Industry Guide
Tax guidance for truck drivers.
Owner-operators, lease-operators, and OTR company drivers — organized filing and honest deduction guidance for life on the road.
Who this is for
Built for truck drivers
This guide is for CDL drivers, owner-operators, and lease-operators who file Schedule C, 1099-NEC income, or W-2 with unreimbursed expenses where allowed. Rules for company drivers vs. self-employed drivers differ significantly.
Common income sources
- 1099-NEC settlements from carriers
- Per-mile and percentage-of-load pay
- Detention, layover, and accessorial pay
- Fuel surcharges
- W-2 wages (company drivers)
Commonly considered expense categories
- Fuel, tolls, and scale fees
- Truck lease or depreciation
- Repairs, maintenance, and tires
- Insurance and permits
- Cell phone and ELD subscriptions
- Per diem for meals (subject to DOT limits)
May be deductible if eligible and properly documented. Rules vary — verify with a professional.
Recordkeeping
Recordkeeping checklist
- Settlement statements from every carrier
- Fuel receipts or IFTA records
- Repair and maintenance invoices
- Logbook or ELD reports for days away
- Truck purchase, lease, or financing docs
- Insurance and permit renewals
Watch outs
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mixing personal and business fuel or maintenance on one card
- Skipping per diem records because 'the carrier handles it'
- Missing quarterly estimated payments as an owner-operator
- Claiming unreimbursed employee expenses when not eligible under current law
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Industry guides are general educational information for truck drivers and do not constitute tax advice. Rules change often and personal circumstances vary — please consult a qualified tax professional.
Consultation
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