Truck drivers with expiring licenses or medical cards have been given an extension because of difficulties renewing during the COVID-19 crisis. The relief is from FMCSA, CVSA and IRS on certain tax extensions.
FMCSA Gives Commercial Drivers Extension on Expiring CDLs, Medical Cards
- The FMCSA issued a limited waiver for commercial drivers whose commercial licenses/permits and/or medical cards have expired or are set to expire after March 1st, 2020.
- The waiver is effective immediately and valid through June 30th, 2020.
- This comes as a response to state DMV and medical clinic closures that have made it difficult for commercial drivers to renew expiring licenses or medical cards.
- Commercial drivers must still hold an appropriate license for the vehicle they are operating and must have been deemed physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
- Drivers and carriers should be aware that states may still enforce the prohibitions on operating a commercial motor vehicle without a valid, non-expired license, so attention should be paid to individual states.
Read More here.
CVSA Postpones International Roadcheck
Every year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) sets inspection and enforcement initiatives, such as International Roadcheck, which is scheduled for May 5-7. However, with public health and safety as its top concern, CVSA has decided to postpone International Roadcheck to later in the year. The Alliance will monitor the status of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and appropriately select the new dates when it’s safe and reasonable to do so. Once the rescheduled dates have been selected, CVSA will notify the commercial motor vehicle enforcement community, the motor carrier industry, the press and the public. Read more here.
Tracking the Spread and Intensity of COVID-19
- Check out this website, compiled by a high school wiz-kid, that tracks the spread and density of Coronavirus across the globe.
- 17-year-old Avi Schiffmann has received international praise for his work on this comprehensive database.
- Use the database to learn more about the spread of the virus in the states you are driving through.
https://ncov2019.live
Owner-Ops Encouraged to File Taxes Sooner Rather Than Later Despite IRS Extension
- The IRS has extended the deadline for filing and paying taxes by 90 days to July 15th, 2020.
- Experts recommend owner-operators file as soon as possible, if they are able to, and use the extension to get their estimated tax payment together.
- However, if you’re busy, out on the road, or directly affected by COVID-19, take advantage of the extension that the IRS has provided.
- The tax extension deadline, that is offered by the IRS every year, remains unchanged and is still September 15th, 2020 for nearly all owner-operators and small fleets who operate as pass-through entities like S-Corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships and LLCs.
Pro Rated HVUT Form 2290 Due for Vehicles Used in February
The Federal Vehicle Use Tax Form 2290 for the Pro Rated Vehicles that is used for the first time in February 2020 since July 2019 falls due this March 31, 2020. IRS has not released any update on extension of time for the 2290 partial tax filers. However for others who has their 2019 taxes due in April 15, now has additional 90 days to make tax payments and report the tax returns. At TruckDues.com you can continue to report and pay the Federal Vehicle Use Tax returns online, we have a team working remotely to help you in your 2290 electronic filing. Talk to us at 347 – 515 – 2290 or 855 – 615 – 1040. You can also write to us at support@truckdues.com.