HVUT is an annual federal highway use tax paid to the federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on vehicles operating on public highways at a gross weight of 55,000 lbs. and greater. The federal government distributes revenues back to the states for highway construction and maintenance projects.
The Federal Highway trust fund (HTF) protects the nation's investment in our transportation infrastructure. In 2007 alone, Federal HTF receipts topped $39.9 billion, with $34.9 billion dedicated to the HTF's Highway Account. The Federal HTF finances a broad spectrum of transportation investments, including:
Since the vast majority of all funds contributed by states to the Federal HTF are returned through highway fund apportionments, there is a direct incentive for state agencies to take necessary measures to enhance HVUT compliance.
What is the purpose of IRS form 2290?
The purpose of form 2290 is to:
Who can be exempted from HVUT?
To be exempt from the tax, a highway motor vehicle must be used and actually operated by:
When should you file IRS form 2290?
Form 2290 must be filed for each month a taxable vehicle is first used on public
highways during the current period. The current period begins July 1, 2024, and
ends June 30, 2024. Form 2290 must be filed by the last day of the month following
the month of first use (as shown in the chart below). The filing rules apply whether
you are paying the tax or reporting suspension of the tax. The following examples
demonstrate these rules.
Example. John uses a taxable vehicle on July 1, 2010. John must file Form 2290
by August 31, 2010, for the period beginning July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011.
Example, continued. John purchases a new taxable vehicle on January 3, 2011.
The vehicle is required to be registered in his name. The vehicle is first used in
January. John must file another Form 2290 reporting the new vehicle by February
28, 2011, for the period beginning July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011
If any date falls on weekend or public holiday, you need to file by the next working day.