IRP Renewal Season Starts Now

Fall isn’t the only new season to come knockin’ on your cab door.

October is nearly here, which can only mean two things for truckers: It’s not only getting close to 3rd quarter IFTA filings (due on Halloween!), but it’s also the beginning of IRP Renewal Season!

The International Registration Plan is an agreement among all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces for the fair distribution of registration fees to each jurisdiction based on a carrier’s distance traveled in each.

 

If you think that sounds confusing, that’s just the start! While IRP certainly makes registration fees less complicated, it’s still difficult to keep up with your base jurisdiction’s particular requirements, like the renewal due date, proper display of registration credentials, etc.

That’s where TSNAmerica comes in. As a premier processing service, we know the requirements for each jurisdiction and can ensure everything is filed correctly and on-time.

And today, we’re going to help you sort a few things out. For those completely new to IRP, we’ll give a brief overview of the plan. And for you seasoned IRP vets out there (or just first-time renewers), we’ll see which jurisdictions have renewal due dates coming up, and what you need to do about it.

Who is IRP for?

IRP is for commercial motor carriers operating in multiple jurisdictions across the US and Canada. In other words, it’s for those who travel interstate (not just intrastate) with a vehicle weighing over 26,000 lbs. and/or having three or more axles.

How does it benefit you?

IRP simplifies registration and distribution of fees. Rather than calculating the amount due to each jurisdiction you travel through, and sending the amount to each, with IRP, you only pay your base jurisdiction. Your base then calculates the amount due to each jurisdiction using your mileage reported, and it distributes the funds accordingly.

IRP also streamlines registration credentials. Rather than having several cab cards, license plates, and stickers for each jurisdiction, your base will issue one registration credential to display according to the rules in that state/province.

Finally, the fees from IRP registration contribute toward highway infrastructure and safety programs.

What are your responsibilities?

While the application and renewal processes vary by jurisdiction, there are a few basics expected of all IRP participants.

• Choose your base jurisdiction. 
  
  -Typically, this is the state in which your business headquarters is located.
  -You must provide documented proof to support your right to base in each state. Requirements will vary.

• Apply for IRP registration with your base.
  
  -This will not only require proof of your right to base there, but also a completed application with the appropriate fee.
  -Proof of current year’s HVUT paid with a stamped Schedule 1 for vehicles weighing 55,000 lbs. or more.
  -Additional documentation, such as IFTA registration, vehicle title, proof of insurance, proof of proper records keeping etc., may be required by your base. Check the requirements of your particular state.

• Properly display registration credentials upon receipt.
  
  -Again, this will vary by jurisdiction.

• Maintain thorough distance records by jurisdiction.
  
  -Records of mileage traveled in each jurisdiction are vital to ensure proper distribution of fees. These records must also be readily available in your base state for audit and must be kept for at least 3 years after the close of the registration period.

Now, for those already registered with IRP, which jurisdictions have a renewal deadline coming up? Montana and Utah have staggered renewal deadlines. Check your cab card for the expiry date.

Montana IRP Renewal Due: 09/30/14 for those with September expiry.

Utah IRP Renewal Due: 09/30/14 for those with September expiry.

Kansas IRP Renewal Due: 12/31/14

Nebraska IRP Renewal Due: 12/31/14

Oregon IRP Renewal Due: 12/31/14

Wyoming IRP Renewal Due: 12/31/14

While we covered quite a bit of ground here, there’s much more to learn about IRP regulations in your particular base.

TSNAmerica can assist you with acquiring your IRP registration or renewal. In fact, if you're one of our current clients, you should have received the renewal instructions via mail already! 

And if you're just starting out, we can arrange everything you need to obtain your interstate authority. We even have authority packages to get your new business up and running fast!

Don’t risk hefty fines. Ask the experts and get the job done right the first time. Call TSNAmerica 803.386.0320. or email at support@tsnamerica.com.

Have a happy & healthy Fall season!

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#NTDAW2014: Thank You from our Team at TSNAmerica

It’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, and what better time for Truck Services of North America to say thank you, not just to our clients, but to the 3 million and counting men & women in the industry!

We feel blessed everyday to work alongside all of you. Truck drivers are the foundation of our economy and of our lives! You maintain the highest level of safety and diligence every second of your extra-long work days.

While the rest of the world slumbers, you’re still out on the roads driving throughout the night to ensure your cargo is delivered on time. Your unrelenting hard work keeps our fast-paced world spinning.

Everywhere we look, we see your hard work in action. The computers we type on, the shoes on our feet, the roof over our heads- all were made possible by you!

No one can ever say thank you enough, but we have to try. That’s why our team at TSNAmerica strives each day to make your lives a little bit easier, so you can do your job with one less thing to worry about.

It’s our privilege to help keep you truckin’. Thank you for all that you do.

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BOC-3: What Is It & How Do I Get It?

“You’ve been served!”

Words no one ever wants to hear, but unfortunately, litigation is a part of life.

That’s exactly why the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) requires all interstate carriers to file a BOC-3. The BOC-3 must be filed with the FMCSA only once, but it is required to initially obtain your interstate authority. In other words–no BOC-3, no MC#.

So what is it? The purpose of the BOC-3 is to designate process agents (BOC-3 agents) in any of the 50 states that your transportation company conducts business in. The BOC-3 agents accept legal documents on your behalf and ensure speedy delivery to you, allowing you plenty of time to respond. If your BOC-3 agents are transportation lawyers, which is preferable, they will advise you on how to proceed based on the laws in that state.

 

If you’re new to interstate trucking, you’re likely wondering how you file for the BOC-3. The answer is…with us! The BOC-3 can only be E-filed through the FMCSA, and only BOC-3 certified processing agents are allowed to file. TSNAmerica E-files directly with the FMCSA, no third party involvement!

Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. Some processing services take forever and will love you & leave you. But that’s not how we do business at Truck Services of North America.

We’ll get your BOC-3, as well as everything else you need to establish your authority, quickly and affordably. Whether it’s an MC#, UCR, or IRP, we’ll expertly hack & slash away the paperwork, leaving you time for what matters. Then we’ll stay with you, keeping you up-to-date on the latest industry news, and assisting with whatever challenges may arise.

Visit TSNAmerica.com to see how we can cut down on pesky paperwork. Then send us a Service Request Form, email us at support@TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320. It’s good to have friends in high places, and it’s even better to have friends that make legal matters less stressful. Let’s be friends...

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Form 2290 Errors, Corrections, and Amendments

Earlier this week, we braved the HVUT Form 2290 filing deadline for vehicles first-used in July. And we survived!

Now that the tax-filing commotion is dying down, it’s time to deal with the aftermath. Often while the dust is settling, those who filed on time begin to notice errors in the information they reported to the IRS.

Misspellings in names or addresses, VIN errors and more begin to crop up. But how do you correct a return that has been accepted? Will this error mean you owe more tax or will you be entitled to a refund?

Here are a few quick tips to help you figure it out. Of course, this is only the tip of the tax-filing iceberg, so if you’d like the real nitty-gritty details, it’s best to ask an expert (like us!).

Form 2290 Amendments may be filed for the three instances below.

• VIN Correction: If your 2290 was accepted by the IRS, but you noticed a VIN error on your return, then you must file a VIN correction. Upon acceptance of the amendment, you will receive a new stamped Schedule 1 with the correct information. This correction should be filed immediately as an innaccurate Schedule 1 will lead to vehicle registration issues.
• Suspended Vehicle Exceeds Mileage Limit: If you initially filed your vehicle as suspended (category W), but it exceeds the 5,000 mile limit (or 7,500 miles for agricultural vehicles), then you must promptly file this amendment to notify the IRS and pay the tax owed. This change must be filed by the end of the following month after the mileage was exceeded.
• Increase in Gross Vehicle Weight: When filing Form 2290, vehicles are taxed, in part, according to weight category. If during the year, your load weight increases and causes your gross weight to extend into the next highest category, then this amendment should be filed. The filing is due by the end of the month after the increase takes place. You will be required to report the date that the increase began, and calculate tax-owed based upon that date.

For typos, misspellings, and name corrections, you must call the IRS directly to make the change. However, if you had Truck Services of North America file your 2290, then we’ll make any corrections for you!

Form 8849 Credits for Excise Taxes can be filed to request a refund on taxes paid! 

There’s always a silver-lining, even with taxes. However, not all changes warrant money back. For instance, credits are not awarded for vehicles that operate at a lower gross vehicle weight than initially reported. Moreover, refunds are not given if a vehicle is not used for part of the year. 

The following are qualifying events for a tax refund:

• Vehicle is lost, stolen, or destroyed. In any of these events, refunds will be issued by filing Form 8849 along with Schedule 6, reserved for other claims and credits regarding Form 2290.
• Vehicle traveled too few miles during the tax year. If your vehicle traveled 5,000 miles or less during the tax year (7,500 for agricultural vehicles), then you may file for a refund.

Rather than file for a refund, you may claim a credit on next year’s 2290 and apply it directly to that return, thereby reducing the amount of tax owed.

Throughout the tax year, changes are bound to occur. Instead of fumbling around with the six Schedules that go with Form 8849, why not have us handle it for you? We’ll not only get your money back faster, but we’ll turn your stressful experience into a distant memory by filing exactly what you need, right when you need it.

And best of all, we can file all of these form for you over the phone! Simply call us, give us your info, and then send us a consent form. We’ll then file on your behalf, and in the same day no less! You can’t find service like that, especially for our competitive pricing.

To see the array of services we offer, visit TSNAmerica.com. Then send us a Service Request Form, email us at support@TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320.

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