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If you work as a truck driver, you may be able to deduct business-related expenses that are not reimbursed your employer – even if you do not own the truck. You may only claim these deductions if you choose to itemize instead of taking the standard deduction. Self-employed drivers must report their deductions with their business income on Schedule C of Form 1040. If you are employed by a trucking company, list your deductions on Schedule A.
Vehicle Expenses
Tax Deductions for Professional Truck Drivers. 'A tax deduction or a tax-deductible expense affects a taxpayer's income tax. It represents an expense incurred by a taxpayer. They are variable amounts that you can subtract, or deduct, from your gross income. It is subtracted from gross income when the taxpayer computes his or her income taxes.
If you own your truck, you may choose to deduct the standard mileage rate or your actual operating expenses, including oil, gas, repairs, maintenance, registration and depreciation. For 2012, the IRS' standard mileage rate is 55-1/2 cents per mile. This number is subject to change as the cost of living increases. If you are an employee driving a company truck, you may only deduct the actual costs of gas, parking, tolls and repair or maintenance items you pay out-of-pocket without company reimbursement. Other supplies required in the course of the job, such as a CB radio, tarps, chains, straps or floor mats, are deductible for all drivers.
Lodging and Meals
The IRS publishes standard per diem deduction rates for lodging and meal expenses. These rates vary based on your location and increase periodically to keep up with current costs. You may choose the standard rate or deduct your actual lodging expenses and half of your meals and tips. If you choose the actual expense method, you must keep your receipts as proof in case you are audited. For the standard rate, a log with dates, destination cities and reasons for each trip is sufficient documentation.
Membership Fees
Some truckers are required to belong to a union or other industry organization. You may deduct any union dues or membership fees that are not reimbursed by your employer. If you subscribe to a trade-related publication, you may deduct the subscription fees. This deduction does not apply to books or magazines purchased for recreational reading.
Office Supplies
You may deduct the cost of basic office supplies such as envelopes, paper, staples and pens. Copies, fax charges, long distance calls and Internet access cards are also deductible if needed to contact your employer while on the road.
Clothing and Grooming Expenses
If you are required to pay for your own uniforms, you may deduct these expenses. This deduction applies whether you purchase the uniform from a store or your employer provides it and deducts the cost from your paycheck. You may also deduct toiletries, shaving kits, shower fees and laundry expenses related to maintaining your uniform. Work clothing that is not part of a uniform is only deductible if it cannot also be used as personal clothing while away from your truck.
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About the Author
Denise Sullivan has been writing professionally for more than five years after a long career in business. She has been published on Yahoo! Voices and other publications. Her areas of expertise are business, law, gaming, home renovations, gardening, sports and exercise.
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Sullivan, Denise. 'What Deductions Can I Claim as a Truck Driver?' Work - Chron.com, http://work.chron.com/deductions-can-claim-truck-driver-13985.html. Accessed 25 June 2019.
Sullivan, Denise. (n.d.). What Deductions Can I Claim as a Truck Driver? Work - Chron.com. Retrieved from http://work.chron.com/deductions-can-claim-truck-driver-13985.html
Sullivan, Denise. 'What Deductions Can I Claim as a Truck Driver?' accessed June 25, 2019. http://work.chron.com/deductions-can-claim-truck-driver-13985.html
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