Simple Tax Deductions Guide for Truck Drivers

If you are a truck driver, you may be eligible to claim a variety of tax deductions. Knowing the truck driver tax deductions you can claim can ensure you get the maximum tax return you are entitled to.

Follow our guide to learn what you can and can’t claim as a truck driver in Australia.

These tax tips for truck drivers will help you lodge an accurate return that keeps you in good standing with the Australian Taxation Office.

Are There Truck Driver Tax Deductions I Can Claim?

Yes, truck drivers in Australia may be eligible to claim various tax deductions.

The simplest way to understand what you can claim is to make sure it meets the ATO’s 3 main rules for deductions:

1). You must have paid for the services or goods or services and not been reimbursed

2.) The purchase or expense must be necessary to earn your income

3.) You must have valid proof or record of the payment

Truck Driver Tax Deductions at a Glance

Truck Driver Tax Deductions: What You CAN Claim

Vehicle Expenses

The majority of vehicle expenses are personal and will not qualify you for a deduction. However, certain vehicle expenses can be deducted, such as:

• Required travel between work sites using a personal vehicle, such as between depots
• Costs of attending meetings with your personal vehicle

For vehicle expenses, make sure to keep a valid logbook or use the cents per km method. There are a few exemptions to be aware of, which we cover here: Tax Checklist Truck Driver.

Travel Expenses

Work-related travel expenses that a truck driver may be able to deduct include:

• Work-related travel expenses incurred during required overnight travel (accommodation, flights, etc.) 
• Pillows, showers, sleeping bags, or other necessities you pay for yourself during overnight travelling 

You will need to provide proof, such as a receipt, of accommodations and prove it was necessary to earn your income. Sleeping in your truck does not qualify for a deduction.  

Clothing Expenses

You may qualify for a deduction if your workplace requires you to purchase and wear distinctive uniforms that identify you. The cost of laundering compulsory uniforms may also be deductible.

Self-Education Expenses, Accreditations, or Safety Courses

Expenses related to safety courses, accreditations, or self-education may qualify you for deductions. For example, certain facets of truck driving, such as heavy haulage, require additional accreditations.

Enrolling in a safety training, seminar, or conference, or obtaining additional accreditations may all qualify you for a deduction. The training or education must relate directly to earning your income or getting a promotion and cannot be reimbursed by your employer.

Communication

A portion of work-related phone and internet expenses may be claimed. The phone must not be supplied by your employer.

Other Truck Driver Tax Deductions

Other truck driver tax deductions you may be eligible for include:

• Professional association or union fees
• Technical publications, such as subscriptions or journals, that relate directly to your industry and employment
• Personal protective equipment (not supplied or reimbursed by your employer)
• Restraining ropes
• Tax agent fees
• Phone and internet expenses related to work-related usage (the phone cannot be provided by your employer)
• Expenses related to washing or repairing your truck
• Costs associated with obtaining a special licence required to perform your job duties
• The cost of any required medical examinations or health assessments you must complete to prove you are fit to drive
• The cost of logbooks, pens, or notepads that are necessary for planning and recording your route and schedule

View a printable version of our truck driver tax deductions here: Tax Return Checklist for Truck Drivers.

Interested in what you can and can’t claim for a different career? For more printable, industry-specific tax deduction checklists, browse our guides here: Tax Return Checklists – Industry-Specific Guides to Tax.

Truck Driver Tax Deductions: What You CAN’T Claim

Here are truck driver expenses you CAN’T claim:

• Any purchase you received reimbursement for
• Equipment that is supplied to you
• Driver’s license fees (acquisition or renewal)
• Traveling to and from work, even if you reside a long distance from your workplace
• Conventional non-uniform clothing (i.e. t-shirts, plain clothes, footwear, undergarments, everyday business clothing without company emblems)
• Passport fees
• Childcare expenses
• Relocation or removal expenses
• Penalties, parking tickets, or other traffic fines while driving for work
• Donations to non-registered charities
• Club membership fees
• Personal hygiene or grooming products
• Self-education or training expenses that are not directly related to earning your income or that relate to transitioning to a different career field
• Meals, snacks, or beverages bought during your normal shift
• Prescription glasses, life insurance premiums, medical treatments, etc.
• Mortgage, rent, or insurance costs
• Entertainment, work parties, social events
• Employer contributions to your superannuation fund
• Gym memberships
• Entertainment costs related to devices, such as iPods, audiobooks, or CDs
• Vehicle adornments, such as air fresheners or seat covers

For exact rules on what truck drivers can and can’t claim, we recommend this helpful page from the ATO: Truck drivers – income and work-related deductions | Australian Taxation Office.

Things to Consider for Truck Drivers When Doing Their Tax Return

Here are some additional considerations to ensure a smooth tax season for truck drivers:

• Keep receipts, credit card statements, and invoices to serve as valid proof of all work-related expenses (we find that digital proof can be easier to store than physical receipts)
• Keep tax-related documents organised
• Stay current on ATO’s tax laws to make sure no legislation has been passed that affects what you can claim
• Maintain a valid, accurate logbook for work-related vehicle use if you use the logbook method to claim deductions
• Declare all sources of income, wages, and salary for the financial year
• Avoid inflating deductions
• If you aren’t sure if an expense is eligible to claim, contact a tax professional or the ATO
• Utilise the myDeductions tool, a free resource available on the ATO app
• We recommend lodging your tax return by the end of July to keep tax time stress-free and avoid last-minute rushing

Tax Tips for Truck Driver Tax Deductions

Here are the 4 tax tips we recommend most:

• #1. Register with a licensed tax professional
• #2. Keep detailed proof and accurate records of any work-related expenses
• #3. Never claim expenses you are reimbursed for
• #4. Correct any mistakes immediately

Truck Driver Tax Tip #1. Work with a Licensed Tax Professional

The easiest way to ensure an easy, accurate tax return is to register with a tax specialist. Consider working with a tax professional to make sure you find all deductions you are eligible for and lodge a 100% accurate, compliant return.

Our tax professionals at Tax Return AU have helped hundreds of Australian professionals, including truck drivers, lodge stress-free returns. 

We can handle all the paperwork, regulations, and deductions and lodge a return on your behalf that is:

• Done in just a few simple steps
• On time
• 100% accurate
• Guaranteed to get you the maximum refund you are owed
• Compliant with all ATO regulations
• Stress free and convenient

Truck Driver Tax Tip #2. Maintain Proof of All Work-Related Expenses

A claim is only valid if you have proof of the purchase or expense. Make sure to save any receipts, statements, or invoices for any work-related expenses.

Physical copies, such as receipts, can provide valid proof. However, photos of receipts and invoices can also serve as valid proof.

Make sure the receipt, invoice, or statement shows:

• The name of the supplier
• Amount
• Nature of the goods or services
• Date of payment
• Date of the document

*Note: Expenses under $10 that do not add up to more than $200 do not require a receipt 

Truck Driver Tax Tip #3. Do Not Claim Expenses If You Are Reimbursed

This is one of the tax tips we emphasise most with our clients: Never claim an expense if you were reimbursed for it. If an employer reimburses you for a work-related purchase, it is no longer eligible for a deduction.

Claiming a purchase you were reimbursed for will hurt your standing with the ATO. You’ll also face possible penalties and fines.

You May Also Like: 10 Last Minute Tax Tips to Maximise Your Return

Truck Driver Tax Tip #4. Correct Mistakes Immediately

We’re human, and mistakes happen. However, mistakes or invalid claims on a tax return will result in fines or penalties with the ATO.

Notifying the ATO immediately of any errors can minimise fees and penalties and help maintain good standing.

Whether you notice a spelling error, incorrect phone number or address, or realize you didn’t provide proof for an expense, notify the ATO immediately. In the event of a mistake, we also recommend working with a tax professional who can advocate on your behalf.

Read our guide on how to help avoid tax return errors in the first place or register with one of our licensed tax specialists.

Find Out How Easy Tax Season Can Be With Our Licensed Tax Professionals

Don’t stress out at tax time or end up losing out on part of your refund. Consider registering with one of our licensed tax specialists at Tax Return AU to guarantee an easy, accurate return.

We’re here to help Australians look forward to tax season rather than dreading it!  If you’re overwhelmed or confused by what you can and can’t claim as a truck driver, contact us to get your instant, 100% accurate online tax refund.

We offer stress-free online tax preparation in a few simple steps. Get in touch with our licensed tax professionals at support@taxreturn.com.au, phone us on 0499 829 829 (0499 TAX TAX), or fill out our online contact form.