Originally Posted by Powell-Peralta

Keeping in mind that there is a clear shortage of parking as proven by government studies, what do you feel are the chances that legislation could be approved that would allow truck drivers tax credits for sleeping in hotels?

Please explain fully.

Do you have a link for this?

No, i dont have a link; it's an idea (a good idea, i think) that i've come up with because of several valid reasons:

a) there is a clear safety issue if there are a shortage of parking spaces.

b) there are some states giving tax credits to owners of class 8 vehicles if they purchase an APU unit up to a certain dollar amount, which really is more of a deduction since, i believe, the credit amount does not equal the actual cost of the APU. But anyways, it is a start. i think new jersey is one of the states.

c) if one were to purchase certain hybrid vechicles i.e., Toyoto Prius, i believe this makes one eligible for a tax credit, not deduction. The rationale behind this decision was based on reducing pollution. Therefore, i feel, we can make a case for safety with hotels. The logic behind it is that hotels will provide additional and logical places to park.
The strange part about the hybrid tax credit is that it only applies to certain brand vehicles, not all brands.

Originally Posted by Powell-Peralta

No, i dont have a link; it's an idea (a good idea, i think) that i've come up with because of several valid reasons:

a) there is a clear safety issue if there are a shortage of parking spaces.

b) there are some states giving tax credits to owners of class 8 vehicles if they purchase an APU unit up to a certain dollar amount, which really is more of a deduction since, i believe, the credit amount does not equal the actual cost of the APU. But anyways, it is a start. i think new jersey is one of the states.

c) if one were to purchase certain hybrid vechicles i.e., Toyoto Prius, i believe this makes one eligible for a tax credit, not deduction. The rationale behind this decision was based on reducing pollution. Therefore, i feel, we can make a case for safety with hotels. The logic behind it is that hotels will provide additional and logical places to park.
The strange part about the hybrid tax credit is that it only applies to certain brand vehicles, not all brands.

A) Yes, there are shortage of parking places. It depends where in the country you are. However, have you ever looked at the motels and thought whether a truck can even get in there? Most are not possible for one truck. Now, the driver cannot keep an eye on the refer or the load if he has to park in a truck stop and taxi to the motel.

B) Tax credits are never the same as deductions. The tax credit will not equal the value of the item spent. It is a credit toward the tax that is due. Usually based on a percent of the item bought based on the lowest tax bracket.

C) No relevance to the trucker.

Now as far as your thoughts, it is a thought. However, most truckers are not going to work and make 200.00 a day, spend 40 a day on food, then 40-60 for a room. They will go broke.