Top Tax Deductions Every Canadian Truck Driver Should Know

Let’s face it—being a truck driver in Canada isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle. You’re out on the road for days, sometimes weeks, juggling fuel stops, border crossings, deliveries, and that ever-ticking clock. But when tax season rolls around? That’s a whole different kind of haul.

If you’re a long-haul driver, owner-operator, or even leased onto a carrier, there’s good news: the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offers a host of tax deductions that can put hard-earned money right back into your pocket. Unfortunately, a lot of truckers don’t know what they’re entitled to—or worse, they miss out on legitimate claims that could've saved them thousands.



Truckers Pro CPA specializes in helping truck drivers navigate their taxes with confidence. So whether you're trying to figure out how to deduct fuel expenses, claim per diems, or understand meal allowances, we’ve got you. Here's a breakdown of the most common—and often overlooked—tax deductions every Canadian truck driver should be taking full advantage of.

1. Meal Allowance (Simplified or Detailed Method)

This one’s huge. If you’re on the road for at least 24 consecutive hours, you’re eligible to deduct your meals. You can go with the simplified method—a flat rate per meal—or the detailed method, where you keep receipts and claim the actual amounts.

Most long-haul truckers opt for the simplified method because it’s less of a hassle. CRA allows a flat rate per meal—typically around $23—with up to three meals a day, which adds up to $69 daily. If you're on the road for about 200 days, that’s over $13,000 in potential deductions. Just make sure your logbook backs it up.



Real talk? We've seen drivers forget to claim this because they "didn't eat much that day." Nope. Claim the allowance. It’s yours.

2. Fuel Expenses

Whether you’re an owner-operator footing your own bills or a company driver with certain costs coming out-of-pocket, fuel is a major deduction. Keep all fuel receipts, and track your kilometers—it adds up fast.

If you lease your rig or own it outright, fuel is a direct business expense. Just be sure it's tied to earning income—personal trips don’t count. One client of ours saved nearly $17,000 in fuel deductions alone last year. Yep, it's that real.

3. Lodging and Accommodations

Snoozing in the sleeper berth? You can still claim meal deductions, but if you’re paying for a hotel or motel because your truck’s in the shop or you're switching trailers overnight, that’s deductible too.



Make sure you grab a receipt with your name on it. And yes, you can even claim a portion of Airbnb stays, if they’re work-related.

4. Logbooks and Office Supplies

It might not seem like much, but pens, paper, logbooks, binders, clipboards—if you bought it for the job, you can deduct it. Even a laptop or tablet, if you're using it for route planning, fuel tracking, or tax prep? Write it off.



Small things matter. One trucker told us he didn’t bother saving a $15 receipt for his new logbook. Multiply that by five over the year, and then toss in printer ink and envelopes... You get the picture.

5. Cell Phone Bills

Your cell phone is your office on the road. If you're using it for dispatch, GPS, tracking loads, or keeping records, you can claim a portion of your monthly bill as a business expense.



Just be reasonable. CRA doesn’t love when you claim 100% unless it’s strictly business. A good rule of thumb? Claim 50%–85%, depending on usage.

6. Repairs, Maintenance & Tires

Trucking ain’t gentle on equipment. Oil changes, new brakes, alignment, tires—all necessary to keep rolling. If you're paying for it, and it keeps your rig safe and working, it’s tax-deductible.



Big repairs? Keep detailed invoices. We've seen truckers miss out on deductions because they only kept credit card slips. Always ask for an itemized breakdown.

7. License Fees, Permits, and Medical Exams

Got your commercial license renewed? Paid for a FAST card, IFTA permits, or your annual medical exam? These are all related to the job—and CRA says yes to most of them as deductions.



Don’t overlook the small stuff here. Even eye exams and prescription glasses might be partially deductible if required for the job.

8. Depreciation on Your Truck (Capital Cost Allowance)

If you own your truck, you can’t deduct the entire purchase price in one go—but you can claim depreciation over time under the Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) rules.



The CCA class your truck falls into will determine how much you can claim yearly. And trust us, this is where having a truck-savvy accountant pays off. One mistake here can mean leaving money on the table for years.

9. Accounting and Legal Fees

You’re not expected to figure all this out alone—and luckily, the CRA lets you write off your accountant’s fees. If you hire a pro to help with tax planning, returns, or business setup, that expense is deductible.

So yes, even paying Truckers Pro CPA to handle your taxes counts as a deduction. We’ll call that a win-win.

10. Union Dues and Association Fees

If you're part of a trucking union or a professional organization like the Owner-Operators Business Association of Canada, those dues are deductible. Even some training costs or continuing education fees may qualify.



We had one client who was attending safety seminars and thought it wasn’t deductible. Spoiler: It was—and he got a refund for three years’ worth.

11. Tools and Equipment

Whether it’s a new torque wrench, a GPS, CB radio, or even a dash cam—if you need it to do your job or stay compliant, it likely qualifies. Just keep your receipts and note how each item helps you earn income.

And don’t forget—if the cost is over $500, CRA might require you to deduct it over multiple years instead of all at once.

12. Truck Insurance and Loan Interest

Paying for truck insurance or interest on a loan for your rig? These are legitimate business expenses.

Interest gets tricky, though. If you’re financing a personal truck you also use for work, only the business-use portion can be claimed. A quick chat with your accountant can help sort that out.

A Final Word from the Road

Taxes don’t have to be overwhelming—not when you’ve got the right team behind you. Truckers Pro CPA has worked with hundreds of Canadian truck drivers just like you, helping them maximize deductions, reduce taxes, and hold onto more of their income.

Think of tax deductions like a rest stop—you miss too many, and the ride gets longer and harder than it needs to be. But when you plan ahead, track your expenses, and know what you’re allowed to claim, tax season becomes less of a white-knuckle drive.



If you’ve been leaving money on the table, now’s the time to take it back. Get in touch, and let’s make your next return your best one yet