66,000 lb Truck Tax in Maine
Understanding Form 2290 for Your 66,000 lb Truck in Maine
As a trucking professional operating a heavy vehicle (a truck with a gross vehicle weight of 55,000 pounds or more) in Maine, understanding and complying with Form 2290 is crucial. This form is used to report and pay the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Let's break down the specifics for a truck weighing 66,000 pounds in the state of Maine.
The HVUT, as per IRS Section 4481, is an annual tax assessed on heavy highway vehicles operating on public roads in the United States. The tax year runs from July 1st to June 30th. You're responsible for filing Form 2290 and paying the HVUT if your truck's taxable gross weight is 55,000 pounds or more. For a 66,000 lb truck, you certainly fall under this requirement.
Calculating Your HVUT for a 66,000 lb Truck
The HVUT rate is determined by the taxable gross weight of your vehicle. The current rate is $100 for vehicles weighing 55,000 pounds or more, plus an additional $22 for each 1,000 pounds (or fraction thereof) over 55,000 pounds.
Here's how to calculate the tax for your 66,000 lb truck:
- Base Tax: $100
- Weight Over 55,000 lbs: 66,000 lbs - 55,000 lbs = 11,000 lbs
- Additional Tax: (11,000 lbs / 1,000 lbs) * $22 = 11 * $22 = $242
- Total HVUT: $100 + $242 = $342
Therefore, the HVUT for your 66,000 lb truck in Maine will be $342 for the tax year.
Filing Form 2290: Deadlines and Methods
The deadline for filing Form 2290 is August 31st for vehicles that are used on public highways during July. For vehicles first used after July, you must file Form 2290 by the last day of the month following the month the vehicle was first used. For example, if you first used your truck on September 10th, you must file by October 31st.
You have two options for filing Form 2290:
- E-filing: The IRS encourages e-filing, especially for businesses filing for 25 or more vehicles. E-filing is faster, more accurate, and offers electronic proof of payment. You can use an IRS-approved e-file provider.
- Paper Filing: You can download Form 2290 from the IRS website, complete it, and mail it to the address specified in the form instructions.
Required Information for Form 2290
When filing Form 2290, you'll need the following information:
- Your Employer Identification Number (EIN). Note: You cannot use your Social Security number. You must have an EIN.
- Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for each truck.
- The taxable gross weight of each truck (in your case, 66,000 lbs).
- The month in which the vehicle was first used during the tax year.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to file Form 2290 on time or pay the HVUT can result in penalties. Penalties can include:
- Late Filing Penalty: 4.5% of the total tax due, assessed monthly, up to a maximum of 22.5% of the tax.
- Late Payment Penalty: 0.5% of the unpaid tax, assessed monthly, up to a maximum of 25% of the unpaid tax.
It's crucial to file and pay on time to avoid these penalties. Keep accurate records of your filings and payments.
4 Simple Steps to File
Gather Vehicle Info
Have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and Gross Taxable Weight ready. You can find the VIN on your registration or dashboard.
Choose Tax Period
Select the current tax year (July 1 - June 30). If filing late, our system automatically calculates prorated taxes for you.
E-File with IRS
Submit your return securely. We check for common errors before sending to the IRS to prevent rejections.
Get Schedule 1
Receive your IRS-stamped Schedule 1 proof of payment via email instantly once accepted. No waiting for mail.
HVUT Tax Rate Reference (2025-2026)
| Gross Weight | Annual Tax |
|---|---|
| 55,000 lbs | $100.00 |
| 56,000 lbs | $122.00 |
| 60,000 lbs | $210.00 |
| 70,000 lbs | $430.00 |
| 75,000 lbs | $550.00 (Max) |
| 80,000 lbs | $550.00 |
| Logging Vehicles | Reduced Rate (See Calculator) |