Truck Driver Tax Deductions

As a truck driver, you work hard to keep America moving, but are you keeping more of your paycheck? Many drivers miss out on crucial tax deductions that could save them thousands of dollars each year. Understanding these deductions can significantly reduce your tax burden, helping you retain more of your hard-earned money.

At Truck Driver Institute (TDI), we’re committed to your financial success. This guide will break down the top truck driver tax deductions you need to know and show you how to maximize your savings.

Per Diem Expenses: Maximize Your Daily Savings

Truckers who spend nights away from home qualify for a per diem deduction—a daily allowance for meals and incidentals. The IRS allows drivers to claim $69 per day (2023 rate) without needing to keep meal receipts. However, you must maintain a log of your travel days.

Who Can Claim Per Diem?

• Company Drivers: Eligible to claim per diem but may have restrictions depending on employer policies.
• Owner-Operators: Can deduct actual meal expenses or use the per diem method for simplicity.

Pro Tip: If you use per diem, you cannot also deduct individual meal receipts for the same days.

Vehicle-Related Deductions: Reduce Your Operating Costs

Your truck is your business, and many of the expenses tied to its operation are tax-deductible. Whether you own your rig or lease it, these deductions can make a big impact:

Common Vehicle Deductions:

✅ Fuel and Maintenance – Diesel costs, oil changes, tire replacements, and general repairs.
✅ Truck Payments or Lease Fees – Monthly financing or lease payments on your truck.
✅ Depreciation – If you own your truck, you can deduct its depreciation over time.
✅ Tolls and Parking Fees – Road expenses for business-related travel.
✅ GPS & ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Subscriptions – Required technology for compliance.

📌 Did You Know? Even truck washes and cleaning supplies are deductible!

Travel Expenses: Deduct More Than Just Gas

Truck drivers spend extended periods away from home, incurring additional expenses beyond fuel. These costs can also be deducted:

🏨 Lodging – Hotels or motels used during layovers or breakdowns.
🧺 Laundry – Cleaning uniforms and bedding while on the road.
🚿 Showers – Fees are paid at truck stops, which can add up over time.

💡 Example: If you pay $10 per shower and take 365 showers a year, that’s $3,650 in deductions!

Licensing, Training & Certification Fees

Maintaining your CDL and upgrading your skills are essential for your career. The good news? Many of these expenses are tax-deductible.

🛑 CDL renewal fees – Required for continued licensing.
🔖 Endorsements – Fees for Hazmat, Tanker, or other certifications.

Health Insurance Premiums: A Big Deduction for Owner-Operators

If you’re self-employed, you can deduct 100% of your health insurance premiums for yourself and your family.

What’s Eligible?
✔ Medical, dental, and vision insurance
✔ Coverage for spouses and dependents

📌 Important: This deduction only applies if you’re not eligible for employer-sponsored health coverage.

Home Office Deduction: Maximize Your Work-from-Home Savings

If you manage paperwork, dispatch, or logistics from home, you may qualify for a home office deduction.

🏡 What You Can Deduct:

• A percentage of rent or mortgage
• Utilities (electricity, water, etc.)
• Internet and phone expenses

📌 IRS Rule: Your home office must be used exclusively for business purposes to qualify.

Other Miscellaneous Deductions You Shouldn’t Overlook

Truck drivers have additional expenses that are often forgotten during tax season. Make sure you claim:

✔ Work uniforms & protective gear (gloves, boots, safety vests)
✔ Union dues & membership fees
✔ Business-related cell phone use
✔ Office supplies (pens, logbooks, folders, etc.)

📌 Small costs add up! Even spending $5 per week on logbooks totals $260 annually—every deduction matters.

How to Maximize Your Truck Driver Tax Deductions

Now that you know what you can deduct, let’s discuss how to ensure you get the most from your tax return:

📲 Keep Detailed Records – Use apps like TruckerPath or Everlance to log expenses.
📑 Save Receipts – Even if not required, they serve as a backup in case of an audit.
💰 Work with a Trucking-Savvy CPA – A tax professional who specializes in trucking can uncover additional savings.

Why TDI Drivers Have an Edge

At Truck Driver Institute, we go beyond CDL training. We help our graduates become financially savvy truckers.

🚛 Exclusive Benefits for TDI Graduates:
✔ Job placement partnerships with carriers offering tax assistance.
✔ Free expense-tracking templates to simplify record-keeping.
✔ Access to an alumni network of drivers sharing money-saving tips.

Ready to Drive Your Career Forward?

The more you earn, the more tax deductions matter. At TDI, we’ll help you launch a successful trucking career and keep more of your income.

Truck driver tax deductions can save you thousands of dollars annually—but only if you take full advantage of them. Whether you’re a company driver or owner-operator, knowing which expenses you can deduct is crucial to keeping more money in your pocket.

By staying organized, working with a tax professional, and leveraging these deductions, you’ll maximize your earnings and minimize your tax bill—making life on the road even more rewarding.