Tax season hits different when you’re an owner operator. Here’s what you can actually deduct.
Per Diem Basics
Per diem is the daily meal and incidental expense allowance you can claim while away from your tax home overnight. For transportation workers it’s currently 80% deductible (vs 50% for most industries) per IRS Publication 463.
What Counts
- Meals on the road (per diem rate or actual receipts)
- Truck cleaning supplies
- ATM and bank fees on the road
- Showers at truck stops
- Laundry while traveling
What’s Fully Deductible
- Truck payments and depreciation
- Fuel and DEF
- Repairs and maintenance
- Insurance (truck and cargo)
- Tolls and scale fees
- Cell phone (business use %)
- ELD subscription
- IFTA and licensing
Don’t Miss
- Home office deduction if you dispatch from home
- Health insurance premiums (self-employed)
- Retirement contributions (SEP-IRA, Solo 401k)
- CPA fees for filing your business return
Records You Need
Keep a logbook of nights away from home. Save fuel receipts. Bank statements aren’t enough — IRS wants the receipt with date and vendor.
What’s your biggest tax deduction surprise this year?
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