Truck drivers often spend a good deal of time away from home so have expenses that quickly mount up. Luckily many of these expenses can be claimed as tax deductions on your annual tax return.
Truck driver tax deductions include expenses for training, meals, accommodation, clothing as well as maintenance and repairs of the vehicle. We often find that truck drivers don’t include some of their work related expenses because they don’t know that they can. So what are they?
We have compiled a list of a few truck driver tax deductions that you should keep expense records for:
General equipment costs
- Mobile phone
- Tools
- CB radio
- Portable refrigerator/cooler
- Bedding
- Tablets and laptops
- First aid equipment
- Stationary (diary, log books)
- Work bag
Vehicle expenses
- Registration and Insurance
- Truck repairs and parts
- Cleaning and general maintenance
- Parking fees
- Tolls
Meals, travel and accommodation
- Meal costs when working overtime
- Meal costs when you are working away from home (overnight trips etc.)
- Accommodation costs when working or training away from home
- Incidental costs
- Work related travel and/or car expenses for traveling to meetings, training, to pick up equipment or between depots. (Travel costs between home and work are not deductible unless you are carrying heavy equipment that cannot be left on site.)
Training
- The fees for short courses or university courses directly related to your work
- Course related expenses including:
- Internet
- Phone calls
- Travel costs
- Accommodation and meals (if the course requires an overnight stay)
- Tools and equipment required to undertake the course
- Books and training manuals
Clothing and protective equipment
- Purchase and repair of company uniforms or clothing with company logo
- Laundry and dry cleaning costs of company uniforms or clothing with company logo
- Protective equipment including:
- Boots
- Masks
- Overalls and gloves
- Head gear and goggles
- High-vis vests, jackets and trousers
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
Other truck driver tax deductions
- The cost of new or renewing licenses or permits required to carry out your work
- Union fees
- Work related phone calls and internet connection fees (apportioned)
- Books and magazines related to your work
General tax deductions
In addition to truck driver specific deductions, you may be able to claim tax deductions for various expenses over the year, these include:
- Tax agent fees and travel to and from your tax agent
- Income protection payments
- Interest (on investment accounts) See our post on Rental Property Tax Deductions
- Charity donations (if charity is a registered Deductible Gift Recipient)
- For more general tax deductions, see our post on Individual Tax Deductions
Please note, these truck driver tax deductions are a quide only. Some expenses can only be claimed if you are in receipt of allowances, other’s are subject to different rulings and certain circumstances, or require you to keep a log book or diary. You should always seek tax agent advice regarding tax deductions to establish what your personal circumstances allow you to claim.
Don’t miss out on any truck driver tax deductions
Being organised with your expenses is a good habit to get into. Keep a clear catalogued record of ALL your expense receipts, even if you’re not sure if you can claim them. Remember you can only claim a tax deduction on expenses you have proof of. And remember; keep it real. The ATO are very good at spotting fraudulent or inflated deduction claims.
TIP: Get in the habit of photographing each receipt when you get it as they often fade. This means hard to read receipts can still be claimed and you have an electronic back up on your computer. Etax Local provide all clients with secure access to our Client Portal so you can simply upload your electronic copies at tax time.
Tax Agent
