Tax season means it's time to make sure you're capturing every legitimate deduction available to you as an independent owner-operator. Many truckers leave thousands of dollars on the table simply because they don't know what qualifies.
Here are 12 deductions you should be claiming on your Schedule C.
1. Per Diem (Meals Away From Home)
The IRS allows truck drivers to deduct 80% of the standard meal allowance for days you're away from your tax home. For 2026, the rate is $69/day ($59 in some lower-cost areas). If you're on the road 280 days a year, that's potentially $15,456 in deductions.
2. Truck Payments or Lease Costs
Whether you're making payments on a truck you own or leasing, the business-use portion is fully deductible. This includes both principal and interest on loans.
3. Fuel Costs
Every gallon of diesel you buy for business use is deductible. Keep fuel receipts or use a fuel card that generates annual summaries.
4. Maintenance and Repairs
Oil changes, tire replacements, brake jobs, and any repair to keep your truck running are deductible in the year you pay for them.
5. Insurance Premiums
This includes liability, physical damage, cargo, bobtail, and occupational accident insurance. Also deductible: health insurance premiums if you're self-employed.
6. Cell Phone and Electronics
Your smartphone, GPS unit, ELD device, and associated monthly service plans are deductible based on business-use percentage. Most owner-operators can justify 80-100% business use.
7. Licensing and Permits
CDL renewal fees, IFTA decals, IRP registration, UCR filing fees, oversize/overweight permits, and any state-specific operating permits.
8. Truck Washes
Inside and out — every truck wash receipt is a deductible business expense.
9. Accounting and Tax Prep Fees
The cost of hiring a CPA or tax preparer who understands trucking is deductible — and usually pays for itself many times over.
10. Association Dues
Membership in OOIDA, state trucking associations, or other professional organizations is deductible.
11. Scale Fees and Tolls
Both CAT scale tickets and highway/bridge tolls are deductible business expenses.
12. Depreciation on Your Truck
If you own your truck, you can depreciate it over 3-5 years using Section 179 or bonus depreciation. This can be one of your largest deductions.
Don't Forget
Keep meticulous records. The IRS expects receipts for individual expenses over $75. Use an app like Hurdlr, QuickBooks Self-Employed, or ATBS to track expenses automatically throughout the year.
A good trucking-specific CPA typically saves owner-operators $3,000-$8,000 in additional deductions compared to doing taxes yourself or using a generalist preparer.
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