Introduction
If you drive a truck, the IRS treats you differently than any other business owner.
You have special deductions (like the $80 Per Diem), special taxes (like IFTA and HVUT), and special depreciation rules for your rig.
Most accountants don’t understand trucking. They treat your meals like “office lunches” (50% deductible) instead of “DOT travel” (80% deductible). That mistake alone can cost you $4,000 a year.
In this guide, we break down the 2026 Per Diem rates, the Section 179 limits for Class 8 trucks, and how to handle the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax without getting fined.
1. The 2026 Per Diem (The $80 Deduction)
As an owner-operator, you sleep in your sleeper berth. You don’t have hotel receipts.
The IRS allows you to claim a “Standard Daily Rate” for meals and incidentals so you don’t have to save receipts for every cup of coffee.
The 2026 Rates (Oct 1, 2025 – Sept 30, 2026):
- CONUS (Lower 48 States): $80 per day.
- OCONUS (Outside Lower 48): $86 per day.
- Deductibility: 80%. (This is huge. Regular businesses only get 50%).
The Math:
If you are on the road for 300 days in 2026:
$$300 \text{ days} \times \$80 = \$24,000 \text{ Deduction}$$
At an 80% rate, that is a $19,200 tax write-off just for eating.
⚠️ The Rule: You must be away from your “Tax Home” for a period requiring sleep or rest (DOT HOS breaks count). You cannot claim this for local day trips.
2. Buying a Truck: Section 179 & Bonus Depreciation
Thinking about upgrading your fleet? 2026 is the year to do it.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has permanently restored 100% Bonus Depreciation.
The 2026 Limits:
- Section 179 Cap: $2,560,000.
- Qualifying Vehicles: Class 8 trucks (>33,000 lbs) and most vehicles over 14,000 lbs GVWR are not subject to the “SUV Loophole” limits. You can write off the full price.
Example:
You buy a used Kenworth for $150,000 in 2026.
- Old Rule: Depreciate it over 3 years.
- 2026 Rule: Write off the full $150,000 immediately using Section 179 or Bonus Depreciation.
3. IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement)
IFTA is not a federal tax; it is a state tax redistribution system.
The golden rule of IFTA: “You pay tax where you burn fuel, not where you buy it.”
- The Trap: You fill up cheap in Missouri (low tax) but drive 500 miles through Illinois (high tax).
- The Result: You owe Illinois money. If you don’t save for this, the quarterly bill will shock you.
- The Solution: Use a TMS like TruckLogics to track this automatically. Don’t try to do IFTA on a spreadsheet.👉 See the Best Trucking Software for IFTA
4. HVUT (Form 2290)
The Heavy Vehicle Use Tax is an annual tax on rigs over 55,000 lbs.
- Due Date: September 2, 2025 (for the 2025-2026 tax year).
- The Cost: Usually $550 per truck.
- The “Stamped Schedule 1”: You need this proof of payment to renew your tags/registration at the DMV.
Pro Tip: If you buy a truck mid-year (e.g., March), you must file Form 2290 by the end of the following month (April 30th).
5. Essential Owner-Operator Deductions
Beyond Per Diem and Fuel, don’t forget these write-offs:
- Sleeper Berth Supplies: Bedding, microwave, mini-fridge.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Steel-toe boots, high-vis vests, gloves.
- Satellite Radio: SiriusXM subscriptions are 100% deductible if used for business.
- Association Dues: OOIDA or NITL membership fees.
- Software: Monthly fees for TruckLogics, DAT Load Board, or Motive.
Conclusion: Keep Your Receipts (Or Go Digital)
Trucking audits are brutal because the IRS compares your Electronic Logbook (ELD) to your Meal Deductions. If your logbook says you were home, but you claimed Per Diem, you are in trouble.
Your Action Plan:
- Switch to digital. Use an app to scan fuel receipts immediately.
- Claim the $80/day. But ensure your logbook backs it up.
- File your 2290 on time. The penalties are steep (4.5% per month).
Need to automate your IFTA?
👉 Review: Best Trucking Accounting Software (TruckLogics vs. RigBooks)
