Before You Start: What You Need
Before you begin your first Form 2290 filing, make sure you have the following five items ready. Having everything prepared in advance means you can complete the entire filing in a single sitting — no interruptions, no hunting for paperwork.
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
A 9-digit number assigned by the IRS. Not the same as your SSN.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
17-character code for each vehicle you are filing for.
Taxable Gross Weight
Unloaded vehicle weight plus maximum load capacity. Must be 55,000 lbs or more.
First-Use Month
The month each vehicle was first driven on public highways during the tax period.
Payment Method
EFTPS, credit/debit card, EFW, check, or money order for the HVUT tax due.
Once you have all five, head to the Send2290 filing page and follow the guided process. The sections below explain each item in detail so you know exactly what to look for.
Get Your Employer Identification Number (EIN)
The IRS requires an Employer Identification Number (EIN) on every Form 2290. This is a 9-digit number (formatted XX-XXXXXXX) that identifies your business for tax purposes. You cannot use your Social Security Number to file Form 2290 — even if you are a sole proprietor with a single truck.
If you already have an EIN from a prior tax filing or business registration, use that same number. If you do not have one, you can apply for free directly on the IRS website. The online application is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time, and your EIN is issued immediately upon completion.
Apply for your EIN: IRS EIN Online Application (irs.gov) — it is completely free. Be wary of third-party sites that charge fees for EIN applications.
Important: If you applied for your EIN recently, allow at least two weeks before e-filing your Form 2290. The IRS systems need time to propagate your new EIN across their databases. Filing too soon after receiving a brand-new EIN can result in a rejection.
Gather Your Vehicle Information
For each vehicle you are filing, you need two pieces of information: the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the taxable gross weight.
Finding Your VIN
Your VIN is a unique 17-character alphanumeric code assigned to your vehicle by the manufacturer. You can find it in several places:
- The metal plate on the driver-side dashboard, visible through the windshield
- A sticker inside the driver-side door jamb
- Your vehicle registration or title documents
Always verify the VIN against the physical plate on the vehicle itself. Typos in VINs are the single most common error on Form 2290 filings. If you do make a mistake, our VIN correction guide explains how to fix it for free with Send2290.
Determining Taxable Gross Weight
Taxable gross weight is not the same as your vehicle's curb weight. It is the unloaded weight of the vehicle plus the maximum load weight the vehicle is designed to carry. For combination vehicles (a tractor pulling a trailer), include the unloaded weight of the tractor, the unloaded weight of the trailer, and the maximum load.
You can find the unloaded weight on the manufacturer's data plate (usually on the driver-side door jamb), on your registration, or in the vehicle's specification sheet. Form 2290 only applies to vehicles with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more. If your vehicle weighs less, you do not need to file.
Determine Your First-Use Month
The first-use month is the month during the current tax period (July through June) when your vehicle was first driven on public highways. This determines how much HVUT you owe.
If your vehicle was already in service before the start of the current tax period, your first-use month is July and you owe the full annual tax. If you purchased a new vehicle or put one into service partway through the period — say in October — then October is your first-use month and you owe a prorated amount covering October through June.
The HVUT tax period runs from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. Form 2290 is due by the last day of the month following the first-use month. For most filers with a July first-use month, the deadline is August 31.
Example: You purchase a qualifying truck and first drive it on public roads on November 15. Your first-use month is November, and your Form 2290 is due by December 31. You would owe HVUT for 8 months (November through June).
Choose Your Payment Method
You need to pay the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) when you file. The IRS accepts several payment methods, and the one you choose can affect how quickly your filing is processed.
- EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System) — free, but requires pre-enrollment at eftps.gov. Enrollment can take 5 to 7 business days.
- Credit or Debit Card — convenient, but the IRS-approved payment processors charge a processing fee (typically 1.87% to 1.98% for credit cards).
- Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW) — direct debit from your bank account at the time of filing. No separate enrollment needed.
- Check or Money Order — mailed to the IRS with a payment voucher. Slower processing, but no electronic payment required.
For a detailed comparison of each option — including fees, processing times, and step-by-step enrollment instructions — see our 2290 Payment Methods Explained guide.
File Online with Send2290
With your EIN, vehicle information, first-use month, and payment method ready, you are set to file. Send2290 is an IRS-authorized e-file provider built specifically for Form 2290. Here is what the process looks like:
- aEnter your EIN and business information. Send2290 validates your EIN format in real time so you catch errors before submitting.
- bAdd your vehicles. Enter each vehicle's VIN, taxable gross weight category, and first-use month. The system checks each VIN for valid format and flags potential errors.
- cReview and pay. Send2290 calculates your HVUT tax automatically. Review every detail on the summary screen, select your payment method, and submit.
- dReceive your stamped Schedule 1. Once the IRS accepts your filing, your IRS-stamped Schedule 1 is available for download — typically within minutes.
Under 5 Minutes — Start to Finish
Send2290's guided filing process handles the IRS formatting, validation, and transmission for you. No tax expertise required — just your documents and 5 minutes. See our pricing for transparent, flat-rate fees with no hidden costs.
What Happens After You File
After you submit your Form 2290, three things happen:
- 1You receive your IRS-stamped Schedule 1. This is your proof of payment. When you file with Send2290, the stamped Schedule 1 is delivered electronically — usually within minutes of IRS acceptance. You can download it immediately from your dashboard and we also email you a copy.
- 2Use your Schedule 1 for DMV registration. The DMV requires a stamped Schedule 1 to register your vehicle or renew plates for any vehicle subject to HVUT. Keep a printed or digital copy readily accessible. If you operate across state lines, some states may request it during roadside inspections as well.
- 3Keep records for at least three years. The IRS recommends retaining copies of your filed Form 2290 and stamped Schedule 1 for at least three years from the date the return was due or the date you filed — whichever is later. Send2290 stores your filing history in your account so you always have access to past returns.
Need to make changes after filing? Send2290 offers free VIN corrections for filings submitted through our platform. For a complete overview of Form 2290 including amended returns, suspended vehicles, and credits, visit our complete Form 2290 guide.