Industries
Tax help for truck drivers and owner-operators
Owner-operators can usually deduct fuel, maintenance, insurance, tolls, per diem and their truck, but only with records that match how the IRS wants them reported.
The Problem
What tax problems do truck drivers face?
A big bill every April
Nobody withholds taxes from your settlements. Without quarterly payments, the balance and penalties pile up by tax time.
Receipts all over the cab
Fuel, scales, tolls and repairs add up fast. When records are missing, so are the deductions.
Per diem confusion
Drivers hear different numbers for meals on the road. Claiming it wrong can cost you money or invite questions.
Years you didn't file
Life on the road gets busy. Unfiled returns don't go away, but they can be fixed one year at a time.
Strategies
Which deductions and strategies apply?
Per diem
Meal allowance for days away from home, based on DOT hours-of-service rules.
Truck depreciation or lease payments
Recovering the cost of the truck you own or lease.
Fuel and maintenance
Fuel, tires, repairs, washes and routine service.
Insurance and permits
Truck insurance, IRP plates, IFTA and other permits.
ELD and phone
Logging devices, apps and the business share of your phone.
HVUT (Form 2290)
Heavy highway vehicle use tax, filed and deducted correctly.
Quarterly estimated taxes
A payment plan that keeps April predictable and avoids penalties.
Multi-year unfiled returns
Catching up on past years and getting back in good standing.
Example scenario (illustrative)
An owner-operator who leases onto a carrier kept fuel receipts but never tracked days on the road and made no quarterly payments. By rebuilding a simple travel log from ELD data, separating personal and business phone use, and setting up quarterly estimates, the next tax season becomes organized and predictable instead of a surprise.
This example is for illustration only. Every situation is different, and results depend on your facts.
Related Services
How we can help
FAQ
Common questions
Can truck drivers deduct per diem?
Self-employed drivers who are away from home overnight under DOT hours-of-service rules can generally deduct a per diem for meals. Company drivers paid on a W-2 usually cannot deduct it on their federal return. We confirm which rules apply to you.
Should an owner-operator be an LLC or S-Corp?
An LLC can add liability protection, and an S-Corp election may lower self-employment tax once profit is high enough to cover a reasonable salary and payroll costs. We run the numbers before recommending a change.
Can you file several years of back taxes?
Yes. We gather your income records from the IRS and your carriers, rebuild your expenses, and file the missing years so you can get back in good standing.
What records should I keep on the road?
Keep fuel and repair receipts, settlement statements, ELD or log data showing days away from home, insurance and permit bills, and your Form 2290. Photos of receipts in a phone folder work well.
Keep more in your pocket at year-end
Book a free consultation today. We'll review your situation and show you where you stand.