Per diem?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Count FurFur, Feb 21, 2019.

  1. Count FurFur

    Count FurFur Light Load Member

    112
    53
    Jan 4, 2019
    0
    I read somewhere online that the new tax plan doesn't really cover company drivers for per diem. I notice with my company that per diem is a part of their pay system. I haven't inquired enough informationconcerning per diem as a whole but we have the ability to opt out of it. What is yall's opinions on per diem?
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

    57,095
    389,845
    May 4, 2015
    0
    Terrible for a company driver. They probably steal a few cents a mile for some BS accounting fee.

    Then your gross pay is understated. So when you go for credit purchase, they don't care about your per diem.

    And mostly, the hugest rip off. the company is required to match your Social Security contribution ( FICA ). So basically you are letting them off the hook for $3800 a year they should be paying into your social security.

    But they will tell you what a big win it is for you.

    It's the dumbest move you can make.
     
    bottomdumpin and tucker Thank this.
  4. BCV

    BCV Light Load Member

    233
    436
    May 26, 2018
    0
    Per Diem is a scam that benefits the owner of the company you work for
     
    Brettj3876 and Dave_in_AZ Thank this.
  5. elviscaprice

    elviscaprice Bobtail Member

    33
    22
    Feb 8, 2019
    0
    You don't have a choice at this point. Vote those out who made this new tax law change. Meanwhile it is in your interest to take the company per diem as a W2 employee, over the smaller benefits lost. Save on income tax and your SS tax contribution on this company per diem, since you are no longer able to take this deduction on your end of the year personal taxes.
     
    Trucker61016 Thanks this.
  6. Gdog66223

    Gdog66223 Road Train Member

    1,871
    2,569
    Dec 30, 2017
    Coal Town
    0
    The new tax law change screwed every company driver who claims all deductions, per diem, and charity events...
     
    QuietStorm, fss99701 and elviscaprice Thank this.
  7. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Opt out. Company drivers cannot get any tax advantage anymore. Per diem pays leaves more room for shady payroll tricks, if your company is so inclined.
    No benefit + some risk = No Thanks. IMO
     
  8. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    While doubling the amount of untaxed income the feds cannot touch.
     
    Rubber duck kw Thanks this.
  9. elviscaprice

    elviscaprice Bobtail Member

    33
    22
    Feb 8, 2019
    0
    This is incorrect. Op, please read about IRS eligible Per Diem rules concerning OTR drivers. Company per diem plans if properly conducted are allowed under IRS rules, tax free.
    This article gets to the brunt of it, if still concerned consult a CPA.
     
    Last edited: Feb 21, 2019
    QuietStorm Thanks this.
  10. Brandt

    Brandt Road Train Member

    4,517
    6,188
    Sep 17, 2012
    0
    The per diem is a good deal people don't understand it seems. Maybe it's not as good as in the past but it still a good deal. Unless you want to pay more in taxes.

    My company pays per diem on a day rate. We get it any day, we are 60 miles away from home. Some do the miles thing, you should ask your company.

    I made $62,000 had $17,000 in per diem. That $45,000 for taxable income. Now I get new Standard deduction. I get $19,000 as Head Of Household $45k-19k is $26,000, I pay taxes on. I made $62,000 and only paid taxes on $26,000 seems like a good deal to me.

    I could tell the company to stop per diem reimbursement so $62,000 -$19,000 is $43,000 and pay taxes on that. I think I'll take the per diem deal.
     
    McCauley, QuietStorm and elviscaprice Thank this.
  11. BCV

    BCV Light Load Member

    233
    436
    May 26, 2018
    0
    You got a bad tax accountant if you don’t understand.

    But that’s why they make chocolate and vanilla
     
    QuietStorm and Coover Thank this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.