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Taxes

Owner-operator tax obligations start with required truck registration

Independents are responsible for their own registrations, likewise Form 2290 payments. Leased owners may have the option of doing it themselves or letting the company they are leased to handle it. Find resources for starting with state DMVs and more here.

January 1, 2026

Alabama Plate On Front Bumper

Owner-op income tax: The importance of recordkeeping for deductions

Among the biggest challenges for a new business is understanding how you are taxed. This is an area where many new owner-operators run into problems. You can avoid any big surprises on April 15 by using good planning and recordkeeping throughout the year.

January 1, 2026

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Triumph Financial

August 13, 2026

Take control of cash flow and keep your fleet moving forward

Trucking tax preparation: Owner-op's role more than just bookkeeping

Avoid common mistakes seen in owner-operator tax returns by checking the major numbers your tax preparer uses. Doing this can save you thousands of dollars in taxes. Also: A smart way to "play catchup" on bookkeeping if you get behind.

January 1, 2026

Handling per-diem and depreciation deductions to save, and cut against common tax myths

Owner-operators' standard per-diem deduction got a boost for the 2025 tax year, and in 2026 options for depreciating equipment have expanded courtesy of legislation also solidifying business income deductions.

January 1, 2026

Trucks Parked At Dealer

Truck lease v. truck purchase: A tax analysis

Generally, a purchaser will get higher deductions in the first two years that follow, with the fourth year not even close to the level of deductions available to the lease taxpayer. The effect is a tax delay for truck-purchasing owner-operators.

January 1, 2026

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How, and when it makes sense, for owner-operators LLCs to file as an S Corp to save on self-employment taxes

Filing taxes as an S Corp allows an owner-operator LLC to designate the owner an employee of the LLC, yet still report the income of the business on their personal tax return. S Corp earnings are not subject to self-employment tax.

January 1, 2026

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Quick-hit tips for truckers to save on taxes and guard against IRS audit risk

The IRS usually has three years from the date of filing to challenge deductions or income stated on your return by requesting an audit. Keep your records for at least that time period, and don't neglect these deductible expenses.

January 1, 2026

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One among the 16 owner-operated units leased to Get Cargo.

Beating the '24-hour logbook' competition, with a circle of trust

"Rules give you freedom." It's a mantra for 16-truck small fleet owner Stevey Nikolov. His owner-operated fleet strives for simplicity for those leased, and continues to make strides despite "24-hour logbook" challenges from unscrupulous competitors.

Diesel's put a damper on the gains in months through June in owner-operator income, but the good times aren't over yet, according to ATBS.

Owner-op income near record high already, early in upcycle: ATBS

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Salvage to show: The 'Curb Appeal' 2022 Peterbilt 389

Nine-truck KST logistics moves with step deck and extendable flatbed trailers with a variety of freight on the hook, including loads like these for regional utility customers in their California home base.

Rocking, rolling: KST Logistics stacks honors after founder's tragic passing

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Is a loophole for visa drivers going to sink FMCSA’s non-domiciled CDL ban?

Lujan v. FMCSA: Non-domiciled CDLs in court, full arguments for and against

More episodes »

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