you must file Form 2290.

The HVUT season runs from July 1 every year to the following June 30. After filing, you will receive a stamped Schedule 1, which acts as your proof of payment and must be kept in your truck for records. You will also need a current stamped Schedule 1 to renew your vehicle tags. Trust me you don’t want to be caught off guard by DOT.

Your 2017-2018 stamped Schedule 1 expired on June 30th. 

Filing Your HVUT Form 2290 Has Never Been Easier!

File it All Over The Phone Today!

Make the 5-minute phone call and receive your stamped Schedule 1 via email in a matter of minutes.

Before you hop on the phone here’s what you will need to make the process quick and easy:

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

Our outstanding bilingual US-based support team will help you quickly file Form 2290 over the phone. The process is straightforward and will take less than 5 minutes. Give us the necessary information, and we will do the work for you. Once they have submitted your information to the IRS, you will receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 via email.

TSNAmerica: 803.386.0320

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