Here’s a comprehensive Trucker Business Tax Deductions Checklist—organized by well-known and lesser-known deductions to ensure full visibility for both solo owner-operators and incorporated trucking businesses.
✅ Trucker Business Tax Deduction Checklist
1. 🚛 Well-Known Deductions
These are commonly claimed and understood by most truckers and tax preparers.
- Fuel – All fuel purchased for business operations.
- Truck Payments – Lease payments or depreciation if owned.
- Repairs & Maintenance – Tires, oil changes, engine work, etc.
- Insurance Premiums – Vehicle, cargo, liability, health (self-employed).
- Truck Licensing & Permits – IRP, IFTA, DOT, etc.
- Meals (Per Diem) – 80% deductible if away from tax home overnight.
- Lodging – Hotel stays when not sleeping in cab or not equipped with a sleeper.
- Tolls & Parking Fees – While on the job.
- Dispatch Fees / Load Board Subscriptions
- Cell Phone & Internet – Business-use percentage.
- GPS & ELD Devices – Purchase and monthly fees.
- Work Supplies – Gloves, CB radios, flashlights, logbooks.
2. 🔎 Lesser-Known / Overlooked Deductions
Often missed by truckers unless they have a tax advisor or a comprehensive bookkeeping system.
- Per Diem for Co-Drivers or Helpers
- Laundry / Uniform Cleaning – If regular and required for work.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Safety boots, reflective vests, etc.
- DOT Medical Exams – For CDL requirements.
- Association Dues & Membership Fees – OOIDA, trucking unions, etc.
- Business Entity Costs – LLC/Corp formation, annual filing fees.
- Business Use of Home (if self-employed) – Home office for dispatch/admin.
- Accounting, Bookkeeping & Tax Prep Fees
- Bank Fees & Credit Card Interest (business use only)
- Startup Costs – Up to $5,000 in the first year of business.
- Depreciation on Equipment – GPS, tools, computer, office furniture.
- Driver Training & Education – CDL school (if already in business), refresher courses.
- Health Insurance Premiums (Self-Employed Deduction) – For you and your family.
- IRA or SEP Contributions – Retirement savings, deductible if self-employed.
- Pet Expenses (Guard Dogs Only) – Food, vet bills if used for security (must be reasonable).
- Satellite Radio Subscription – If used to monitor weather, news, traffic, etc.
- Late Delivery Penalties / Cargo Damage Fees – If not reimbursed.
🔁 Optional Add-On Categories (For Comprehensive Planning)
🏠 Home Office Deduction
If part of trucking business is managed from home (dispatching, invoicing, etc.).
- % of rent/mortgage
- Utilities
- Internet
- Office furniture and supplies
🚘 Personal Vehicle (If Not Primary Truck)
If used for errands, parts pickup, banking, etc.
- Mileage (IRS standard rate)
- Gas, insurance, maintenance (if actuals used)
🧾 Recordkeeping Tips
- Keep digital or paper logs of fuel, receipts, and mileage.
- Use apps like TruckLogics, TruckerPath, or QuickBooks Self-Employed.
- Separate personal and business accounts for clean books.
Sources:
- IRS Publication 463 (Travel, Gift, and Car Expenses)
- IRS Schedule C Instructions
- Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA)
- https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/trucking-tax-center
