Truck Driver Tax Deductions: What You Need to Know

Navigating the world of tax deductions can be challenging for the truck driver. However, understanding the various tax deductions available is essential to ensure that you maximize your income and minimize your tax liability. This descriptive and informative article will provide valuable insights on tax deductions relevant to the truck driver, covering per diem expenses, actual expense method, standard mileage rate, and more. Our objective is to equip you with the knowledge you need to optimize your tax returns, enabling you to enjoy the rewards of your hard work in the trucking industry. So, let’s explore the crucial tax deductions that every truck driver should know.

Who Is Eligible for Trucking Tax Deductions?

Trucking tax deductions are available to individuals who operate in the trucking industry and incur various expenses related to their profession. Eligible parties include:

1. Owner-operators: Individuals who own and operate their own trucks for hauling goods can claim tax deductions for their business-related expenses.
2. Company drivers: Truck driver employed by a company is eligible for deductions related to unreimbursed employee expenses necessary for their job, subject to the applicable rules and limitations.
3. Self-employed truck drivers: Those who work as independent contractors and are responsible for their own expenses can claim tax deductions for their business expenses.
4. Lease operators: Truck driver who leases their vehicles from a trucking company or another party can also claim deductions for expenses incurred during the operation of their leased vehicle.

Individuals in the trucking industry must maintain accurate records of their expenses and consult a tax professional to ensure they claim all eligible deductions and comply with applicable tax laws.

10 Types of Truck Driver Tax Deductions

A truck driver can use various tax deductions to reduce their taxable income. They must keep thorough records of their expenses to claim these deductions.  A truck driver can claim deductions related to their vehicle, daily expenses while on the road, professional fees, safety gear, communication devices, office supplies, and education or training. To be eligible for these deductions, the expenses must be considered necessary and directly related to the truck driver’s occupation.

Truck drivers must maintain accurate records of their expenses, including receipts and mileage logs, as these will be required for documentation during tax filing. Keeping track of expenses throughout the year will make it easier to claim deductions when filing truck taxes.

Tax laws and regulations can be complex, and the truck driver must stay informed about any changes affecting their tax situation. Here are 10 types of truck driver tax deductions that can help reduce your tax liability:

1. Medical Expenses

Medical expenses are the costs incurred to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent, or mitigate a disease or injury. These expenses also include the costs for equipment, supplies, and devices required for medical care purposes.

For truck drivers, medical expenses can be deductible under certain circumstances:

1. Self-employed truck drivers: If you are a self-employed truck driver, you may be able to deduct health insurance premiums for yourself, your spouse, and dependents as an adjustment to income on your tax return. This deduction is not limited to medical expenses that exceed a certain percentage of your adjusted gross income (AGI).
2. Itemized deductions: For truck drivers who are not self-employed, medical expenses can be claimed as an itemized deduction on Schedule A of Form 1040. However, you can only deduct the portion of your medical expenses that exceeds 7.5% of your AGI for the tax year. If your total itemized deductions are less than the standard deduction, itemizing might not be beneficial.

Examples of deductible medical expenses include:

• Payments to doctors, dentists, surgeons, chiropractors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other medical practitioners.
• Costs of hospital care, nursing home care, or home care services.
• Prescription medications and insulin.
• Medical equipment and supplies include glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, and wheelchairs.
• Expenses related to medical treatments, such as physical therapy, acupuncture, or addiction treatment programs.
• Transportation costs related to medical care include ambulance, mileage, tolls, and parking fees.

Keep in mind that you cannot deduct medical expenses that have been reimbursed by insurance or any other source. Maintaining accurate records of your medical expenses and consulting a tax professional to ensure you are claiming all eligible deductions and following tax regulations is essential.

2. Work Clothing, Meals, and Personal Products

The truck driver often incurs expenses for work clothing, meals, and personal products. The deductibility of these expenses depends on whether they meet specific criteria established by the IRS.

1. Work Clothing: The cost of work clothing may be deductible if it meets two conditions:

• The clothing is required by your employer or necessary for your job, and
• The clothing is not suitable for everyday wear.

Examples of deductible work clothing for truck drivers include safety boots, gloves, hard hats, and high-visibility vests. Uniforms or company-branded clothing required by the employer may also be deductible. However, clothing such as jeans, t-shirts, or sneakers that can be worn outside work is generally not deductible.

2. Meals: As mentioned previously, truck drivers can deduct meal expenses while on the road. These deductions can be calculated using the standard federal per diem rates or by documenting actual expenses. However, meals consumed while not traveling for work are generally not deductible. Truck drivers can deduct 80% of the per diem rate for meals and incidental expenses.

3. Personal Products: Personal products like toiletries are generally not deductible as they are considered personal rather than business expenses. However, certain personal products required specifically for work, like protective sunscreen or hand sanitizer, may be deductible if necessary for the job and not used for personal purposes.

As with other tax deductions, it is essential to maintain accurate records of your expenses and consult a tax professional to ensure you are claiming all eligible deductions and adhering to tax regulations.

3. License and Permit Fees

License and permit fees associated with truck driving can be deductible as business expenses if necessary and directly related to your profession. Some common examples of such fees include:

1. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): The fees associated with obtaining or renewing your CDL are deductible as they are mandatory for operating a commercial vehicle.
2. Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Endorsement: If your job involves transporting hazardous materials, you can deduct the fees for obtaining or renewing a HAZMAT endorsement as a business expense.
3. Oversize and Overweight Permits: Fees paid for obtaining permits to operate trucks with oversized or overweight loads may be deductible if these permits are required for your job.
4. International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) Decal: Fees paid for IFTA decals required for trucks operating in multiple jurisdictions can also be deducted.
5. State and Local Permits: Additional permits or licenses that may be required by your state or local authorities, such as a Motor Carrier Authority or a Unified Carrier Registration, can also be deductible expenses.

Maintaining accurate records of all fees paid and consulting a tax professional to ensure you are claiming all eligible deductions and adhering to tax regulations is crucial.

4. Insurance

Insurance is a vital aspect of the trucking business, and various insurance premiums related to your profession can be deductible as business expenses. Some standard insurance deductions for truck drivers include:

1. Liability Insurance: This insurance covers damage or injury to third parties resulting from an accident in which you are at fault. Premiums paid for liability insurance are deductible.
2. Physical Damage Insurance: This insurance covers damage to your truck and trailer. You can deduct premiums paid for physical damage insurance, such as collision and comprehensive coverage, as business expenses.
3. Cargo Insurance: Cargo insurance protects the goods you are transporting. Premiums paid for cargo insurance are deductible as a business expense.
4. Bobtail Insurance (Non-Trucking Liability Insurance): This insurance covers operating your truck without a trailer or outside dispatch. Premiums for bobtail insurance are also deductible.
5. Occupational Accident Insurance covers medical expenses, disability, and death benefits for work-related accidents or illnesses. Premiums for occupational accident insurance can be deducted.
6. Health Insurance: For self-employed truck drivers, health insurance premiums for themselves, their spouses, and dependents can be deducted as an adjustment to income on their tax returns.

It is essential to maintain accurate records of all insurance premiums paid and consult a tax professional to ensure you claim all eligible deductions and adhere to tax regulations.

5. Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Expenses

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are essential for truck drivers to track their service hours and comply with regulations. Expenses related to ELDs can be deductible as business expenses. Some common ELD expenses that may be deductible include:

1. Purchase and Installation: You can deduct the cost of purchasing and installing an ELD system in your truck as a business expense. You may be able to deduct the entire cost in the year of purchase under Section 179, or you might need to depreciate the cost over several years, depending on your specific situation.
2. Subscription Fees: Many ELD systems require a monthly or annual subscription fee for accessing their services. These fees are deductible as ongoing business expenses.
3. Maintenance and Repair: You can also deduct the costs of maintaining and repairing your ELD system as business expenses. This may include expenses for software updates, hardware repairs, or replacement of damaged components.
4. Accessories: Necessary accessories for your ELD system, such as mounting brackets, protective cases, or cables, may also be deductible expenses.

It is crucial to maintain accurate records of all ELD-related expenses and consult a tax professional to ensure you are claiming all eligible deductions and adhering to tax regulations.

6. Fuel and Other Travel-Related Costs

Fuel and other travel-related costs are common expenses for truck drivers, and many can be deductible as business expenses. Some of these costs include:

1. Fuel Expenses: You can deduct fuel costs for business-related travel as a business expense. You can choose between the actual expense method (deducting the total fuel cost) or the standard mileage rate (a predetermined rate per mile driven for business purposes). Keep accurate records of your fuel purchases and miles driven for business to support your deduction.
2. Tolls and Parking Fees: You can deduct tolls and parking fees incurred while driving for business purposes as business expenses. Keep receipts and records of these costs to support your deduction.
3. Vehicle Maintenance and Repairs: Expenses for maintaining and repairing your truck, such as oil changes, tire replacements, and engine repairs, are deductible. You can claim these expenses as business expenses under the actual expense method.
4. Lodging Expenses: Overnight lodging expenses incurred on a business trip can be deductible. Keep detailed records and receipts of your lodging expenses to support your deduction.
5. Per Diem Expenses: Truck drivers can deduct meal and incidental expenses while on the road, using the standard federal per diem rates or documenting their actual expenses.
6. Vehicle Depreciation: If you use the actual expense method for vehicle deductions, you can also claim depreciation expenses for your truck. Depreciation is a way of allocating the cost of the truck over its useful life.

Maintaining accurate records of all travel-related expenses and consulting a tax professional to ensure you are claiming all eligible deductions and adhering to tax regulations is essential.

7. Association Dues 

Truck drivers who join professional associations or trade organizations related to their occupation may incur membership dues. These dues are generally tax-deductible as business expenses, provided the membership is directly related to the truck driver’s profession. It is to maintain or improve their professional skills.

Examples of such associations include:

1. Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA): An organization representing the interests of independent owner-operators and professional drivers.
2. American Trucking Associations (ATA): A national trade association representing the trucking industry.
3. State and regional trucking associations: Various state and regional organizations that support the trucking industry and address local issues and concerns.
4. Specialized trucking associations: Organizations representing specific segments of the trucking industry, such as the National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) or the National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC).

So, it is crucial to maintain accurate records of all association dues paid and consult a tax professional to ensure you claim all eligible deductions and adhere to tax regulations.

8. Truck/Vehicle Expenses

Truck or vehicle expenses incurred by truck drivers can be deductible as business expenses if they are directly related to the truck’s operation for business purposes. Some common truck or vehicle expenses that may be deductible include:

1. Fuel Expenses: You can deduct fuel costs for business-related travel using either the actual expense method or the standard mileage rate.
2. Maintenance and Repairs: Expenses for maintaining and repairing your truck, such as oil changes, tire replacements, and engine repairs, are deductible under the actual expense method.
3. Vehicle Depreciation: If you use the actual expense method for vehicle deductions, you can also claim depreciation expenses for your truck.
4. Insurance Premiums: You can deduct the premiums paid for liability, physical damage, cargo, and other truck-related insurance as business expenses.
5. Lease Payments: If you lease your truck, the lease payments can be deductible as business expenses. However, specific rules and limitations may depend on your lease agreement and tax regulations.
6. Loan Interest: If you have a loan to finance your truck, the interest paid on the loan may be deductible as a business expense.
7. Tolls and Parking Fees: As mentioned earlier, tolls and parking fees incurred while driving for business purposes can be deducted as business expenses.
8. Vehicle Registration Fees: In some cases, a portion of the vehicle registration fees may be deductible as a business expense, depending on your state’s regulations and the structure of the fees.
9. Vehicle Accessories: Necessary accessories for your truck, such as tools, equipment, and electronic logging devices, may be deductible expenses.

Maintaining accurate records of all truck or vehicle expenses and consulting a tax professional to ensure you claim all eligible deductions and adhere to tax regulations is essential.

9. Education and Training Expenses

Education and training expenses related to your truck driving profession can be tax-deductible as business expenses if they aim to maintain or improve your skills in the industry. Some common education and training expenses that may be deductible include:

1. Continuing Education Courses: Truck drivers may need to take courses to stay updated on industry regulations, safety standards, and best practices. The fees for such courses can be deductible if they directly relate to your current profession.
2. Certification and Endorsement Training: Expenses for obtaining or renewing certifications or endorsements, such as Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) or tanker endorsements, can be deducted as necessary for your job.
3. Training Materials: The cost of materials, such as textbooks, manuals, or online resources, used for education and training purposes can be deductible if they are directly related to your profession.
4. Conferences and Seminars: Registration fees and travel expenses for attending industry conferences, seminars, or workshops can be deductible if the events aim to maintain or improve your professional skills.
5. Professional Development: Expenses for professional development courses or training programs designed to help you enhance your skills in the trucking industry may be deductible.

It is important to note that expenses for education and training that qualify you for a new trade or business or that are not directly related to your current profession are generally not deductible. It is crucial to maintain accurate records of all education and training expenses and consult a tax professional to ensure you are claiming all eligible deductions and adhering to tax regulations.

10. Cell Phone, Computer, etc.

Use cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices primarily for work purposes in the trucking industry. You may be able to deduct the related expenses as business expenses from your taxes. Some standard deductions related to these devices include:

1. Cell Phone Expenses: If you use your cell phone mainly for business purposes, you can deduct a portion of the expenses related to it, including the cost of the phone, monthly service fees, and data plans. Keep detailed records of your business usage to support your deduction.
2. Computers and Tablets: Purchasing a computer, tablet, or other electronic device used primarily for your trucking business can be deductible as a business expense. You may be able to deduct the entire cost in the year of purchase under Section 179, or you might need to depreciate the cost over several years, depending on your specific situation.
3. Software and Apps: The cost of purchasing or subscribing to software, apps, or other digital tools used for your trucking business can be deductible. This may include electronic logging device (ELD) apps, route planning tools, accounting software, or communication apps.
4. Internet Service: A portion of your internet service fees can be deductible if you use the internet for business purposes. 
5. Accessories: Necessary accessories for your electronic devices, such as chargers, cases, or mounts, may also be deductible expenses.

Note that if you use the devices for personal and business purposes, the IRS requires you to allocate the expenses between the two uses. To claim these deductions, it is crucial to maintain accurate records of all expenses and usage and consult a tax professional to ensure you are claiming all eligible deductions and adhering to tax regulations.

Get Help from Experts on Tax Deductions 

Navigating the complex world of tax deductions for truck drivers can be challenging, and it is essential to get expert advice to ensure you are maximizing your tax savings while adhering to tax regulations. Tax professionals have extensive knowledge of tax laws and regulations and can provide guidance on which deductions you are eligible for and how to claim them.

NumberSquad is a team of tax experts that can help you navigate the complex world of tax deductions. Their expertise can help you identify deductions you may have overlooked, maximize your eligible deductions, and ensure you comply with tax laws. NumberSquad can save you time and money and reduce your stress levels when filing your taxes.

You can maximize your tax savings and ensure accurate tax return preparation while complying with all applicable laws and regulations by seeking help from experts and staying informed about tax deductions.