🚚 Truck Driver Tax Credit: What You Can Claim in 2025 Under the New Bill
If you’re a truck driver or owner-operator, you may not know that a truck driver tax credit is now part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), signed into law in July 2025. But what does it actually mean for you? Are there real tax breaks coming your way?
Let me show you exactly what’s in there, who qualifies, and how to make it count.
💸 What’s Included in the 2025 Truck Driver Tax Credit?
Under the Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act, adopted in the broader OBBB package, truck drivers may qualify for refundable tax credits in 2025 and 2026:
- Up to $7,500 credit for experienced drivers who hold a valid Class A CDL and drive at least 1,900 hours in a single tax year
📌 Source: FreightWaves - Up to $10,000 credit for new drivers or those enrolled in a registered trucking apprenticeship
📌 Source: FreightWaves
These credits are refundable, meaning if your tax bill is lower than the credit, you still get the excess refunded to you.
✳ Who Qualifies?
✅ Experienced Drivers
- Must hold a valid Class A CDL
- Must drive at least 1,900 hours for 2025 or 2026
🚀 New Drivers or Apprentices
- Did not hold a CDL the prior year
- Drove 1,420–1,900 hours but averaged at least 40 hours weekly after starting
- Enrolled in a registered trucking apprenticeship
🕳️ Gotchas: What Drivers Need to Know
❌ No tax on overtime? Not for truckers
The OBBB includes a provision eliminating taxes on overtime up to $12,500 annually, but unfortunately most truck drivers are excluded. The exemption hinges on FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT (FLSA) eligibility—which typically doesn’t cover truckers.
📌 Source: WSLS News
🧾 Income caps still apply
Some versions of the bill mention income thresholds (e.g., caps around $90K–$135K AGI), though freight policy groups are still pushing for clarity.
📌 Source: Congress.gov
🔧 How These Tax Credits Help Truck Drivers
- Veteran drivers can claim up to $7,500 per year, which can fund maintenance, training, or protecting your income with life insurance.
- New drivers or apprentices could bonus up to $10,000—enough to cover CDL training costs and onboarding gear.
This makes the tax system feel like a built-in apprenticeship program for drivers just getting started or staying committed on the road.
📊 How to Make it Work
- 📅 Track your driving hours month-to-month (especially around the 1,900‑hour mark)
- 📝 Verify your CDL status or apprenticeship enrollment early in the year
- 📂 Keep accurate 1099/W‑2 records and log your hours, training, and receipts
- 💻 Claim the credit when filing your taxes for 2025 or 2026—don’t leave free money on the table
✅ Final Word from Freight Pro Hub
This truck driver tax credit is a real financial win for hard-working drivers. Whether you’re a career pro or just hitting the road, up to $10,000 back over two years is serious leverage. It’s not guesswork—it’s built into federal law.
💬 “Need help figuring out how this applies to your situation? I always recommend talking with a qualified tax professional—especially one who understands trucking. They can help make sure you’re claiming it the right way and not leaving money on the table.”
