Have you ever had that moment when, just after it’s too late to do anything about it, you realize you messed something up? It’s always nice to know that you can go back and correct an error when you find one. This post will cover how to fix a common mistake we see, an incorrect VIN on a 2290.
In case you don’t know, the VIN is your Vehicle Identification Number. Along with your EIN, the IRS uses the VIN to ensure that a specific vehicle, owned by a specific person, remains in compliance for a specific tax period.
Getting the correct VIN on your 2290 means that process works more smoothly. Getting the wrong VIN means you may get a letter from the IRS asking about the discrepancy.
To ensure you provide the correct VIN, first make sure you have your vehicle paperwork handy. The VIN usually appears on registrations, insurance cards, and other slips of paper. You can also find it on your vehicle in various places, such as at the bottom of the windshield, in a wheel well, on the driver-side door post, or on the engine block.
The VIN should be 17 characters (letters and/or numbers). Older vehicles may have fewer characters. Once you have the VIN, you include it with the vehicle information you enter on the site.
Should you have a VIN of less than 17 characters, enter the letter X after all the characters in your VIN to make 17 characters. For example, if your VIN is 13F4938T1876, you need five more characters to make the VIN 17 characters. You record it on the site as 13F4938T1876XXXXX.
If you entered the VIN correctly, you’re good to go. Complete the process, submit your 2290, and collect your Schedule 1. Always check the VIN on your Schedule 1 to confirm it is correct, along with the other information on the Schedule 1.
Should you find the VIN doesn’t match after receiving your Schedule 1, you will need to complete an amended 2290. Basically, you use the same process you did to create the first 2290, except you check the box for “Amended 2290 Return.”
Then you will be able to click “Add New” where you see “VIN Correction.” Provide the new VIN and the old, incorrect VIN. The remainder of the information should be the same as on your original filing, so add that to your new filing.
Complete the process by providing the remainder of the information requested. If you completed the original filing on our site, there is no charge for a VIN correction. If you filed the original 2290 elsewhere, our standard rates apply (and we welcome you to the site!).
Our Support Center has a more detailed explanation of the process. Be sure to check the Support Center for answers to your other questions as well. Or you can always call, email, or chat with our outstanding Support Team! We have 24 hour email and chat support during July and August.
