Is semi truck miles deduction the same as for cars

[JulieR]

No.  The IRS considers a semi-truck to be a qualified non-personal-use vehicle. As a truck driver, you must claim your actual expenses for vehicles of this type. So, you can’t use the standard mileage method.

To deduct actual expenses for the truck, your expenses can include (but aren’t limited to):

• Fuel
• Oil
• Repairs
• Tires
• Washing
• Insurance
• Any other legitimate business expense

Other unreimbursed expenses you can deduct include:

• Logbooks
• Lumper fees
• Cell phone that’s 100% for business use
• License and fees for truck and trailer
• Interest paid on loan for truck and trailer

Depreciate your truck and trailer:

• Over three years for a semi-truck for regular tax — or over four years for the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)
• Over five years for a trailer for regular tax — or over six years for AMT

[kirkwoodpa]

So, do you put theses expenses on other expenses on Schedule C?

[ZoltanB45]

It would go on the schedule c if it is a business. This is assuming you did not receive a w-2 as a truck driver, but rather a 1099. You would enter your actual trucker expenses in the same space you would put vehicle expenses. However, you do not have the option of choosing mileage as opposed to the actual vehicle expense.  You must take the actual expenses, which includes depreciation, gas, and repairs. The remaining expenses that are not Truck related, would go on the schedule c under other expenses, yes.

[kirkwoodpa]

Thank you.

[kirkwoodpa]

One more crazy question.  Do you still have to use the auto sheet for the semi, which makes you put miles on to calculate cost or can you put the actual expenses on  directly in the Other Expenses section? 

[Vanessa A]

You can put your actual expenses directly in the Other Expenses section.  You do not need to put your miles in since you cannot take a standard mileage deduction. 

[kirkwoodpa]

Thank you.  

[LeonardS]

No, the IRS considers a semi-truck to be a qualified non-personal-use vehicle. As a truck driver, you must claim your actual expenses for vehicles of this type. So, you can't use the standard mileage method.

@kirkwoodpa

[LauraVRoberson]

Can I ask what pubs to find this information in on irs.gov?

[TomK2023]

IRS - Standard Mileage Rates