Top Tax Savings Tips Every CDL Driver Should Know

By Aaron Corley, D.C. | DOT Certified Medical Examiner
📞 Call/Text: 941-539-3412

If you’re a CDL driver, you know how hard you work to keep America moving. But are you keeping more of your hard-earned money at tax time? Many truck drivers miss out on valuable deductions and credits simply because they aren’t aware of what they can legally claim. In this article, I’ll share some of the best CDL driver tax tips to help you save more and stay compliant with IRS guidelines.

🚛 1. Understand What You Can Deduct

If you’re an owner-operator or independent contractor, the IRS considers you self-employed, meaning you may be eligible for a wide range of deductions, including:

  • Fuel and maintenance expenses

  • Truck insurance premiums

  • Tools and supplies

  • Work-related cell phone costs

  • Permits and license fees

  • DOT physical exam costs

  • Meals (subject to limits) and lodging when away from home

  • Parking fees and tolls

  • Continuing education or safety training

These deductions can add up fast and reduce your taxable income significantly. Keeping detailed receipts and using a mileage log or bookkeeping app is essential.

Pro Tip: Save your receipt for your DOT physical—it may be deductible!

💼 2. Use the Per Diem Allowance to Maximize Meal Deductions

Instead of tracking every meal you eat on the road, you can claim the standard per diem allowance, which is updated annually by the IRS. As of 2025, the per diem rate for meals and incidentals is $69/day for travel in the U.S. (subject to 80% deduction for self-employed drivers).

To qualify, you must:

  • Be away from your tax home overnight

  • Keep a record of dates, locations, and purpose of trips

The per diem method is easier, faster, and often results in a higher deduction than tracking receipts.

📊 3. Track Income and Expenses Year-Round

Don’t wait until tax season to scramble through old bank statements. Create a simple spreadsheet or use an app like Everlance or QuickBooks Self-Employed to track:

  • Income from each load or company

  • Fuel, maintenance, and tolls

  • Business-related purchases

Consistent tracking = fewer headaches + more accurate tax filing.

🛑 4. Avoid Common Mistakes

Some truckers mistakenly believe:

  • “I can deduct all my meals 100%.” (Only 80% of qualified meals are deductible.)

  • “I don’t need to file quarterly taxes.” (If you're self-employed, you might owe quarterly estimated payments.)

  • “I can claim deductions without receipts.” (The IRS may deny unsubstantiated claims.)

Always consult with a tax professional who specializes in trucking to avoid penalties or audits.

💡 5. Invest in Retirement and Health Savings Accounts

As a self-employed driver, you can reduce your taxable income by contributing to:

  • SEP IRA or Solo 401(k)

  • Health Savings Account (HSA) if you have a high-deductible plan

Not only do these help you save for the future—they lower your current tax bill.

📍 Final Thoughts

Being smart about your taxes doesn’t just help at filing time—it puts more money in your pocket all year long. As a CDL driver, you deserve to take advantage of every opportunity to legally reduce your tax burden.

For questions about DOT physicals, CDL health requirements, or to schedule a same-day appointment in San Antonio, call or text:

📞 Dr. Aaron Corley, D.C. – 941-539-3412

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