09/02/2026
Tax Tip: Not every expense qualifies in every situation. Keep receipts and records, separate business and personal expenses, and talk with your tax professional (us! 😊) before claiming deductions.
One important distinction: Buying a truck doesn’t automatically mean you deduct the entire purchase price as a regular expense. Depending on the truck, business use, purchase date, financing, and tax situation, the deduction may come through depreciation, Section 179, bonus depreciation, or another method.
Interest: Interest on qualifying business loans or truck financing may be deductible, subject to applicable rules.
Depreciation: trucks and other qualifying equipment may be depreciated, and some property may qualify for Section 179 or bonus depreciation. For 2026, the Section 179 maximum is $2.56 million, although several limitations and eligibility rules apply.
Licenses, Permits, & Fees: CDL-related business costs.
Truck equipment & supplies.
Technology.
Insurance: Commercial auto liability, Physical damage, cargo, Bobtail/non-trucking liability, Occupational accident, and other business insurance.
Meals while traveling: Qualifying interstate truck drivers subject to DOT hours-of-service rules may generally deduct 80% of eligible business meal expenses while traveling away from their tax home.
Lodging & travel: Hotels or Motels required while traveling away from your tax home for business can generally qualify as travel expenses.
Professional services: Bookkeeping, Accounting, Tax preparation, Payroll, Legal fees, and other professional services related to the trucking business.
Office/Business expenses: Postage, Printer supplies, paper, Business cards, Advertising, Bank fees, Factoring fees, Merchant fees, and Business software.
Employees/contractors: Qualifying wages, Payroll taxes, and Contractor expenses can generally be business deductions.