Warm Up Those Flame Throwers!

I know the following can just as well go in Truckers Taxes sub-forum. However, to keep things in one place, I chose to post here.

I'm currently studying up on the various tax rules for OOs.

I've compiled the following benefits/deductions.

Feel free add or subtract. This is a working list and subject to modifications.

OFFICE/ADMINISTRATIVE

• Accounting Services
• Legal Services
  
• Computer Supplies
• Education
• Office supplies.
  
• Photocopies & Faxes
• Postage, FedEx & TripPak
• Membership to organizations such as OOIDA

ELECTRONICS

• CB Radio, Repairs, Antennas, Cables
• Mobile Phone & Accessories
• Mobile Phone and Internet Fees
  
• Qualcomm, Satellite, Internet
• Satellite Radio
• GPS Units

PERSONAL

• Retirement such as Roth contributions
• Insurance
  
• Per Diem for each night away from home base
  
• Clothes - as long as they are used for work
  
• Drug Testing
• Eye Exams, Glasses, Sunglasses
• Laundry Expenses
• Mileage on personal vehicle
• Motels/Hotels
• Rain Gear
• Safety Shoes/Boots
• Hangers
• Hard Hat
• Safety Glasses

Tractor, Permits, Licenses, Taxes

• Truck Depreciation
  
• Interest Payments on the loan
• Half of Self Employment Tax (not sure about this)
• The first 20% of net profits
  
• Door signs, decals, lettering
• Federal Highway Use Tax (Form 2290)
• IRP, licenses and permits
• Parking, scales
• Tolls, Pre-Pass
  
• Coolant, Fuel Additives, Chains, Bungee cords
• Straps and Load Locks
  
• Headache Rack
• Kingpin Lock & Padlock
• Oil & Lube
• Power Washer
• Repairs, Parts & Labor
• Shop Equipment, Power Cords
• Tires & Repairs
• Tractor Wash
• Engine Wash
  
• Vacuum
• Wax
  
• Cooking Utensils
  
• Coolers
• DVD Player
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Hoses & Cables
• Ice Scrapper
• Luggage
• Paper Towels
• Rugs & Floor Mats
• Seat Covers & Cushions
• Storage
• Hand and Power Tools
• Trash Bags

Items such as headache rack will only apply if I go flatbed.

Maintenance costs cannot be deducted - as far as I know - if I do the work myself. The parts, with receipts, should be deductible.

I know the simple response would be: "Check with your accountant."

Well, I'm most likely going to fire the current guy and find a new one. And I want to be as knowledgeable on the subject.

One thing I didn't see on this list is APU. Can anyone confirm this is deductible for OOs? If so, I presume any maintenance/repair costs are also deductible.

 

Turns out APU is a legit deduction.

I realize you have questions. But please be courteous enough to start your own thread if you want to be OO pulling cans.

All too often, I've seen informative threads get sidetracked and there are unnecessary pages which do not pertain to the original subject. This might be fine in humorous tongue-in-cheek type threads. However, what I am considering undertaking is a serious endeavor and I would like to keep this thread streamlined and not go off on tangents. Thanks.