01
Travel away from home and per diem
Owner-operators and drivers who travel overnight away from home for business may deduct meals and incidental expenses. The IRS publishes special per diem rates for the transportation industry each year, and meal deductions have percentage limits. Employee drivers generally cannot deduct unreimbursed job expenses.
One useful actionLog each trip with dates, locations and nights away. Check the current per diem notice before filing.
IRS Notice 2025-54, special per diem rates ↗02
Truck, trailer and equipment purchases
Qualifying equipment placed in service this year may be deducted faster under Section 179 or bonus depreciation, instead of over several years. Limits, vehicle caps and business-use tests apply, and the asset must be in service by year-end, not just ordered.
One useful actionList planned purchases with the date each will be in service. Keep invoices and proof of the in-service date.
IRS depreciation guidance ↗03
Fuel, repairs, tires, tolls and insurance
Ordinary and necessary operating costs of the truck are generally deductible. Do not claim both standard mileage and actual expenses for the same vehicle, and separate personal use.
One useful actionKeep fuel, repair and toll records by vehicle, plus odometer readings and a trip log.
IRS car and travel guidance ↗Business expenses must be ordinary and necessary. Keep receipts and the business purpose; separate personal use and reimbursements. Dollar limits shown are for 2026 and can change; eligibility and entity type matter. General education, not individual tax advice.
