Key takeaways
- Truck Drivers file as 1099 / self-employed, so business expenses are deductible on Schedule C.
- Deductions cut both income tax and the 15.3% self-employment tax.
- The biggest write-offs for owner-operator truck drivers are listed below, with what each covers.
- You need receipts and a mileage log to claim them.
Tax write-offs for owner-operator truck drivers
Here are the deductions owner-operator truck drivers most commonly claim. Each one lowers your net profit, and therefore your tax:
| Deduction | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Diesel and fuel costs for business driving, a major line item for any owner-operator. |
| Truck payment, depreciation, or lease | Depreciation or lease payments on the tractor and trailer, or interest on the loan. |
| Maintenance and repairs | Tires, oil changes, parts, and repair labor to keep the rig road-ready. |
| Per diem meal allowance | Drivers subject to DOT hours-of-service rules can claim a daily meal per diem (80% deductible) for nights away from home. |
| Insurance | Liability, cargo, physical damage, and bobtail insurance on the truck. |
| Permits, licenses, and tolls | CDL renewal, IFTA, IRP, heavy vehicle use tax, scales, and tolls. |
| Lodging on the road | Hotels and showers during overnight hauls. |
| Tools and supplies | Straps, chains, tarps, gloves, log devices, and other equipment. |
| Cell phone and ELD | The business-use share of your phone and electronic logging device service. |
| Association and load board fees | OOIDA dues, load board subscriptions, and dispatch fees. |
How these deductions lower your tax
As a truck driver, your tax is based on net profit, which is your income minus these business expenses. Because both self-employment tax and income tax are calculated on that profit, every dollar you deduct is taxed at neither rate, saving most contractors roughly 25 to 40 cents on the dollar. The catch is documentation: you can only deduct what you can prove, so capturing receipts and miles through the year is what turns this list into real savings.
See what these deductions save you with our free calculators, then let NeoReceipt make sure you capture every one.