Death and Taxes, are the only certainties in life? Well, I’m here to tell you, you shouldn’t let taxes be the death of you, dear trucker. Being an American trucker does have its perks, and Uncle Sam has some great write-offs that may make you want to consider before filing your next return. What are they you ask? We let me tell you - some of them may surprise you.
When you think about taxes I’m sure the usual deductions come to mind – maybe fuel and lodging, but did you know that you can write off thinks like Vaseline and fly swatters? Woah! Mind blown – I know what you’re thinking. “I’m gonna get back so much money from all the Vaseline and fly swatters that I deduct from my taxes!” Not! Well hold up there, partner- that’s just the beginning.
So, think of your life over-the-road, think of all the little things that you need just to live on. I mean ALL of it, so many categories for instance, hygiene – like all your showers, shower shoes, soap – yes, soap, you can write off soap. And not just soap for you, soap for your truck and any other detailing products, even vacuums, coffee makers, curtains for your cab, and more. We’re talking heaters for your truck, coolers for your truck, fridges, microwaves, power cords, GPS units, cell phones, even Sirius satellite radio is a write off people! Save your money by keeping your receipts in a handy little Tupperware bin, oh guess what? That’s a write-off too! Dang it’s starting to add up now.
Need tools to keep you safe while you’re out there on the road? Well consider them a write-off, screwdrivers, pliers, tire irons, hammers, flashlights, electrical tape and even duct tape. You can also write-off load securement items like load chains, load bars, load straps, and even locks. One of the most important things to remember is that when you’re buying things for your truck or your job as a trucker, keep that receipt and write it off. It can really start to add up after a while, especially if you’re very disciplined and keep all your records.
Hopefully, this will help some of you save more money, well actually get more money back from Uncle Sam. But if you’re looking for a little help with recordkeeping, give our friends at Drive Logistics a call and they can help. Until next time, I ask you to remember one thing: Is it a write-off? Keep asking yourself that and you may end up with a lot more moolah in your pocket come next tax season.