Taxes for Truck Drivers
Income mix: Company drivers (W-2) vs owner-operators (Schedule C / 1099).
Common deduction themes
- Per diem or actual meals while away from home (owner-operators / eligible arrangements)
- Fuel, maintenance, depreciation for owner-operators
- CDL and association dues when deductible
Owner-operators live and die by bookkeeping. Separate personal and business accounts, track miles daily, and prepay estimates if prior-year safe harbor will not cover a surge year.