Only Hours Left to File Form 2290

Today is the deadline to file your Form 2290 for Heavy Vehicle Use Tax.  The IRS will be shutting down at 1PM EST for their scheduled maintenance and will not be back up until noon on September 4, 2012.  Due to the scheduled maintenance, the IRS has extended the E-File deadline to September 7, 2012.

On the road and unable to file on your own?  No problem, just give TSNA a call and we’ll take care of it for you.  We take all your information over the phone and submit it to the IRS on your behalf!  All we need is your information and a signed Form 8453, giving us the authorization to file for you.  We can fax you the form, you sign it a fax it back and we take care of the rest.  If it is after 1PM, we will receive your Stamped Schedule 1 back on Tuesday September 4, 2012.

If you are paper filing the return still must be postmarked by today, August 31, 2012 to avoid IRS penalties and interest.

Don’t risk IRS penalties by missing today’s deadline.  Let  Truck Services of North America  handle it for you.  TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way!  Contact our US Based Customer Service at 803.386.0320 to get your Form 2290 returned filed today!  Check out all our services at TSNAmerica.com.

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Form 2290 HVUT Deadline is Tomorrow

Tomorrow, Friday, August 31, 2012 is the deadline for the 2012-2013 Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Year.  On the road and unable to file on your own?  No problem, just give us a call and we’ll take care of it for you.  We take all your information over the phone and submit it to the IRS on your behalf!  All we need is your information and a signed Form 8453, giving us the authorization to file for you.  We can fax you the form anywhere, truck stop, bank, anywhere there is a fax machine. You sign it a fax it back and we take care of the rest.

We can even send your employer proof that you filed your Form 2290 for you.  So don’t risk IRS penalties by missing tomorrow’s deadline.  Truck Services of North America can handle it for you.  TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way!  Contact our US Based Customer Service at 803.386.0320 to get your Form 2290 returned filed today!  Check out all our services at TSNAmerica.com.

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How to Handle a Suspended Vehicle That is Destroyed

When you have a suspended vehicle that is destroyed at some point during the year, how do you report that to the IRS? Since there was no tax paid the previous year, you would not have to report the vehicle as being destroyed to the IRS.  

If the vehicle had been sold or transferred, it would then need to be reported as a ‘Prior Year Suspended Vehicle’ that was sold/transferred.  You will need the name of the person/business you sold/transferred it to and the date.

If you have a taxable vehicle that was destroyed during the tax year, you would want to make sure that you report that vehicle as destroyed to the IRS for two reasons. First, if you do not report it as destroyed, the IRS will assume you owe the tax on it and you could risk a penalty for not filing.  The other reason is when you file it destroyed, you will be able to claim a refund for the months that you had previously paid for, but it was not used.

Confused?  No problem, just let Truck Services of North America handle your Form 2290 filing for you.  TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way. For more details contact us at TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320.

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Beware of Email Scams

We have received inquiries from some of our clients about suspicious emails from the IRS regarding their Federal Tax Payment.  Please note the IRS DOES NOT communicate payment information through email.

These emails may seem to some as legit, they come from support@irs.gov and the physical address they have listed: Internal Revenue Service

   Metro Plex 1

   8401 Corporate Drive, Suite 300

   Landover, MD  20785

IS an actual IRS office.  But these emails are scams.  The email directs recipients to a bogus link for a transaction report that, when clicked, downloads malicious software (malware) that infects the intended victim’s computer. The malware is designed to send back to the scammer personal and financial information already contained on the taxpayer's computer or obtained through capturing keystrokes. The scammer uses this personal and financial information to commit identity theft.

See the email below received from one of our customers:

Your federal Tax transaction (ID: 1585160020943), recently initiated from your bank account was returned by your financial institution.

Rejected Tax Transfer

Tax Transaction ID:    1585160020943

Reason of rejection    See details in the report below

FederalTax Transaction Report    tax_report_1585160020943.doc (Microsoft Word Document) 

Internal Revenue Service, Metro Plex 1, 8401 Corporate Drive, Suite 300, Landover, MD 20785

Remember, the IRS DOES NOT communicate payment information through email.
If you should receive this email or anything that you believe it a scam, DO NOT click on any links or open any attachments.  Do not reply, instead forward the email to phishing@irs.gov and then DELETE the email.

For more information see: http://www.irs.gov/privacy/article/0,,id=179820,00.html

We at Truck Services of North America want to keep you informed and protected against the scams out there.  Let others know, so they are aware that these emails are NOT from the IRS.

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EIN is a Must to File Form 2290

You must have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) in order to file your Form 2290 for Heavy Vehicle Use Tax, which is due by August 31, 2012.  If you do not have your EIN, you need to apply immediately in order to file your 2290 by the deadline because it will take the IRS about 10 business days to update the new EIN’s into their system.  Even with the extended E-File deadline of September 7th, due to the scheduled IRS E-File maintenance, you will need to apply for your EIN no later than tomorrow in order for it to be in the IRS system, so you can file your Form 2290

You can apply online at www.irs.gov or call Truck Services of North America and we will take care of it for you.  As a premier processing agency,Truck Services of North America can assist you in obtaining your EIN and more.  TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way. For more details contact us at TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320.

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What Is IFTA?

IFTA is the International Fuel Tax Agreement and is a tax collection agreement by and among the 48 contiguous States and the 10 Canadian Provinces bordering the US, in which motor fuels use taxation laws are uniform with respect to qualified motor vehicles operated in more than one member jurisdiction.

Who Must File?

An interstate motor carrier operating "qualified motor vehicles" between at least 2 member jurisdictions (The 48 contiguous states of the US and 10 Canadian provinces) must have an international fuel tax agreement (IFTA) license and decals issued by their base jurisdiction.

If you have the IFTA license, you must file the Quarterly IFTA Return to your base jurisdiction.

Qualified motor vehicle means a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles used, designed, or maintained for the transportation of persons or property having:

• Two axles and a gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds;
• Two axles and a registered weight exceeding 26,000 pounds;
• Three or more axles regardless of weight; or
• A combination weight exceeding 26,000 pounds.

Recreational vehicles are exempt from IFTA fuel tax reporting.

Base jurisdiction means the member jurisdiction where:

• Qualified motor vehicles are based for vehicle registration purposes;
• Operational control and operational records of the licensee’s qualified motor vehicles are maintained or can be made available in case of an audit; and
• Some mileage is accrued by qualified motor vehicles within the fleet traveling through that jurisdiction

What is Required?
The following information is required on the IFTA quarterly tax return:

• Total miles, taxable and nontaxable, traveled by the licensee’s qualified motor vehicles in all jurisdictions, IFTA and non-IFTA, including trip permit miles;
• Total gallons of fuel consumed, taxable and nontaxable, by the licensee’s qualified motor vehicles in all jurisdictions, IFTA and non-IFTA;
• Total miles and taxable miles traveled in each member jurisdiction;
• Taxable gallons consumed in each member jurisdiction;
• Tax-paid gallons purchased in each member jurisdiction; and
• Current Tax Rates for each member jurisdiction.

When to File?
Under IFTA, you are required to file Quarterly Fuel Tax Returns.  IFTA Returns are due on the last day of the month following the end of each calendar quarter. To avoid penalty for late filing, the tax reports must be postmarked no later than midnight on the date indicated. If the last day of the month falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the next business day will be considered as filed timely. A quarterly fuel tax return must be filed even if the no fuel was used.  You submit a “zero” report.

Penalties for Late/No Filing
A penalty of $50.00 or 10% of the net tax liability, whichever is greater, will be assessed on late-filed reports, failure to file, or for underpayment of tax due. If the net tax liability is zero or a credit, the late filing penalty will still be $50.00. To avoid penalty for late filing, the tax reports must be postmarked no later than midnight on the date indicated. If the last day of the month falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the next business day will be considered as filed timely.

Interest is assessed on all delinquent taxes due each jurisdiction. The interest rate is 1% per month. Interest will be calculated from the date the tax was due for each month or fraction of a month until paid.

You also have to renew your IFTA decals, annually.  Most states mail out the renewal papers, but it is your responsibility to renew.  All quarterly returns must have been filed and all taxes must be paid in full in order to renew.

How to File?
Some states offer online filing for quarterly filing, while others require paper filing.  Check your state requirements.

Under IFTA, you are able to file one return in your base jurisdiction and that jurisdiction will allocate the money appropriately.  This agreement definitely simplified what used to be a very long and time-consuming process.  At Truck Services of North America, we make it even simpler by preparing and filing your quarterly returns for you. TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way. Contact us at TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320.

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Missouri Highway Patrol Message to Farmers

With the current drought will have many farmers driving long distances and crossing state lines in order to purchase the hay, silage and grain they need to feed their livestock. Farmers need to be aware of the rules and regulations that apply to farm vehicles and the transportation of goods. Although the Missouri of Transportation has issued special waivers that address size and weight, farm vehicles may have to comply with the state and federal safety regulations depending on the distance traveled.

If a farm truck has a Gross Vehicle Weight of 10,001 lbs. or more and crosses state lines, it would be considered a commercial motor vehicle and would have to comply with federal regulations. A USDOT Number and the farm name must be displayed on the vehicle and the driver must be 21 years or older and possess a current medical card.

If the vehicle has a Gross Combined Weight of 26,000 lbs. and is operated more than 150 miles from the farm, a commercial driver’s license is necessary and is subject to the International Fuel Tax Agreement(IFTA). Temporary Fuel Permits may be purchased in lieu of an IFTA license.

Permits must be obtained from MoDOT if vehicle and load are over the normal size and weight requirements and you are traveling on an interstate. Log books must be kept if you operate more than 100 miles from the farm, for vehicles that are over 42,000 lbs.

It is important for farmer to be aware of the state and federal rules and regulations. For a complete list see: http://www.modot.mo.gov/mcs/documents/FarmTruckSafety07.pdf.

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Obtaining Your Own Trucking Authority

You will need the authority itself, apportioned license plate and IFTA account. To obtain your authority, you will need a USDOT Number and the type of cargo you will be hauling. Every new company that applies for a DOT number has to undergo a safety audit. Every driver will have to have a driver qualification file, complete pre-employment drug testing and enroll in a random drug testing pool. Previous driving experience will have to be verified. Once you get the authority, you must display your company name and DOT number on the outside of the truck and you will be able to operate legally in all 48 continental states.

Through the International Registration Plan (IRP), you will obtain your apportioned license plate, which you will designate the states in which you will run in. The renewal process will vary from state to state.

The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA), between the 48 contiguous States and 10 Canadian Provinces, where the member jurisdictions acts cooperatively to administer and collect motor fuel use taxes. The purpose of IFTA is to establish and maintain the concept of one fuel use license and one administering base jurisdiction for each license holder (licensee). 

Under IFTA, you only have to report to one state and the state allocate the fuel tax payments. IFTA tax Returns must be filed quarterly. Returns are due the last day of the month following the end of the calendar quarter. IFTA decals are renewed annually based on the calendar year.

Kentucky, New Mexico and New York have an additional weight-distance tax based on the number of miles you run in those states. Oregon doesn’t participate in IFTA, imposing instead a tax per trip in the state or issuing a permit to collect taxes. Kentucky issues a non-renewable KYU number that remains active and legal as long as you stay current with registrations and tax filings. New Mexico’s permit is annual on the calendar year and has to be renewed. New York issues NYHUT permits in a three-year series, and are up for renewal this year in 2012.

The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is required for any interstate carriers, freight forwarders, leasing companies and brokers based in the United States, Canada, and Mexico to register and submit an annual filing. Those registered under the UCR agreement are also subject to annual fees based on the total number of commercial vehicles operated by the company.

DOT is getting stricter so you will want to be aware of the rules and regulations and keep up with your records, registrations, taxes and log books.  As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America provides the services and tools to help start your business and keep it compliant. 

Let TSNA navigate your business through the maze of paperwork! Check out all our services at TSNAmerica.com. Don’t see what you are looking for?  No problem, simply fill out the Service Request Form and note the service you require in the message section and we will contact you for details.  Of course you can always email us at support@tsnamerica.com or call 803.386.0320. TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way.

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Trucking Start Up Services

Interested becoming an independent owner operator? Getting your own operating authority gives you the freedom and ability to run your own operation. In addition to getting your authority, you will be required to register your vehicle and set up the necessary tax accounts, in order to run legally.

At Truck Services of North America, we have packages to assist you and can customize a package to meet your individual needs. We offer many services and here a few:

FMCSA Interstate Operating Authority

Also referred to as an "MC","FF" or "MX" number, depending on the type of authority that is granted. Generally, 'for-hire' carriers engaging in interstate are required to have Interstate Authority Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). TSNA has the expertise to get you your federal authority - quickly and accurately.

Intrastate Authority

Intrastate trucking authority is the right granted by a state to commence for hire trucking operations within the borders of that specific state. A company that is only engaged in intrastate activities does not need to register with IRP or IFTA.

USDOT Number

Companies that operate commercial vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT Number. The USDOT Number is a unique identifier used to monitor your company’s safety and compliance during inspections and audits. FMCSA regulations require that all companies and individuals transporting passengers or cargo across state lines using commercial vehicles with a total gross or combined weight of 10,000 lbs or more must register with the FMCSA and obtain a USDOT number. Many states now require ALL commercial vehicle registrants to obtain an USDOT number, including intrastate carriers.

Companies required to obtain a USDOT number must re-file appropriate documentation biennially or in the event the company needs to update information with the FMCSA.

Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)

The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Program is a federally-mandated, annual state-administered registration program. In 2007, Congress replaced the Single State Registration System (SSRS) with the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program. The UCR agreement requires all interstate carriers, freight forwarders, leasing companies and brokers based in the United States, Canada, and Mexico to register and submit an annual filing. Those registered under the UCR agreement are also subject to annual fees based on the total number of commercial vehicles operated by the company.

BOC-3 (Process Agents)

Federal regulations require all motor carriers, brokers and freight forwarders to have a current BOC-3 form on file with the FMCSA. The BOC-3 is used to designate process agents (also known as BOC-3 agents) in every state in which the business operates. The process agent serves as a representative for your business in the event that legal documents or court papers must be served.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America provides the services and tools to help start your business and keep it compliant. Let TSNA navigate your business through the maze of paperwork! Check out all our services at TSNAmerica.com. Don’t see what you are looking for?  No problem, simply fill out the Service Request Form and note the service you require in the message section and we will contact you for details.  Of course you can always email us at support@tsnamerica.com or call 803.386.0320. TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way.

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2013 UCR Registration begins October 1, 2012

Registration for 2012 Unified Carrier Registration begins October 1, 2012 and the deadline is December 31, 2012.  All motor carriers (for-hire, private and exempt) – as well as brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies operating in interstate or international commerce are subject to the UCR. Entities based in Canada and Mexico that are involved in interstate or international commerce in the United States is also subject to UCR.

States are implementing UCR audit procedures that in some states can be in excess of $1000 for your first offense. You are required to maintain three years proof of UCR registration. You are able to register for previous years, so you will want to make sure you have registered for prior years to avoid penalties.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of NorthAmerica can assist you in registering for current and previous years. TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way. For more details contact us at TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320.

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What is a USDOT Number?

Companies that operate commercial vehicles in interstate commerce must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT Number. Also, commercial intrastate hazardous materials carriers who haul quantities requiring a safety permit must register for a USDOT Number. Interstate commerce is trade, traffic, or transportation involving the crossing of a State boundary. Intrastate commerce is trade, traffic, or transportation within a single State.

The USDOT Number serves as a unique identifier when collecting and monitoring a company's safety information acquired during audits, compliance reviews, crash investigations, and inspections.

The following states require a DOT Number, even for intrastate and non-motor carrier registrants: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New York, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can assist you in obtaining your USDOT Number. TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way. For more details contact us at TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320.

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Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)

The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Plan and Agreement are part of a Federally-mandated, State-administered program that went into effect September 10, 2007. Under this program, States collect fees from motor carriers, motor private carriers, freight forwarders, brokers and leasing companies, based on the number of qualifying commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in their fleets. The revenues generated will be used for enforcement of motor carrier safety programs.

Who is Subject to UCR? 

All motor carriers (for-hire, private and exempt) – as well as brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies operating in interstate or international commerce are subject to the UCR. Entities based in Canada and Mexico that are involved in interstate or international commerce in the United States are also subject to UCR.  

Who is not Subject to UCR?  

The following groups are not subject to UCR:

(1) Entities that receive USDOT numbers under the PRISM program as “registrants” but have no interstate operating authority;

(2) Except when a state has adopted the UCR Program for intrastate carriers, purely intrastate carriers, that is those that do not handle interstate/international freight or make interstate/international movements;

(3) Private motor carriers of passengers, meaning those that operate as a private motor carrier engaged in the interstate/international transportation of passengers which is provided in the furtherance of a commercial enterprise and is not available to the public at large.

No UCR Credential is required to be carried in the commercial motor vehicle.

If you operated in previous years, back to 2007, and did not register in the UCR for those registration years, you must pay the prior year fees to avoid possible enforcement action.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can assist you in obtaining your UCR. TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way. For more details contact us at TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320.

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International Registration Plan (IRP)

IRP, commonly referred to as Apportion, is a reciprocal agreement for registering vehicles that travel in two or more member jurisdictions. Under the Plan, the interstate operator is required to file an application with their base jurisdiction, which issues a base apportioned license plate and cab card. The base plate and cab card are the only identification or credentials required to qualify the carrier to operate interstate or intrastate in IRP member jurisdictions. The cab card will list those jurisdictions in which the operator has qualified and paid registration fees.

The percentage of miles traveled in each jurisdiction is the basis of IRP registration fees. The number of miles traveled in each jurisdiction for which the registrant apportioned determines the total fees due for an apportioned license plate and cab card. In most cases, the declared gross vehicle weight of the truck or combined gross vehicle weight of the power unit and any trailer determines the fees.

“Apportionable Vehicle” means any vehicle (except trailers, recreational vehicles, vehicles displaying restricted plates, city pickup and delivery vehicles, buses used in transportation of chartered parties, and government-owned vehicles) used or intended for use in two or more member jurisdictions that allocate or proportionally register vehicles, and is used for the transportation of persons for hire or designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of property and is:

• A power unit having two axles and a GVW or registered GVW over 26,000 lbs. –or–

• A power unit having three or more axles, regardless of weight –or–

• Used in combination, when the weight of such combination is over 26,000 lbs. GVW

The application and renewal process may vary from state to state and getting all the necessary paperwork together can be very time consuming. Some states have staggered renewal periods, while others do not. As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can assist you in obtaining and renewing your apportioned plates. TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way. For more details contact us at TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320.

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TSNA Takes the Paperwork Out of Your Way

Whether you’re a New Entrant or an established transportation business, Truck Services of North America has the products, services and expertise to save you time and money. Our main goal is take the hassle out of the paperwork that is required to get your business going and remain compliant with all the regulations.

Here are some of the many services we handle, so you can stay focused on the road.

Operating Authority

We handle the complicated process of getting your operating authority to give you the freedom and ability to operate on your own.

USDOT Number

The USDOT Number is a unique identifier used to monitor your company’s safety and compliance during inspections and audits.

Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)

The UCR agreement requires all interstate carriers, freight forwarders, leasing companies and brokers based in the United States, Canada, and Mexico to register and submit an annual filing.

Federal Form 2290 HVUT (Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return)

Used to calculate and pay the HVUT due on highway motor vehicles used during the period with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more.

International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)

IFTA is where member jurisdictions act cooperatively to administer and collect motor fuel use taxes for carriers operating in multiple jurisdictions. It is required for all commercial motor carriers, having a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 lbs. or more, or those with 3 or more axles, who travel outside their base state. The IFTA license decals will provide blanket coverage for 48 states and all of the Canadian provinces.

International Registration Plan (IRP)

Also called Apportioned Registration, a registration reciprocity agreement among the 48 contiguous states of the United States, the District of Columbia and provinces of Canada providing for payment of apportion able fees on the basis of total distance operated in all jurisdictions.

Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, a unique 9 digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service and is used to identify a business entity.

Start Up Services

We have packages to get you what you need to get on the road as quickly as possible. We can also customize a package based on the individual services you require.

As a premier process service agency, Truck Services of North America provides the services and tools to help start your business and keep it compliant. Let TSNA navigate your business through the maze of paperwork! 

Check out all our services at TSNArmerica.com. Don’t see what you are looking for?  No problem, simply fill out the Service Request Form and note the service you require in the message section and we will contact you for details. Of course you can always email us at support@tsnamerica.com or call 803.386.0320. TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way.

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New Louisiana Law Effective from Aug 01, 2012

New laws go into effect August 1st, for commercial motor vehicle drivers and drivers with a commercial learner's permit. The laws regard texting while driving and out-of-service orders.

Texting while driving has already been banned in Louisiana, but is now specifically noted as a serious traffic violation regarding commercial drivers.

Any driver who is found in violation of an out-of-service order while driving a commercial motor vehicle will be subject to stiff penalties. First time offenders will face a suspension of 6 months to a year; increased from the 3 month suspension. 

Any driver who is found in violation twice within a ten-year period will face a suspension of 2-5 years. If a driver is found in violation 3 or more times within a ten-year period, the driver will be suspended for at least 3 years and up to 5 years. The longer suspension time for OOS is effective August 1, 2012.

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