71,000 lb Truck Tax in Montana

Understanding Form 2290 Heavy Vehicle Use Tax for a 71,000 lb Truck in Montana

As a trucking tax consultant, I often receive questions about the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) and specifically how it applies to trucks operating in Montana. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Form 2290 as it relates to a truck weighing 71,000 lbs in Montana. The HVUT, mandated by the IRS under Section 4481 of the Internal Revenue Code, is an annual tax levied on heavy highway vehicles operating on public roads with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more. This applies regardless of whether your trucking company is based in Montana or simply operates within the state.

Determining Taxable Gross Weight

The taxable gross weight isn't just the weight of the truck itself. It's the combined weight of:

• The unladen weight of the truck.
• The unladen weight of any trailers customarily used with the truck.
• The weight of the maximum load customarily carried on the truck and any trailers.

Since your truck weighs 71,000 lbs, it falls squarely within the HVUT taxable range. The tax isn't a flat fee; it's calculated based on a tiered system determined by the vehicle's taxable gross weight. You will file Form 2290 and pay the assessed tax annually.

Calculating Your 2290 Tax Liability

For vehicles with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more, the HVUT is calculated as follows, as of the current tax year:

• $100 base tax.
• An additional $22.50 for each 1,000 pounds (or fraction thereof) over 55,000 pounds.

Therefore, for a 71,000 lb truck, the calculation would be:

1. Weight exceeding 55,000 lbs: 71,000 lbs - 55,000 lbs = 16,000 lbs
2. Number of 1,000 lb increments: 16,000 lbs / 1,000 lbs = 16
3. Tax per increment: 16 * $22.50 = $360
4. Total HVUT: $100 (base) + $360 = $460

So, the HVUT due for your 71,000 lb truck operating in Montana is $460 for the tax year.

Filing Form 2290

Form 2290 must be filed with the IRS and the tax paid annually. The filing deadline is typically August 31st for the tax period beginning July 1st and ending June 30th of the following year. If you place a new taxable vehicle in service after July, you must file Form 2290 by the end of the month following the month the vehicle was first used on public highways.

You can file Form 2290 either electronically (e-file) or by mail. The IRS strongly encourages e-filing as it is more efficient and reduces processing errors. E-filing is mandatory if you are reporting 25 or more vehicles.

Required Information for Form 2290:

• Your Employer Identification Number (EIN). A Social Security Number (SSN) cannot be used for Form 2290.
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for each vehicle.
• Taxable gross weight of each vehicle.
• Date the vehicle was first used on public highways during the tax period.

Paying the HVUT

You can pay the HVUT using various methods, including:

• Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW) when e-filing.
• Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).
• Check or money order (made payable to the U.S. Treasury).

If paying by check or money order, be sure to include your EIN, the tax year, and Form 2290 on the payment.