Form 2290 Deadline Today for Heavy Vehicles First Used in August 2012

Today is the last day of September and that means today is the deadline to file Form 2290 for Heavy Vehicles that were first placed on public highways during August 2012.

A Vehicle is considered to be a taxable vehicle if it was operating on public roads between the tax periods of July through June. A vehicle is also considered to be taxable if it has a taxable gross weight of at least 55,000 pounds and travels at least 5,000 miles during the tax period (7,500 miles if used for agriculture).

We here at Truck Services of North America can handle it for you.  Just give us a call at 803.386.0320 and have your business details, including EIN, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and Gross Weight of the Vehicle (Combined with maximum load) and form of IRS payment,  either Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFT), Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) or Check/Money Order and we take care of the rest.

If you placed a heavy vehicle on the road in August, you are required to file Form 2290 and the deadline is today. Be sure to get this filed today to avoid possible IRS penalties and let 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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Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles 2012 IFTA 3rd Quarter Update

Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles sent out a notification that the Canadian exchange rate was incorrect for the 3rd Quarter.  They learned of this change after the 3rd IFTA Newsletter had been sent.

Click here to see the Corrected Newsletter.

2013 Nebraska IFTA Renewals were mailed September 20, 2012 and you are able to renew online at http://www.clickdmv.ne.gov.  Or you can contact us to handle it for you. As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can renew your IFTA and file your 3rd Quarter IFTA Taxes 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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3rd Quarter Fuel & Use Taxes

If you have the IFTA license, you must file the Quarterly IFTA tax return to your base jurisdiction, even if the licensee does not operate or purchase any taxable fuel in an IFTA member jurisdiction during the specific quarter. You will need to separate your mileage and fuel records for each fuel type. September 30, 2012 is the end of the 3rd Quarter for IFTA and the deadline to file your return is October 31, 2012.

What you need:

1. Mileage log-whether you use manual trip sheets, GPS, or electronic trip sheets; it is not only necessary to have in order to file your quarterly IFTA, but you will need these if you are ever audited.
2. Fuel Receipts-you will need to know how many gallons of fuel were purchased in each state.

In addition to IFTA, if you travel in Kentucky, New York, New Mexico or Oregon you will also need to file a Weight Distance Tax Return, in each state and that deadline is also October 31, 2012.

New York Highway Use Tax (NYHUT)

• Carriers operating certain commercial motor vehicles that weigh 18,000 lbs or greater in New York are required to register and obtain NYHUT tax credentials. Once a NYHUT account has been established, carriers must file and pay mileage tax on a quarterly basis.

Kentucky Use Tax (KYU Number)

• All commercial motor vehicles (except buses) with a gross weight of 60,000 lbs and over traveling into or through Kentucky must be registered with the state. Carriers with an active KYU Number are then required to file a quarterly return and pay mileage taxes to Kentucky. New qualifying vehicles must be listed with Kentucky prior to the vehicle entering the state. Temporary permits are also available.

New Mexico Weight Distance Tax

• All commercial motor vehicles with a gross weight in excess of 26,000 lbs. must be registered with the state before traveling into or through New Mexico. Entrance can be paid at the port if not registered; however, it is not cost effective to pay at the port unless you travel through New Mexico only once or twice per year. Once a Weight Distance Tax account in New Mexico is established quarterly reports must be filed and mileage tax paid.

Oregon Weight-Mile Tax

• All commercial carriers with a gross vehicle weight in excess of 26,001 lbs. must obtain a temporary or annual permit to travel into or through Oregon. Oregon does not belong to the International Fuel Tax Agreement; however, a proper tax permit must be obtained before entering this state. Heavy fines are imposed on carriers entering into Oregon without the proper credentials.
• Oregon requires all new entrants to become bonded before permanent credentials are issued. Bonds may be placed by a Surety Company or posted with cash. The size of your fleet will determine the amount of the bond required.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can assist with your your IFTA, NY HUT, KYU, New Mexico and Oregon Weight Distance Taxes.  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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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 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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3rd Quarter IFTA due by October 31, 2012

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.

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 travelling through that jurisdiction

If you have the IFTA license, you must file the Quarterly IFTA tax return to your base jurisdiction, even if the licensee does not operate or purchase any taxable fuel in an IFTA member jurisdiction during the specific quarter. You will need to separate your mileage and fuel records for each fuel type. September 30, 2012 is the end of the 3rd Quarter for IFTA and the deadline to file your return is October 31, 2012.
If you operate in New York, Kentucky, New Mexico, or Oregon you will also need to file a Weight Distance Tax Return, in each state and that deadline is also October 31, 2012.

What you need:

1. Mileage log-whether you use manual trip sheets, GPS, or electronic trip sheets; it is not only necessary to have in order to file your quarterly IFTA, but you will need these if you are ever audited.
2. Fuel Receipts-you will need to know how many gallons of fuel were purchased in each state.

Options to prepare and file your return:

1. Do it yourself, you can calculate your own return by hand and mail or e-file the return. To find out the current tax rate for each state go to www.iftach.org.
2. Use a software program that will calculate your return for you, like ExpressIFTA.com, which will reduce the chances of miscalculations.
3. Use Truck Services of North America and let us take care of preparing and filing the return for you.

Regardless of the method you choose to file your quarterly tax returns, it is crucial to maintain accurate records and file your returns on time to avoid fines and penalties. As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can set up your accounts and file your Quarterly Taxes 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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File Form 2290 for Heavy Vehicles First Used in August 2012

Although the HVUT, or the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax is imposed annually, it is also mandatory for vehicles to file the IRS Form 2290 after the first use month. The typical tax year for heavy vehicles begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. For vehicles that are first used during the tax year, a prorated tax must be paid for the months that the vehicle was in use.

When a new vehicle is placed in service, the Form 2290 must be filed by the last day of the following month. The tax will be prorated based on the number of months the vehicle will have been used during the tax year. If a vehicle was used during any part of a month, the tax will be calculated for that month as a whole. For example, if a vehicle was used on September 28th, it will be taxed as though it was used the entire month. So vehicles that were placed in service during the month of August will need to file HVUT using the 2290 by September 30, and the tax will be based on 11 months, instead of the full year.

We here at Truck Services of North America can handle it for you.  Just give us a call at 803.386.0320 and have your business details, including EIN, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and Gross Weight of the Vehicle (Combined with maximum load) and form of IRS payment,  either Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFT), Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) or Check/Money Order and we take care of the rest.

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EIN is Necessary In Order to File Form 2290

The IRS requires ANY taxpayer filing a Form 2290 to use an EIN number when filing. The IRS expressly prohibits the use of social security numbers for the filing of 2290.

We receive many questions from taxpayers who believe they're not a business - simply a driver. In these cases, you still need to have a business such as a sole proprietorship.

To get Employer identification number from the IRS, you can follow one of the following options:

a. Apply Online: The customer can obtain an EIN immediately by visiting IRS Online EIN application

b. Apply over the phone: Taxpayers can obtain an EIN immediately by calling the Business & Specialty Tax Line at (800) 829-4933. The hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. An assistor takes the information, assigns the EIN, and provides the number to an authorized individual over the telephone. Note: International applicants must call (215) 516-6999 (Not a toll-free number).

c. Apply Fax: Fax the completed form SS-4 to IRS. If you provide a return fax number, IRS will send a fax to that number within 4 days with a new EIN.

d. Apply through Paid Provider: You can use a CPA or a process agent, like Truck Services of North America and let them take care of preparing and filing the return for you.

e. Apply by Mail: This is the slowest way to get the EIN number. mail the completed Form SS-4 to the IRS. The address is listed on the form itself. This could take up to 4 weeks to get the EIN number.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can get your EIN and file your Form 2290 Taxes 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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Renewal begins October 1, 2102 for New York HUT

Beginning October 1, 2012 the renewal period begins for the New York State imposed a highway use tax (HUT) on motor carriers operating certain motor vehicles on New York State public highways (excluding toll-paid portions of the New York State Thruway). The tax is based on mileage traveled on NYS public highways and is computed at a rate determined by the weight of the motor vehicle and the method that you choose to report the tax.  

Vehicle registration requirements
You must obtain a certificate of registration for each vehicle subject to HUT. There are two types:

• A HUT certificate of registration is required for any truck, tractor, or other self-propelled vehicle with a gross weight over 18,000 pounds. (If you elect to use the unloaded weight method to file your returns, a certificate is required for any truck with an unloaded weight over 8,000 pounds and any tractor with an unloaded weight over 4,000 pounds.)
• An automotive fuel carrier (AFC) certificate of registration is required for any truck, trailer, or semi-trailer transporting automotive fuel. (The same gross weight and unloaded weight rules apply.)

You are also required to file your quarterly highway use tax return.  The quarters are based on calendar quarters, so September will mark the end of the 3rd Quarter and the deadline to file is October 31, 2012.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can get or renew your NY HUT certificate of registration and file your 3rd Quarter highway use tax return 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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FMCSA Issues Letters For Elimination of Registrant-Only USDOT Numbers

Back in August of 2010, the FMSCA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) announced a Performance and Registration Information Systems Management (PRISM) procedural change eliminating the Registrant-Only USDOT Numbers that was originally scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2011, but was extended until September 1, 2012.

The Registrant-Only USDOT Number was established when a company owned and registered its commercial vehicle for the sole purpose of renting or leasing them to motor carriers that would operate them or the when the company was an owner-operator that was leased to a motor carrier and would never operate the vehicle under its own USDOT Number or operating authority.

The Registrant-Only USDOT Number is being eliminated for two reasons:

1. Data quality issues due to safety events, such as roadside inspections being improperly attributed to Registrant-Only USDOT Numbers.
2. Registrant-Only companies are not included in the Safety Measurement System (SMS), which includes the new entrant safety audit.

The FMCSA mailed letters to Registrant-Only USDOT Number holders notifying them that their USDOT Number will become inactive on or about October 13, 2012 unless they respond.

For more information check out : www.irponline.org/news

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Tips To Help You Prepare for Quarterly IFTA Return

With the IFTA 3rd Quarter ending at the end of September, we here at Truck Services of North America would like to provide you with a few tips on preparing so you can file your Quarterly Return easily and on time. A quarterly IFTA tax return must be filed even if the licensee does not operate or purchase any taxable fuel in an IFTA member jurisdiction during the specific quarter. You will need to separate your mileage and fuel records for each fuel type. If you operate in New York, Kentucky, New Mexico, or Oregon you will also need to file a Weight Distance Tax Return, in each state.

What you need:

1. Mileage log-whether you use manual trip sheets, GPS, or electronic trip sheets; it is not only necessary to have in order to file your quarterly IFTA, but you will need these if you are ever audited.
2. Fuel Receipts-you will need to know how many gallons of fuel were purchased in each state.

Options to prepare and file your return:

1. Doing it yourself, you can calculate your own return by hand and mail or e-file the return. To find out the current tax rate for each state go to www.iftach.org.
2. Using a software program that will calculate your return for you, like ExpressIFTA.com, which will reduce the chances of miscalculations.
3. Using Truck Services of North America and let them take care of preparing and filing the return for you.

Regardless of the method you choose to file your quarterly IFTA tax return, it is crucial to maintain accurate records and file your returns on time to avoid fines and penalties. As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can file your Quarterly IFTA Taxes 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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