How Much Revenue Is Raised Through the HVUT?

The HVUT is a significant source of transportation funding in the U.S. In 2006 alone, the HVUT generated more than $1.4 billion in Federal Highway Trust Fund (HTF) revenue.

The figure shown below documents historic collections associated with the HVUT. The figure highlights three time periods of interest: 1984-85, 2001 and 2006. In 2001, HVUT receipts slumped due to the sagging economy and its impact on the motor carrier industry. In recent years, the HVUT has rebounded due to economic growth and the incentive to pre-buy or purchase trucks prior to 2007 to avoid the new EPA emissions rule. In 2006, HVUT revenue represented approximately 4.2 percent of total revenue deposited in the Highway Account of the Federal HTF.

The figure also underscores the importance and potential payoff associated with strong enforcement. On July 1, 1984, HVUT rates were raised to their current levels. Not surprisingly, fiscal year (FY) 1985 HVUT revenues grew by nearly $200 million. On October 1, 1985, States were required to verify proof of payment as a condition of registering heavy trucks subject to the HVUT. In the year following introduction of this enforcement measure, HVUT revenues grew by an additional $154 million, representing an increase of nearly 41 percent.

More Information

Link to Highway Statistics, Table FE-9: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policy/ohim/hs06/pdf/fe9.pdf



 
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Content Taken from: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/hvut/module1/tableofcontents.htm

What Is the HVUT and Who Must Pay It?

The heavy vehicle use tax or HVUT is a fee assessed annually on heavy vehicles operating on public highways at registered gross weights equal to or exceeding 55,000 pounds. The gross taxable weight of a vehicle is determined by adding:

• the actual unloaded weight of the vehicle fully equipped for service
  
• the actual unloaded weight of any trailers or semitrailers fully equipped for service customarily used in combination with the vehicle, and
  
• the weight of the maximum load customarily carried on the vehicle and on any trailers or semitrailers customarily used in combination with the vehicle
  

If the gross taxable weight is from 55,000 to 75,000 pounds, the HVUT is $100, plus $22 per 1,000 pounds over 55,000 pounds. For over 75,000-pound vehicles, the maximum HVUT is $550 per year. The table below illustrates these categories.

There are a number of groups that receive exemptions from the HVUT, including:

• The Federal Government
  
• State or local governments, including the District of Columbia
  
• The American Red Cross
  
• Nonprofit volunteer fire departments, ambulance associations or rescue squads
  
• Indian tribal governments (for vehicles used in essential tribal government functions)
  
• Mass transportation authorities
  

There are also a number of vehicles exempted from the HVUT:

• Commercial vehicles traveling fewer than 5,000 miles annually
  
• Agriculture vehicles traveling fewer than 7,500 miles annually
  
• Vehicle not considered highway motor vehicles — e.g., mobile machinery for non-transportation functions, vehicles specifically designed for off-highway transportation, and non-transportation trailers and semi-trailers
  
• Qualified blood collector vehicles used by qualified blood collector organizations
  

Exempt carriers may be required to file tax forms with the IRS or notify the local department of motor vehicles (DMV) of the exempt status being claimed.

More Information

Link to IRS Form 2290: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f2290.pdf
Link to IRS Form 2290 Instructions: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i2290.pdf


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Content Taken from: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/hvut/module1/tableofcontents.htm