Where can I find a list of allowed deductions for OTR truck drivers? What is the daily food allowance $?

Question

I appreciate the feedback. 2006 and 2005 the daily food allowance was $52/day. I went to H&R Block and had my taxes done, but they didn't really seem like they knew what they were doing. I was a company driver. I was told that you could write off a certain amount for laundry (heard it was $7/week), and even though laundry was on their list, the guy told me I couldn't write it off. He also told me my union dues was not a write off (from a different job) I later found out that it actually is. Also, certain outerwear such as a heavy coat, gloves, scarf, etc (upstate NY gets very cold) he said no. I wouldn't have bought them if I didn't drive a truck because I wouldn't be in that climate. I looked at IRS.gov and couldn't find what I was looking for. I am going to do my own taxes this year, I don't have that much to write off this time, but I want to make sure I do it right. Also, anyone know what the basic amount is? The one you claim if you don't itemize. Thanks for the help.

Answer 1

IRS.GOV. If you aren't working for a W-2, you can deduct anything that has a relationship for the job, including health insurance. If you are working for a w-2, then certain items you can deduct. Best bet is Turbo tax.

Good luck.

Answer 2

It's $39 dollars a day for food at least it was last year. Let's hope it goes up this year. Use your log book to figure it out, you need to be out on the road for at least 2 meals to use this. It the EZ way to do it. And who's to say what time you eat or if you did or didn't eat. Then take off everything that you can make a legitimate argument about. % of phone bill at home to receive loads and faxes, interent to look things up THAT PER TAIN TO YOUR JOB, cell phone, paper for printer & fax,ink cartages EVERTHING just like BIG BUSINESS if you need it or can make an argument that you need it then wright it off. You need a digitial camera to take pictures in case your in a wreck or have a insurance claim wright ? and blue tooth for your cell phone so that you can keep both hands on the wheel. and so on and so on

Answer 3

Any and all reasonable and necessary expenses in the operation of your business. Some things, off the top of my head:

1. Interest on the mortgage on your rig.
2. Fuel
3. Fuel permits
4. Repairs and maintenance
5. Tolls
6. Lumpers' fees
7. Hotels
8. Half the cost of meals.

Answer 4

Domestic per diems by city can be found here:
http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?contentId=17943&contentType=GSA_BASIC

Usually the per diems are the best way to go.