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To enter meals as an unreimbursed employee expense on Form 2106:. From within your TaxAct® return ( or Desktop) click the Federal tab. On smaller devices, click in the upper left-hand corner, then select Federal. Click Itemized or Standard Deductions to expand the section, then click Unreimbursed employee expenses - Subject to 2% of AGI limit. Click Yes on the next two screens. If necessary, click Add to enter a new form or Review to access a form already created.
The program will proceed with the interview questions for you to enter or review unreimbursed employee expenses. Enter your total meals and entertainment expenses on the screen titled Employee Expenses - Transportation, Travel, and Meals and Entertainment. You can figure your meals expense using the actual cost, or use the standard meal allowance (per diem). See the or use the for per diem rates.Additional InformationPer Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals), page 180:Meals and Incidental ExpensesYou can deduct the cost of meals in either of the following situations:. It is necessary for you to stop for substantial sleep or rest to properly perform your duties while traveling away from home on business. The meal is business-related entertainment.50% limit on meals.
You can figure your meals expense using either of the following methods. Actual cost. The standard meal allowanceStandard meal allowance. Generally, you can use the 'standard meal allowance' method as an alternative to the actual cost method.
It allows you to use a set amount for your daily meals and incidental expenses (M&IE), instead of keeping records of your actual costs. The set amount varies depending on where and when you travel. If you use the standard meal allowance, you still must keep records to prove the time, place and business purpose of your travel.Special rate for transportation workers.You can use a special standard meal allowance if you work in the transportation industry. You are in the transportation industry if your work:. Directly involves moving people or goods by airplane, barge, bus, ship, train or truck AND. Regularly requires you to travel away from home and, during any single trip, usually involves travel to areas eligible for different standard meal allowance rates.For additional information please refer to Tax Guide for Small Business or Travel, Entertainment, Gift, and Car Expenses.
When you are part of the trucking industry, every tax return is unique. Drivers are subject to specific requirements.It is also important to know which expenses are deductible and which are not. In this blog post, you will learn why you need a tax home, which tax forms to use, when to take deductions, and when to seek professional help. Why You Need a Tax HomeTruckers must maintain a tax home to claim some deductions. If you claim certain long-haul expenses without having a tax home, the IRS will not allow these deductions.The IRS defines a tax home as the city or general area in which you work. A tax home has nothing to do with where you live.
For many drivers, this may be a base or dispatch center. If you are an owner-operator using a residence as a tax home, make sure you help maintain the property while you are on the road.According to a 2015 article in the Journal of Accountancy, a Missouri trucker found this out the hard way. Because his out-of-state employer did not require him to return to base, the driver used his mother’s address as his permanent address. However, he did not actually live there or help pay rent or other living expenses.
The IRS disallowed over $19,000 of per diem and hotel expenses he deducted on his return. This left him with substantial penalties for underpaid taxes.
Filing Taxes for Truck DriversMost company drivers will receive a W-2 form that reports their wages and income. Employers must mail these forms to the employees by the end of January. You will report this income on Form 1040 or 1040A. The short form, or Form 1040EZ, does not allow you to take advantage of trucking industry deductions.Owner-operators have a couple different options for reporting income. You may rely on your detailed records. However, if you have worked as an independent contractor for a company, you will receive Form 1099. It is used to report miscellaneous income.If you are an agent or commission driver, you may see the “Statutory Driver” box checked on your W-2.
Food Allowance For Truck Drivers
Statutory and self-employed drivers should also fill out Schedule C. This form is used to assess business profit and loss. Truck Driver Tax DeductionsThe IRS allows truck drivers to deduct “ordinary and necessary” business expenses. This can vary even on an individual level, but some expenses are generally accepted.Truck maintenanceIf you pay out-of-pocket for truck maintenance and supplies, you may be able to deduct these costs. These expenses can include oil changes, new tires, washer fluid and cleaning supplies.
Keep in mind that double-dipping is taboo. If your employer reimburses you, you cannot deduct it.Union or Professional Association feesIf you pay fees as part of a union or trucking industry organization, you can deduct them from your taxable income.UniformsUniforms are deductible, but only if they are required and your employer does not pay for them. This includes specialized work gear like protective gloves, goggles or boots. Cleaning expenses for your clothing are also deductible when you are away from home.Office suppliesIf you use it to keep track of your route or your day, office supplies are deductible. Log books, clipboards, writing supplies, maps, and staplers are some examples of tax-deductible items.Sleeper berthIf you use a sleeper berth, you may be surprised at the items you can deduct. Bedding, cab curtains, alarm clock, mini refrigerator, and first aid supplies are all legitimate expenses.Electronic devicesIf you have a cell phone that you only use for work, you can deduct associated costs from your tax return.
Meal Allowance Rates For Truck Drivers
GPS units and CB radios are also deductible.Travel expensesIf you have a tax home, you can deduct expenses for overnight stays, including hotel rooms and per diem expenses. The standard meal allowance varies by location. However, truckers can take a higher special meal allowance because of the Hours of Service regulations. Check IRS Publication 1542 for current amounts.Work-related feesSeveral work-related fees are tax deductible. They include, but not limited to.
Drug testing fees. Driver license renewal fees. DOT physical exams. Sleep apnea study costsOther Common DeductionsSeveral tax deductions are available to the public but are no less valuable to drivers. Do not overlook these common deductions.Lifetime Learning and American Opportunity creditsIf you, your spouse or your child are taking college classes, you may be eligible for these credits. They are designed to reimburse students for some of the tuition and fees they paid. Keep in mind that if grants or scholarships covered your expenses, you cannot use these credits.Child and dependent careThis credit helps you recoup some of the costs associated with child or dependent care.
Most children must be under age 13 to qualify for the credit. However, disabled children or spouses are eligible, regardless of age.Child tax creditYou may be able to claim a credit of up to $1,000 per child under the age of 17. The child must live with you most of the year and you must pay more than half of their living expenses.Earned income tax creditThis income-based refundable credit can provide you with $6,000 or more in reduced tax liability. Originally developed for low-income workers, it has been extended to include some middle-class individuals and families. Tips for Filing Truck Driver TaxesHere are a few tips for filing your taxes. Drivers can claim mileage as a deduction, but not at standard rates. Keep track of actual expenses.
You cannot claim tax deductions for expenses your employer reimburses. Tax software does a decent job, but it is not the same as hiring a professional. If your income tax bracket has gone up in the last few years, consider hiring a tax preparer. Hold on to your receipts. The IRS can audit tax returns up to seven years old; store your receipts for at least five years to be safe.When filing taxes, it is important to know all the rules and what deductions you can take. For truck drivers, there are specific rules for claiming deductions.
Do not take changes on missing out or over-claiming these deductions. If you need additional help, ask a tax professional to review your accounts.
