Truck Drivers & Owner-Operators
Accounting for Trucking
Tax and Accounting Built for Owner-Operators
As a truck driver or owner-operator, you are considered self-employed — which means taxes are not automatically deducted from your earnings. You are responsible for reporting your income, claiming your expenses, and filing your own returns with the CRA.
Trucking Tax Rules
Key Tax Obligations for Truck Drivers
01
GST/HST Registration is Mandatory
Owner-operators must register for GST/HST immediately upon starting operations — not just after reaching $30,000 in income.
02
Self-Employed Income Must Be Reported
03
CPP Contributions Are Required
As self-employed, you pay both the employee and employer share of CPP contributions — proper planning helps manage this cost.
04
Logbook Records Are Essential
Maintaining accurate trip logs and mileage records is required by the CRA to support vehicle expense claims.
05
WCB Is Mandatory
BC owner-operators may be required to register with WorkSafeBC and report payroll — non-compliance leads to back premiums.
06
Per Diem Meal Allowances Are Deductible
Long-haul truck drivers can claim a flat-rate meal allowance for days away from home — a significant deduction many miss.
Truck Driver Tax Deductions
Eligible Deductions for Truck Drivers
Fuel Costs
All fuel purchased for business driving is deductible — keep all fuel receipts as documentation.
Maintenance & Repairs
Truck repairs, oil changes, tires, and routine maintenance are fully deductible business expenses.
Insurance Premiums
Truck insurance, cargo insurance, and liability coverage premiums are deductible against your income.
Per Diem Meal Allowances
Long-haul drivers can claim a CRA-approved flat-rate meal allowance for each day away from home.
Vehicle Depreciation (CCA)
You can claim Capital Cost Allowance on your truck — deducting a portion of the vehicle cost every year.
Cell Phone & Communication
The business portion of your cell phone and communication costs is deductible as a business expense.
Trucking Records
Records Every Truck Driver Must Maintain
Total Income from All Contracts & Loads
All Fuel, Maintenance & Expense Receipts
Logbook / Trip Records & Mileage Log
GST/HST Number & Filing Records
ADL Services for Truck Drivers
Accounting Services for Truck Drivers
GST/HST Filings
We register, calculate, and file your GST/HST returns — claiming every eligible input tax credit on your expenses.
Bookkeeping
We record and organize all your income and expenses — fuel, repairs, insurance — keeping your books CRA-ready year-round.
Self-Employed Tax Filing
We prepare your personal tax return — reporting all income and claiming every eligible deduction including per diem and CCA.
WCB Filings
We handle your WorkSafeBC registration, payroll reporting, and annual WCB filings for full compliance.
Payroll
If you employ drivers or staff, we manage wages, deductions, CRA remittances, and T4 slips every cycle.
CRA Audits / Reviews
Received a CRA notice? We represent you professionally — preparing all documents and responding on your behalf.