We're Streamlining to Focus on Our Customers - TSNAmerica Update

In order to offer the highest level of service, we’ve decided to change how we do things around here. We want to deliver the top-notch service you’re used to, we’re doubling down on the heavy hitters.

So what are we still offering? Our most popular services! Let’s break this down for you.

Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Form 2290

Let’s face it, nobody wants to spend their day stuck waiting at the local IRS office.

You have stuff to do—maybe you need to go fishing, or hang out with your kids. Well, you’ve lucked out, because filing Form 2290 by phone is our specialty.

How does it work? We file your Form 2290 by phone and submit it directly to the IRS for processing. We ensure your HVUT Form 2290 is accurate by using an IRS authorized e-file provider, getting your 2290 Schedule 1 back for you within minutes.

Nothing is worse than waiting around for your stamped Schedule 1 for weeks on end. Let TSNAmerica handle your 2290 phone filing and receive your Stamped Schedule 1 while you wait in line.

Federal Employer Identification Number

A Federal Employer Identification Number is a unique nine-digit number used to identify a business entity. Generally, most businesses need an EIN. There was a time when truckers could file their 2290s with just their social security number, but those days are long gone. You’re gonna need an EIN to file!

The process of receiving an active EIN can be a bit time-consuming, and can delay your filing if not done in time. On average it takes the IRS about 10 business days to activate an EIN, and in some cases it can even take up to 15.

Until your EIN becomes active, you're gonna face rejection after rejection. We can help you avoid that!

BOC-3 Filing-Designation of Agents for Service of Process

What else are we offering? We’re still going to offer the BOC-3. What is the BOC-3? It’s used to designate process agents (also known as BOC-3 agents) in all 50 states in which the business operates.

As it is, the BOC-3 is required by all motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders to obtain their own operating authority and must be kept on file with the Federal Motor Safety Carrier Administration (FMCSA) at all times.

A BOC-3 agent is a designated person or office that accepts legal documents on your behalf. TSNAmerica is an FMSCA Registered Blanket Agent with our Blanket Agent Service, we file your BOC-3 form with the FMCSA directly. Not only do we offer same day service, we also stay with you throughout the process, and keep you up to date and current.

Temporary Permits

We understand that you’re gonna need temporary permits every now and then. In fact, we want to help you obtain these permits. Maybe you need to travel through a jurisdiction you’re not licensed for, how would you go about getting a temporary permit?

We’ll help you do that! We offer:

• Temporary Trip Permits: The trip permit is a temporary permit issued to operate in a state which is not currently registered under your IRP and must be obtained prior to entering the state.
• Temporary Fuel Permits: The temporary fuel permit is a temporary permit issued in place of IFTA credentials and must be obtained prior to entering the state.

So while we’ve streamlined what services we offer, know that we’ll never cut back on the level of service we offer you. We look forward to helping you in any way we can this tax season!

Please Note: We are sorry to inform you that 3rd quarter will be the final quarter that TSNAmerica will be offering quarterly IFTA filing services. We’re doing our best to give you enough time to make arrangements for your 4th quarter filing(s). Everything will remain the same for your 3rd quarter filings, however.

If you have any questions about the upcoming changes, we’re always available to answer your questions by phone and email.

Read More »

Want to Avoid an IFTA Audit? Avoid These Errors!

Alright, Trucking Nation. The 2nd Quarter IFTA deadline is getting closer and closer, and we need to focus on avoiding an audit.

We’re gonna take this step by step, and focus on the heavy hitters.

The following are some of the red flags IFTA auditors keep their eyes out for:

Non-continuous Jurisdictions

Alright, this is kind of obvious, but it happens. Your trip logs must show continuity from your starting point to your destination. That includes every district in between.

There’s no way your vehicle began in New Jersey and then suddenly shows up in Ohio. Make this kind of error, and an auditor will be knocking on your door in no time.

Gaps in Mileage

If your end of day trip logs don’t match up with the beginning of the next day, you got yourself a mileage gap.

This usually happens because drivers don’t realize that their personal or leased miles must also be included on the trip logs.

Over-simplified Fuel Calculations

When reporting fuel, it is not acceptable to divide your miles traveled by a predetermined Miles Per Gallon estimate as MPG will naturally fluctuate. The precise fuel use and mileage must be recorded.

Skewed MPG

If your average MPG has drastic variations from one quarter to the next, without a legitimate reason such as differing road conditions, varying weights of the loads carried, etc, an audit could be triggered.

Excessively High/Low MPG

The average MPG for a heavy vehicle is between 5-10 MPG.

If your MPG falls outside of this range, you probably made an error in calculations.

The tough part is, some states won’t let you file your IFTA return until your MPG is within that acceptable range.

However—even if you avoid these obvious errors—you can still be chosen at random for auditing.

If you feel your IFTA return is too complicated, or you don’t have time to dedicate to it, contact one of the dedicated specialists at Truck Services of North America. We not only calculate the tax amount due and prepare the return based on the information provided to us, we also file it directly with the state.

Give us a call at 803.386.0320 or fill out our service request form today!

Read More »

HVUT Refunds: Form 8849

Congrats, you!

You finally got out of the old hunker of a rig, and now you drive a brand new shiny truck that’s from this century.

But you paid your 2290 for the truck before you sold it and now you’re out $500.

Well what if I told you could get that money back? Some may call it magic, others call TSNAmerica.

When we file a Form 8849 on your behalf for your sold/destroyed/stolen vehicle, we’ll help you get your paid 2290 tax fee back.

Unsure? Let me give you some background on the form and how we can do it.

Form 8849

To put it simply, Form 8849 is designed to let the IRS know that you’ve sold your truck, or that it was destroyed or stolen and the taxes you paid on it should be returned for it that you need back.

Your previous truck is considered exempt, so that tax money should come back to you.

How Does That Work?

That’s simple too! To get money back with Form 8849, just give TSNAmerica a call.

Be ready to provide us with your correct name and address ready, also your EIN, the vehicle’s information, and when it was sold/destroyed/stolen. Then let us do the rest.  

One More Time for Clarity

Your sold, stolen, or destroyed vehicle is worth money if you paid your HVUT Form 2290 before selling it.  

All you need to do to get a refund back on the taxes for that truck is to give us a call and let us help you.

So what are you waiting for? Pick up the phone and call TSNAmerica at 803.386.0320. We’ll be glad to help you get the money back that you deserve.

Read More »

How to Keep Proper Records as a Truck Driver

Ever been on the road and think, “man, I wish I didn’t have to deal with all this stupid paperwork. Can’t I just drive?”

Of course you have, and let’s face is, what trucker hasn’t?

But even though it’s a pain in the tail, you still need to be keeping the proper records. And yes, it’s easy just to toss your old receipts on the dash and let them dance around the cab of your truck every time you open the window. 

But is that really the best practice for keeping proper records? And with so many trucking regulations, what exactly do you even need to keep records for?

Recordkeeping Tips

Keeping records as a truck driver can be complicated, but we’re about to simplify it. Here’s what you need to do:

• Keep record of all of your fuel purchases. So that means the amount, type of fuel purchased, name and address of where it was purchased, cost per gallon, total sale amount, and the original receipt.
• Keep track of the total distance you have driven, including your mileage driven in each jurisdiction, the routes you drove, and any out-of-route mileage.
• Keep truck maintenance records and service records so that you know when your truck needs to be serviced. After all, you do want your truck to last for as long as possible, right?
• Be sure to keep track of your logbook accurately, because a messy, unorganized logbook can spell disaster for an independent trucker. It is required that truckers keep a logbook that tracks their location and the time spent both on and off duty. Hey, we don’t have to deal with e-logs yet, so we might as well enjoy the logbooks until then. 
• Keep track of other job-related expenses. In addition to fuel receipts, there are many other miscellaneous expenses incurred by truckers. Like CAT scale charges, meals, lodging, or anything else that you expect to be reimbursed for.
• Hold on to your stamped Schedule 1, as it is required to be kept in your truck at all times. If you need help getting one, you can get one in 10 minutes or less at ExpressTruckTax.

There are a lot of records that must be kept as a truck driver or owner-operator and keeping them can be quite a hassle. If you’re tired of dealing with this hassle all by yourself, then we’ve got good news for you. TruckLogics let’s you track your mileage using ProMiles, upload pictures of fuel receipts into your TruckLogics account for safe keeping, and even use that information to complete quarterly IFTA filings. Sound convenient? That’s because it is.

And if you have any other questions about what records you need to keep, just give out trucking experts at TSNAmerica a call at 803.386.0320 and we’ll help you out. And did we mention that we can also help you with your BOC-3, IFTA, and 2290 filing? Yup, we do that too. So what are you waiting for? Give us a call!

Read More »

Get Ready for CVSA Roadcheck 2016!

That time of the year for truckers is fast approaching, and no I’m not talking about tax season -- well, not yet anyway. The dates for the 29th annual CVSA International Roadcheck are set, and the 72-hour program will begin on June 7, 2016, and run through June 9, 2016.

We know, it can be a pretty big hassle for truckers. But remember, it’s not just for the safety of four wheelers on the road, it’s for your safety, too. So keep reading and we’ll make sure you’re ready for anything the CVSA may throw your way this year.

What is the CVSA International Roadcheck?

International Roadcheck is a program aimed to educate both the trucking industry and the general public about the importance of safe commercial vehicle operations. The inspections are performed by over 10,000 CVSA-certified local, state, provincial, and territorial inspectors in jurisdictions across the US, Mexico, and Canada.

The inspectors will administer the North American standard Level I inspection, which is an oddly thorough 37-step inspection that takes about an hour. During the inspection, drivers will be tested for seat belt usage as well as for the use of drugs or alcohol during vehicle operation.

Drivers also will need to provide their:

• Driver’s License
• Endorsements
• Hours-of-Service Documentation
• Medical Examiner’s Certificate
• Skill Performance Evaluation (If Applicable)

The truck will also be inspected (obviously) which includes an examination of the vehicle’s:

Braking System, Coupling Devices, Driveline, Exhaust System, Fuel System, Frame, Lights, Safe Loading Ability, Steering Mechanism, Suspension, Tires, Van and Open-Top Trailer Bodies, Wheels & Rims, and Windshield Wipers.

2016 CVSA Roadcheck Point of Emphasis

Every year, the CVSA selects a special category of violations for both inspectors and drivers to focus on, and this year the emphasis is being placed on tire safety. Meaning they’ll be measuring your tire depth, checking the tire pressure, and examining the condition of the tires overall.

And if you’re wondering why exactly the CVSA decides to put you truckers through this mess, it’s because the International Roadcheck has been wildly successful since its inception in 1988. The Roadcheck has inspected over 1.4 million vehicles in its 28 years of operation, and those inspections have saved an estimated 300 lives and prevented nearly 6,000 accidents.

Not to mention that on average, having your truck put out of service by an inspector will cost you $861, and that doesn’t even include the cost of fines or repairs as a result of the inspection. So in save yourself some time and money by making sure you have all the proper documentation, and have taken all the proper precautionary measures to ensure that you pass inspection.

If you have any questions about the roadcheck, give us a call at 803.386.0320 or email us at support@TSNAmerica.com. Not only can we answer any questions you may have about International Roadcheck, but we also help with HVUT Form 2290, quarterly IFTA filings, and even your HazMat Certificate of Registration.

Read More »

Avoid Late Penalties and Pre-file Form 2290 Today With TSNAmerica

We know, we know… 2290 season doesn’t even start until July. Well, for most people that is.

But here at TSNAmerica, we do things a little differently, and 2290 season here is already underway!

That’s right, we’re offering pre-filing of your 2290’s right now so you can avoid those annoying penalties and late-filing fees down the road.

Why Should I Pre-file Form 2290?

Because then you don’t have to deal with annoying 2290s until next July!

And you’ll also get a lot of other benefits:

Even though you’re pre-filing, you aren’t pre-paying your taxes! That’s right, you won’t have to pay any taxes until July 1 if you choose to pay with Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW).

And if you choose to pay by check or money order, you'll have until August 31! That's over three full months to save up for your taxes.

Not to mention, you can still use the same three tax payment methods the IRS accepts: Direct Debit (EFW), EFTPS, and Check/Money Order.

Plus, pre-filing gives you more time (two months to be exact!) to amend your return if it gets rejected or if you make a simple filing mistake.

And your return will be at the very top of the stack when the IRS begins processing returns on July 1. Which means you’ll get your Stamped Schedule 1 before everyone else, too!

How Do I Pre-File Form 2290?

Just give your friends at TSNAmerica a call at 803.386.0320! Once you do, we’ll get all the information we need to pre-file your 2290 for you.

And then on July 1 once the IRS begins accepting 2016-17 returns, we’ll officially transmit your return for you.

And as soon as they accept it, we’ll email you your stamped Schedule 1 in minutes!

So stop waiting around and beat the crowd this year by pre-filing Form 2290 with TSNAmerica today!

Read More »

Warning: The HazMat Registration Deadline is June 30th!

We know you truckers have a lot to worry about right now with HVUT season looming over the horizon, but with all the hustle and bustle surrounding the upcoming HVUT and IFTA deadlines, a lot of folks forget that it’s time to renew your HazMat certificate of registration, too!

And just like filing your 2290, it’s not wise to wait until the last minute to register. Because let’s face it, no one likes dealing with fines and late penalties.

For those unfamiliar with the registration process or that need a slight refresher, we’ve got everything you need to know about HazMat registration.

Why Do I Need to Apply for a HazMat Registration Certificate?

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration requires anyone that offers transportation of shipments containing hazardous materials, including hazardous waste, to file a registration statement with the Department of Transportation in addition to paying an annual fee. This is required for the transport of any hazardous material requiring a US DOT placard, which includes oil, petroleum, and propane.

The HazMat Certificate registration period for the upcoming year began May 1, 2016, and runs until June 30, 2016.

How to Register to Carry Hazardous Materials

By calling us, of course! That’s right, just give us a quick call at 803.386.0320 and we’ll get you all taken care of.

And if you’re unsure which placards are required for your operation, we can help you determine what’s right for your business.

HazMat Recordkeeping Requirements

After obtaining the proper registration, it is necessary to follow PHMSA regulations, which require that registration be kept on file at a company’s place of business for three years and available for inspection at any time.

Every truck or tractor used in the transportation of hazardous materials is also required to keep a copy of the current registration on board.

HazMat Penalties

Penalties can be imposed on those that fail to register or to comply with recordkeeping requirements. If a roadside inspection or DOT audit shows that a truck is not properly registered, the owner of the truck faces:

• Fines up to $32,000 per day of violation. 
• The revocation of their interstate or intrastate operating authority. 

To avoid penalties, be sure that all of your trucks are properly registered today. To check on the registration status of any of your trucks you can visit the PHMSA company registration search.

If you need help with your HazMat registration, or even with your HazMat safety permit, give us a call at 803.386.0320, or fill out a service request form!

Read More »

Trucking Nation News Update

It’s been a while, but we’re finally back with more trucking news updates for you, Trucking Nation! You may not have realized it since you’ve been busy in your rig, but there’s a lot going on in the realm of trucking. Take a look and see!

IRS Adds 700 New Employees for Audits

The IRS has officially announced that it will be adding 700 employees to its audit personnel. Not great news for anyone that didn’t do their taxes correctly this year.

But even if you didn’t, don’t worry too much, because the IRS is currently only auditing about .84 percent of individual taxpayers, so less than 1 in 100 filers. Although since the IRS recently claimed that they were severely underfunded and would have to cut jobs, this announcement to up their audit force comes as quite the surprise. Although you truckers should know as well as anyone else, nothing the IRS does is really surprising anymore.

Form 2290 Season is Underway

“But wait, doesn’t 2290 season start in July??” Well yes, technically it does. But your friends at TSNAmerica are ahead of the game, as usual, and we’re starting things a little early this year. How early, you ask? Well here at TSNAmerica, 2290 season is already underway!

That’s right, we’ve already started accepting pre-filed Form 2290s for the 2016-17 tax year. So for those truckers that want to get their 2290 out of the way and forget about it until next July, just give us a call!

Diesel Prices Continue to Skyrocket

Diesel prices hit $2.27 per gallon on average last week, up from $1.98 in February, according to the Energy Information Administration. Costs are reportedly rising due to a growing demand for diesel in both the US and abroad, along with the globally rising oil prices.

Most carriers have been increasing fuel surcharges as costs rise, but so far many have not been able to keep up.

Hopefully this trend won’t be continuing much longer!

So now that you’re all up to date on the latest information in the trucking world, you can back to trucking! Well, after you call us at 803.386.0320 that is, and pre-file your 2290! Why wait until July when you could stop worrying about it today?

Read More »

Pre-file Your HVUT Form 2290 Over the Phone Today!

It may be hard to believe, but it’s already almost time for you to start filing those 2290's! If you’re currently thinking, “But wait, doesn’t 2290 season start in July?” then you would be correct -- kind of. Because this year, TSNAmerica is doing the unthinkable…

That’s right, we’re offering pre-filing of your 2290's now!

How Do I Pre-File Form 2290?

That’s easy -- just give us a call at 803.386.0320 and talk to one of our friendly support ladies for a few minutes. Once you do, we’ll get your truck information and everything we need to file your 2290 for you, and you can just sit back and relax.

On July 1, once the tax season officially opens up, we’ll officially transmit your return to the IRS for you. And as soon as they accept it, we’ll email you your stamped Schedule 1.

After that, you’re good to go until July of 2017!

What are the Benefits of Pre-filing Form 2290?

• Pre-filing gives you more time (two month’s worth!) to amend your return if it gets rejected or if you make a tiny mistake.

• Even though you’re pre-filing, it doesn’t mean you have to prepay your taxes! You won’t have to pay any taxes until July 1 if you choose to pay with Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW). And if you choose to pay by check or money order, you'll have until August 31! That's almost four full months to save up for your taxes.

• You can still use the same three payment methods you’re used to: Direct Debit (EFW), EFTPS, and Check/Money Order.

• Your return will be at the very top of the stack when the IRS begins processing returns on July 1. This means you’ll get your Stamped Schedule 1 before anyone else, too!

• Then you can get back to your life! After you give us a call, we’ll take it from there. We will securely transmit your return to the IRS for you and then email you your Schedule 1.

Seriously, what are you waiting for? Stop worrying about those pesky 2290's today and don't think about it until next July by giving us a quick call today at 803.386.0320! 

Read More »

The End's Not Near It's Here: Last Minute IFTA Filing Tips

Well Trucking Nation, just like that, the IFTA quarter has come and gone, and your time to file is almost up! But don’t fret fellow procrastinator, we’re here to help truckers just like you.

So without further ado, let’s get onto some useful filing tips for those of you that like to file at the last minute!

IFTA Tip #1: Have Your Mileage Ready

The first (and also the most important) thing you’ll need is your mileage information on hand and organized. This should include the total taxable miles you traveled in each participating IFTA jurisdiction.

But what if you don’t know what taxable miles are??

That’s no problem, a lot of folks don’t! If you have any questions about your mileage, just check out this helpful blog on taxable and non-taxable IFTA miles.

IFTA Tip #2: Have Fuel Reports and Receipts

In addition to your mileage information, you’ll also need to be sure that you have all of your fuel information. You’ll need to have the:

• Address of each fuel purchase 
• Type of fuel purchased 
• Amount of fuel purchased 
• Total sale amount 

IFTA Tip #3: Don’t File IFTA (Yourself)

The third and most useful tip? Don’t file IFTA -- that is, by yourself anyway.

That’s right, if you need to file at the last minute, what’s easier than having someone do it for you? Exactly.

So if you’re in a crunch for time to get that IFTA report filed before the deadline on May 2nd, just give us a call at 803.386.0320 and see just how easy it is!

Read More »

Warning: Make Sure You Have These 3 Things Ready for IFTA

Once again, the first quarter of the year has come and gone in a hurry, and now (believe it or not) we’re less than 10 days away from deadline day.

With only days left to get your reports together, if you haven’t already filed, congrats, you’re a professional procrastinator. But those are our favorite kind! So don’t worry, keep reading and we’ll tell you exactly what you need to file your IFTA return.

What You Need to File IFTA

Mileage:

The first (and also the most important) thing you’ll need to have is your mileage information. This should include the total taxable miles you traveled in each participating IFTA jurisdiction.

If you have any questions about your mileage, you can check out this helpful blog on which miles are taxable and which are not.

Fuel Information:

In addition to your mileage information, you’ll also need to be sure that you have all of your fuel information. You’ll need to have the:

• Address of each fuel purchase 
• Type of fuel purchased
• Amount of fuel purchased 
• Total sale amount

Records of Mileage and Fuel Purchases:

The last thing you’ll need, and this can be especially helpful in the event of an audit, is to have copies of your fuel receipts and your mileage records.

You are required by law to hold onto your previous receipts for three years after filing, and if you do face an audit, let’s just say it isn't going to end well unless you have those records.

Need some help keeping up with yours? Well with TruckLogics, not only can you get unlimited ProMiles usage and routing, but you can even take pictures of your fuel receipts and upload them into your account for safekeeping!

So now that you all know what you need, what are you waiting for? Someone to file your IFTA return for you?

Well, if you are, you’re in luck because that’s exactly what we do! Just give us a call at 803.386.0320 and see how easy it is!

Read More »