23 Tax Deductions for Truck Drivers | Beem

NAICS code: 488000

Everyone knows truck drivers have the ability to navigate all the roadblocks smoothly and reach their destination without any hiccups and problems. However, truckers may have a difficult time navigating the process of tax filing and this may frustrate them and make them feel as if they are stuck in a traffic jam.

We are here to help you understand how you can file your taxes by using tax write-offs and save some money. These tax write-offs will significantly reduce the money you owe the IRS. Read along if you want to lower your tax bill.

We have put together a list of the most common write-offs for truck drivers that you can use to deduct your expenses.

GPS systems
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 22
If you use any paid GPS system to guide you, then you can write them off!
Cleaning supplies
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 22
Your truck needs to be cleaned frequently. The items you use to clean are also tax deductible.
FMCSA fees
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 10
If you are paying the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to update your USDOT number, then this is a business expense.
Vehicle tool kit
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 22
You can’t travel without a tool kit with essentials you need during an emergency breakdown. Write them off.
Union dues
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
If you are part of any union team, then write them off on taxes.
Truck maintenance
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
Having a truck means regular maintenance and service checks. Write these expenses off on taxes.

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Cargo & liability insurance
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 15
Any insurance to protect your trucks and your business, you can deduct these expenses from tax.
Phone, laptop, accessories
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
If buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it’s partially deductible.
Office supplies
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18
Deduct anything you buy for your office, like pens, binders, folders, printer ink, or a whiteboard.

If you drive for work ...

You might spend a lot of your time zipping around town to meet clients, finish assignments and do your research among other tasks. Luckily, you can write off car-related expenses like maintenance and gas. Keep these tax write-offs in mind as a growing .

Parking
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
Tolls
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
Car purchase & depreciation
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 13
If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
Vehicle tool kit
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 22
Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
Car insurance & registration
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 15
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
Car maintenance
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 9
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.

If you discuss work at a restaurant ...

Networking is a core practice of a successful and it can also be added to your tax write-offs. You likely often meet clients or people in your field at restaurants to chat about work, discuss projects and sign deals. When you do, remember to write off your business meal expenses.

🍔 Business meals
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it’s a write-off!

If you leave town for work ...

Meeting an out-of-town client, attending a conference or networking is all part of the job. There are many reasons for you to travel for work as a busy and they can all be added as tax write-offs. They also count as business trips, so you can write off your travel costs.

Transportation
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 24a
Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.
Travel lodging
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 24a
When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.
Meals while traveling
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 24a
When you’re traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!

If you work from home ...

When you’re not busy working outside, you might spend your time working from your home as a successful and many activities count as tax write-offs. These include business plans, promotional work and coming up with new strategies. In this case, don’t forget to write off your home office expenses!

Home office furniture
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
Property repairs
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 21
You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.
Power bill
Write it off using: Form 8829
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
Property insurance
Write it off using: Form 8829
Whether it’s rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.
Water bill
Write it off using: Form 8829
It’d be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.
Wi-Fi bill
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 25
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!