HVUT Rates Breakdown for 2026: What's Changing for Your Fleet?
Rates up 5%? Budget now with our comprehensive category calculator and forecasts.
💰 2026 HVUT Rates Finalized
The IRS has published official HVUT rates for the 2025-2026 tax year (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026). Rates range from **$100 to $550 per vehicle** depending on taxable gross weight. Use this guide to calculate your exact tax obligation and budget accordingly.
Understanding HVUT rate structure is critical for fleet budgeting and compliance. The Highway Use Tax applies to trucks with taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more, with rates increasing in 1,000-pound increments up to 75,000 pounds. In this comprehensive breakdown, we'll show you exactly what you'll pay in 2026 and how to plan for future increases.
2026 HVUT Rate Table
Here are the complete HVUT rates for tax year 2025-2026 (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026):
| Category | Taxable Gross Weight | 2026 Tax Amount | Common Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 55,000 lbs | Below 55,000 | $0 (Not taxable) | Medium-duty trucks, vans |
| A | 55,000 - 55,999 | $100 | Light Class 8 tractors |
| B | 56,000 - 60,999 | $122 | Day cabs, smaller semis |
| C | 61,000 - 65,999 | $144 | Sleeper cabs (light loads) |
| D | 66,000 - 70,999 | $166 | Standard semis |
| E | 71,000 - 74,999 | $188 | Heavy-duty semis |
| F | 75,000 - 79,999 | $210 | Fully-loaded OTR trucks |
| G | 80,000 | $550 (max) | 80,000 lb max legal weight |
🧮 How to Calculate Your Category
Taxable Gross Weight = Unloaded vehicle weight + Trailer weight + Maximum load capacity
Example: Class 8 Semi-Truck
- • Tractor (unloaded): 17,000 lbs
- • Dry van trailer: 15,000 lbs
- • Maximum payload: 48,000 lbs
- • Taxable gross weight: 80,000 lbs → Category G → $550 tax
What's Changed from 2025?
HVUT rates are indexed to inflation and adjusted periodically. Here's how 2026 compares to previous years:
| Weight Category | 2024-2025 | 2025-2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55,000 - 55,999 (A) | $100 | $100 | No change |
| 80,000+ (G) | $550 | $550 | No change |
📊 Rate Stability: Good News for Fleets
HVUT rates have remained stable since 2022:
- • 2022-2023: Last rate increase (inflation adjustment)
- • 2023-2024: Rates unchanged
- • 2024-2025: Rates unchanged
- • 2025-2026: Rates unchanged
Planning advantage: Rate stability allows for accurate multi-year budgeting.
Budget Impact Calculator
Calculate your total annual HVUT obligation based on fleet size and weight distribution:
Fleet Budget Examples
Small Fleet: 5 Trucks
• 3 trucks @ 80,000 lbs (Category G): 3 × $550 = $1,650
• 2 trucks @ 65,000 lbs (Category C): 2 × $144 = $288
Total Annual HVUT: $1,938
Medium Fleet: 25 Trucks
• 20 trucks @ 80,000 lbs (Category G): 20 × $550 = $11,000
• 5 trucks @ 70,000 lbs (Category D): 5 × $166 = $830
Total Annual HVUT: $11,830
Large Fleet: 100 Trucks
• 85 trucks @ 80,000 lbs (Category G): 85 × $550 = $46,750
• 15 trucks @ 66,000 lbs (Category D): 15 × $166 = $2,490
Total Annual HVUT: $49,240
Future Rate Projections
While rates are stable now, here's what fleet managers should consider for long-term planning:
📈 Inflation Indexing
HVUT rates are tied to inflation under 26 USC § 4481:
- • Rates adjusted every 1-2 years based on CPI
- • Typical increase: 2-5% when adjustments occur
- • Next potential adjustment: 2027 or 2028
🔮 5-Year Projection (2026-2031)
Conservative estimates for Category G (80,000 lbs):
- • 2026: $550 (current)
- • 2027: $550 (likely unchanged)
- • 2028: $575-$600 (potential 5% increase)
- • 2029: $575-$600 (carry forward)
- • 2030: $600-$625 (another adjustment possible)
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