What Can Truck Drivers Write Off on Taxes in 2025 (Including Big Beautiful Bill Bonus Depreciation)?

Let’s talk about what really matters: how much of your trucking income are you keeping in your pocket — and how much are you giving up to Uncle Sam?

If you’re a truck driver, especially an owner-operator, understanding your write-offs could save you thousands. And in 2025, with the Big Beautiful Bill kicking in, there are even more ways to lower your taxable income — including 100% depreciation on equipment like trucks and trailers.

🧾 Common Truck Driver Tax Write-Offs

Fuel – Every dollar you pump is deductible.
Truck maintenance & repairs – Oil changes, tires, engine work, all count.
ELD, GPS, & tech subscriptions – That monthly Garmin or Motive charge? Write it off.
Parking fees & tolls – All part of the job.
Work-related cell phone & service
Personal protective gear – Gloves, reflective vests, steel-toe boots.
Laundry (if OTR) – If you’re on the road and doing laundry, that counts.
Per diem for meals – In 2025, this is still a major deduction if you travel away from your tax home.

🚨 What NOT to Deduct

Daily commute mileage (if you’re a company driver)
Personal expenses that aren’t work-related
Anything without proof (keep those receipts and digital records)

💰 The Big Beautiful Bill and 100% Depreciation

This is where things get serious. Under the Big Beautiful Bill, truckers can take advantage of 100% bonus depreciation — that means you can deduct the entire cost of qualifying equipment (like a truck or trailer) in the year it was purchased and placed in service.

Example: Buy a $90,000 truck in 2025? You may be able to write off the whole thing instead of spreading it out over five years.

That’s a massive savings in year one — and it puts more cash in your pocket now, not later.

Important: This only applies to qualifying purchases used primarily for business. It doesn’t include your personal pickup truck just because you drive to the yard in it.

📌 Consult a Tax Pro

This post is here to give you a clear starting point — but don’t go it alone. Always consult with a tax professional who understands trucking and can apply these strategies based on your specific situation.

Because the only thing worse than overpaying taxes is getting audited for doing it wrong.

🔗 Related Reading

Want the full list of tax credits in the Big Beautiful Bill? Here’s what truckers need to know.

💬 What’s Your Take?

Have you used depreciation or per diem to drop your tax bill? What’s your go-to deduction strategy?

💬 What’s your take on this? Comment below.
📖 More tools, truth, and trucker wisdom at FreightProHub.com