How to Qualify for a Per Diem as a Short-Haul Truck Driver
Just about all truck drivers have work-related expenses that can be deducted from taxable income. These deductible expenses cover a wide area ranging from union dues to travel expenses. As a short-haul truck driver you not likely to be on the road for extended periods of time, but you may still qualify to deduct certain per diem expenses. If you are eligible for a travel-related deduction, you could reduce your taxable income by hundreds of dollars.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Keep detailed records of all your travels in a logbook. Include the date of the trip, location you traveled to, how long you were there and a list of all expenses you incurred while you were there.
-
2
Calculate the distance from your home to each location you traveled to. Highlight each entry that is 50 or more miles away from your home.
-
-
3
Determine whether you incurred meal or lodging expenses at each of the highlighted locations. For each location you traveled to that was at least 50 miles from your home and where you incurred expenses for meals and lodging, you qualify for a per diem deduction.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
In some cases it may be more beneficial to deduct actual expenses rather than per diem rates. Keep all receipts for your travel expenses to use when calculating your deduction.
