As a trucker, you've likely got a good internal compass that helps you get from Point A to Point B. But that might not stop the tax-filing process from feeling like a disorienting maze.
Keeper is here to help you keep on trucking! Starting with this list of write-offs for owner-operators. From union dues and truck maintenance to a new GPS, claiming your business expenses can help significantly lower your tax bill. Read on for more examples that will steer you to savings.
Schedule C, Box 22
Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
Schedule C, Box 22
Any type of GPS system you use while driving your truck is a write-off.
Schedule C, Box 22
Write off everything you use to clean, including sprays, rags, soap, and more.
Schedule C, Box 27a
If you belong to a union, go ahead and write off your dues.
Schedule C, Box 9
Routine and emergency maintenance for your truck can be written off on your taxes.
Schedule C, Box 15
If you pay for policies to protect your trucking business, feel free to write off those costs.
Schedule C, Box 10
Need to pay the FMCSA to keep your USDOT number updated? That counts as a business expense.
If you drive to make deliveries or to bring the truck in for maintenance, feel free to write off your vehicle expenses.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
Schedule C, Box 27a
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
Schedule C, Box 13
If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
Schedule C, Box 22
Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
Schedule C, Box 15
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
Schedule C, Box 9
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.
If you buy food while on the road making a delivery or grab food or drinks with fellow truck drivers, you can write off the costs.
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
Driving to make an out-of-town delivery counts as a business trip so costs like lodging or meals can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 24a
Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 24a
When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.
Schedule C, Box 24a
When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!
When you're not on the road, you might take care of necessary admin work from an at-home workspace, like conducting trucking industry research or managing client paperwork.
If that's you, you can claim home office expenses.
Schedule C, Box 18
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 21
You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.
Form 8829
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
Form 8829
Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.
Form 8829
It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.
Schedule C, Box 25
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!
