IRS E-file Dates for 2290: 2026 Key Deadlines
Staying on top of IRS e-file dates for Form 2290 is the easiest way to avoid penalties and keep your registration moving. If you operate a heavy highway vehicle with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more, your annual Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) filing follows a July to June cycle, and your specific deadline depends on the month your vehicle first went on the road.
This guide covers the 2025 key deadlines, how the “first used month” rule works, weekend and holiday shifts, and practical tips to file on time with instant Schedule 1 delivery.
The 2025–2026 Form 2290 season at a glance
- Tax period: July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026
- Proof of payment: IRS-stamped Schedule 1 (required for most state DMV registration and renewals)
- E-file requirement: If you are reporting 25 or more vehicles, the IRS requires you to e-file
- Filing rule: File by the last day of the month after the month the vehicle was first used on public highways
For most owner-operators and fleets, the annual renewal happens for vehicles first used in July. In 2025, the statutory August 31 deadline lands on a Sunday and Labor Day is Monday, so the due date moves to Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
2025 key e-file deadlines for Form 2290
Below are the due dates for the 2025–2026 tax year by first used month (FUM). Weekend or federal holiday adjustments are reflected.
| First used month (FUM) | Filing deadline for 2025–2026 period |
|---|---|
| July 2025 | Tuesday, September 2, 2025 |
| August 2025 | Tuesday, September 30, 2025 |
| September 2025 | Friday, October 31, 2025 |
| October 2025 | Monday, December 1, 2025 |
| November 2025 | Wednesday, December 31, 2025 |
| December 2025 | Monday, February 2, 2026 |
| January 2026 | Monday, March 2, 2026 |
| February 2026 | Tuesday, March 31, 2026 |
| March 2026 | Thursday, April 30, 2026 |
| April 2026 | Monday, June 1, 2026 |
| May 2026 | Tuesday, June 30, 2026 |
| June 2026 | Friday, July 31, 2026 |
Note, if a deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday, the due date moves to the next business day. See the IRS guidance on timing and due dates in the IRS Form 2290 instructions and the agency’s Truck Tax (Form 2290) page.
How the first used month rule works
Your 2290 due date is tied to when the vehicle first hits public highways during the tax period. A few quick examples:
- You operate the vehicle in July 2025, the filing is due by Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
- You buy a used truck and start using it on October 10, 2025, the filing is due by Monday, December 1, 2025.
- You place a truck in service for the first time on January 25, 2026, the filing is due by Monday, March 2, 2026.
If you are renewing vehicles already in service every year in July, plan for the early September deadline in 2025 because of the weekend and holiday shift.
Special situations that affect deadlines
Understanding a few common scenarios can help you stay compliant all year:
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Suspended vehicles (low mileage). If you expect to drive 5,000 miles or less during the tax year, 7,500 miles or less for agricultural vehicles, you still file Form 2290 but no HVUT is due. If your vehicle later exceeds the mileage limit, you must file an amendment and pay tax by the last day of the month after the month you exceed the limit. Learn more in our guide to Form 2290 Category W.
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Increases in taxable gross weight. If you move to a higher weight category during the period, file a Form 2290 amendment by the last day of the month after the increase. Details and steps are in Form 2290 Amendments.
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VIN corrections. If you made a typo in a VIN, file a VIN correction for the same tax period. For a quick walkthrough, see How to do VIN Correction for Free.
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Sold, destroyed, or stolen vehicles and overpayments. If you qualify for a credit or refund of HVUT, review the process in our Form 2290 Refund guide.
What to have ready to e-file fast
Having the right information at hand keeps your filing under 10 minutes in most cases.
- Employer Identification Number (EIN), not an SSN
- Business name, address, and contact information
- First used month (FUM) and tax year
- Vehicle Identification Number(s) and taxable gross weight category
- Logging status (logging vehicles may qualify for reduced tax)
- IRS payment method selection (Direct debit, EFTPS, or check and money order)
If you are not sure how much you owe, our step-by-step explainer shows how HVUT is calculated by weight, logging status, and FUM, see How to Calculate Form 2290.
Tips to avoid last-minute issues
- Do not wait until Aug 31 in 2025. Because the date falls on a Sunday and Labor Day is Monday, your real deadline is Tuesday, Sep 2. Expect high IRS system traffic near due dates.
- Watch IRS maintenance windows. The IRS Modernized e-File system occasionally undergoes scheduled maintenance. Check the IRS MeF operational status if you run into outages.
- Apply early for a new EIN. The IRS may take time to activate a newly issued EIN for e-file systems, so do not delay if you are a new business.
- Keep your Schedule 1 handy. Many DMVs require your e-stamped Schedule 1 at registration and renewal.
Quick refresher, who must file Form 2290
You must file if you register a heavy highway vehicle with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more and the vehicle is used on public highways during the tax period. Some organizations and vehicle types qualify for exemptions or suspension, although a filing is still required to report that status. For a complete overview of filing options and a paper-by-mail checklist, see How to File Form 2290.
Frequently asked questions
When does IRS e-file open for the 2025–2026 Form 2290 season? The new tax period begins July 1, 2025. That is when the IRS accepts current-year e-filed 2290 returns. Some authorized providers may allow pre-filing in June so your return is queued for IRS processing on or after July 1.
What are the main IRS e-file dates for 2290 in 2025? For vehicles first used in July 2025, the deadline is Tuesday, September 2, 2025. For vehicles first used later in the year, your due date is the last day of the month after your first used month, with weekend and holiday shifts to the next business day.
What if my due date falls on a weekend or holiday? The deadline moves to the next business day. In 2025, the August 31 deadline moves to Tuesday, September 2 because of Sunday and Labor Day.
Is e-file required? If you are reporting 25 or more vehicles, the IRS requires you to e-file. Most single-vehicle owner-operators choose e-file because it is faster and more reliable.
How quickly will I receive my Schedule 1 if I e-file? In most cases, you receive an IRS-stamped Schedule 1 within minutes after the IRS accepts your return. Deliverability depends on IRS systems being operational and the accuracy of your information.
What payment options can I use when e-filing Form 2290? You can generally choose direct debit from a bank account, EFTPS, or pay by check and money order. Follow the payment options presented during filing to match your situation.
What happens if I miss my 2290 deadline? File as soon as possible to limit penalties and interest. If you have a reasonable cause for filing late, you can include an explanation with your return or contact the IRS for penalty relief consideration.
File 2025 Form 2290 online and get Schedule 1 in minutes
Avoid mail delays and get instant proof of payment. Simple Form 2290 is an IRS-authorized e-file provider with a simple guided workflow, bulk vehicle uploads, instant Schedule 1 delivery, secure data storage and retrieval, and bilingual support in English and Spanish. Whether you run one truck or a fleet, our affordable flat pricing and fleet dashboard make compliance easy.
Ready to file? Start now at Simple Form 2290 and stay ahead of every 2025 IRS e-file date for Form 2290.
