You Haul Freight Across the Country. Your Tax Deductions Should Go the Distance.

✓ Start Here tab with step-by-step instructions

✓ Business Info tab — your details, ready for filing

✓ Expense categories pre-loaded for your industry

✓ 500-row transaction tracker with dropdown categories

✓ Schedule C summary — auto-calculates your totals

✓ Monthly summary for quarterly estimated taxes

Self-employed trucking owner-operators may deduct ordinary and necessary business expenses under IRC Section 162. Commonly claimed deductions include fuel and IFTA costs (Line 9), truck payment or lease (Line 16a/20a), insurance (Line 15), repairs and tires (Line 21), per diem meals (Line 24b), tolls and scales (Line 27), and permits and licenses (Line 23). Your tax situation may vary, so consult a qualified tax professional for personalized guidance.

Schedule C (Form 1040) is the IRS form where sole proprietors and single-member LLCs report business income and expenses. It calculates your net profit or loss, which flows to your Form 1040. Trucking owner-operators use Schedule C to report freight income and deduct business expenses like fuel, repairs, and per diem. Our free template is an organizational tool that categorizes expenses by the correct Schedule C line numbers.

Self-employed trucking owner-operators generally pay both income tax and self-employment tax (15.3% for Social Security and Medicare) on net profit. Your income tax rate depends on your total taxable income and filing status. The self-employment tax applies to net earnings over $400. Many truckers may also owe state income tax. Consult a qualified tax professional to understand your specific tax obligations.

If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax for the year, the IRS generally requires quarterly estimated tax payments. Deadlines are typically April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15. Trucking income can fluctuate with freight markets, so tracking expenses year-round helps you estimate quarterly payments more accurately.

Owner-operators who are away from their tax home overnight may claim per diem meal expenses on Schedule C Line 24b. The DOT per diem rate is currently $69 per day. This deduction does not require individual meal receipts, but you must maintain a log of days away from your tax home. Per diem rules and rates may change, so consult a qualified tax professional for your specific situation.

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a tax professional who has passed a rigorous IRS exam and is authorized to represent taxpayers directly before the IRS. Unlike other preparers, EAs must pass a rigorous exam and complete continuing education annually. For trucking owner-operators with per diem, IFTA, equipment depreciation, and multi-state filing, an EA can help ensure compliance and identify all eligible deductions. Arc & Ledger's team of Enrolled Agents specializes in Schedule C businesses.