If you’re working as a trucker, it’s important to stay on top of your 2290 returns and make sure you’re actually paying the correct amount in taxes. Everybody makes mistakes, though, and there are multiple instances in which even the most attentive trucker can make a mistake on their Form 2290. If that happens, you may need to file an amended 2290 return. But have no fear! Below, we’ll explore some of the most common mistakes made when filing a 2290 return, and provide tips for how to file an amended 2290 return. 

What Are the Most Common Mistakes Truckers Make?

If a taxable highway motor vehicle is registered, or required to be registered, in your name under state, D.C., Canadian or Mexican law at the time of its initial use during the tax period, and the vehicle has a taxable gross weight of at least 55,000 pounds, you must file a Form 2290 and Schedule 1 for the current tax period that ends on June 30th of the current year. But, as sometimes happens when filing taxes, mistakes can be made. Here are some of the most common errors requiring an amended 2290 return.

Entering the Wrong VIN

The first common mistake made when filing a 2290 return is entering the wrong VIN. A VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, is a 17-character, unique serial number the automotive industry uses to identify individual vehicles. It’s always smart to double-check the number you’ve entered and make sure that you’ve used the vehicle VIN number rather than the number from the trailer. After all, doing it right the first time will help you avoid any delays with registering. However, if you miskey a VIN number on your return, it’s not the end of the world to file a VIN Correction amendment. 

A VIN correction amendment has $0 tax liability, since (presumably) you’ve already paid your tax for the vehicle in question. This type of amended 2290 return results in a corrected Stamped Schedule 1 showing the correct VIN, so you can finish registering your vehicle.

Exceeding the Mileage Use Limit

Another mistake often made by truckers in their 2290 return is exceeding a suspended vehicle’s mileage limit. Sometimes, a vehicle that was filed as Suspended, meaning that it was expected to drive a total of less than 5,000 miles (or 7,500 miles for agricultural vehicles) on public highways, exceeds that mileage limit. This 5,000 mile use limit applies to the total mileage traveled by a vehicle, regardless of how many owners that vehicle may have during that tax year. 

Once a suspended vehicle exceeds the mileage limit, taxes immediately become due. Filing an amended 2290 return to report the exceeded mileage will produce an update Stamped Schedule 1. Filing the amendment will also waive any late penalties—as long as the amendment is filed no later than the last day of the month after the month in which the vehicle actually exceeded the 5,000 mile limit.

What happens if you actually drove less than you expected to? Well, if the tax has already been paid for a period on a vehicle that was used less than the 5,000 mile limit, making it Suspended, the person who paid the tax may be able to claim a credit for the amount. 

Increase in Taxable Gross Weight

The final common error made when filing a 2290 return is an increase in taxable gross vehicle weight, or GVW, during the tax period, which might cause the vehicle to fall into a new category. Generally, increases to taxable gross vehicle weight occur when any modification increases a vehicle’s weight or capacity, or if a vehicle registration authority deems that the GVW should be greater than what’s shown on the Stamped Schedule 1 presented for vehicle registration. 

In the case that the updated taxable gross vehicle weight puts the vehicle into a greater weight category, you must file an amended 2290 return, and pay the additional tax for that period. Be sure to file the amendment by the last day of the month following the month in which the weight increased.

How to File an Amended 2290 Return

So, let’s say you’ve made one of the above errors when filing your 2290 return the first time. Looks like you’re going to have to file an amended 2290 return. 

When filing, check the box labeled ‘Amended Return’ only if reporting additional tax from an 

increase in taxable gross vehicle weight, or for suspended vehicles exceeding the mileage use limit. Do not check this box for any other reason. If you’ve made the error of misreporting a vehicle’s VIN number, check the box labeled ‘Vin Correction’ to correct a VIN listed on a previously filed Schedule 1 (Form 2290), and list the corrected VIN or VINs. Be sure to use the Form 2290 for the tax period you’re correcting, and attach a statement with an explanation for the VIN correction. 

File Your Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return with i2290

Taxes can be a headache, especially if you need to file an amended 2290 return. But luckily, if you e-filed your return at i2290, we make it easy and free to file any type of Form 2290 Amendments! With i2290, you can view your tax documents on-the-go, file from anywhere that has access to the internet, and receive a stamped Schedule 1 quickly and easily. Need help with any part of the process? Our support team is always eager to assist! Create an account with i2290 today and see how filing an amended 2290 return can be so much simpler.

Special note: This article is for general purposes, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for tax, legal, investment, or accounting advice. The best way to ensure you’re properly filing for a refund or credit and paying appropriate taxes is by following IRS regulations and consulting with a tax professional.