Form 2290. ... Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return or Form 2290 is a Federal Excise Tax imposed on vehicles operating in public highways with a gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more. Taxes are collected annually and are used for highway construction and maintenance.The annual taxable period begins on July 1 of the current year and ends on June 30 of the following year. For vehicles that are in use at the beginning of the tax period, your 2290 filing deadline is August 31, 2018. Taxes on the full tax period must be filed and paid in advance.