Truck drivers — whether owner-operators or employees — are entitled to some of the most generous tax deductions available to any occupation. From fuel and meals to overnight accommodation and vehicle depreciation, getting your claims right can save thousands every year.
1. Meal Allowances and the Reasonable Amount
If you're an employee truck driver who receives a meal allowance, the ATO publishes "reasonable amounts" each year that you can claim without receipts:
| Meal | 2025–26 Reasonable Amount |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | ~$33.25 |
| Lunch | ~$37.40 |
| Dinner | ~$52.75 |
Note: Amounts are indicative — check the latest ATO Taxation Determination for the current year.
You must be travelling for work and sleeping away from home to claim these amounts. Day trips don't qualify for the overnight meal allowance.
2. Fuel and Vehicle Costs (Owner-Operators)
If you own your truck, you can claim:
- Fuel — keep all receipts or use your fuel card statements.
- Registration and insurance — fully deductible for a business-use vehicle.
- Tyres, servicing, and repairs — including roadside assistance memberships.
- Depreciation — heavy vehicles can be depreciated using the ATO's effective life tables or the instant asset write-off for eligible assets.
- Tolls — keep your e-TAG statements as records.
- Interest on truck loan — the business-use portion of your loan repayments.
3. Accommodation
- Motel/hotel costs when sleeping away from home for work — fully deductible with receipts.
- Sleeping in the cab — you can still claim the meal allowance even if you sleep in your truck (not accommodation, but meals still apply).
4. Other Common Deductions
- Sun protection — sunglasses, sunscreen (if you do loading/unloading work outdoors).
- Mobile phone — the work-use percentage of your phone bill and handset.
- GPS and dashcam — if used for work purposes.
- Union and association fees — TWU (Transport Workers' Union) membership.
- Laundry — if you wear a compulsory uniform with a company logo.
- Heavy vehicle licence renewal — fully deductible.
5. Record Keeping Tips
- Use the ATO myDeductions app to photograph receipts on the road.
- Keep a travel diary if you're away for 6+ consecutive nights — the ATO requires this.
- Save fuel card statements — they're easier to manage than individual receipts.
- Log your odometer at the start and end of each financial year.
Key Takeaways
- Claim ATO reasonable meal amounts when sleeping away from home — no receipts needed.
- Owner-operators can claim fuel, depreciation, insurance, loan interest, and tolls.
- Keep a travel diary for trips of 6+ consecutive nights.
- Use the myDeductions app to capture receipts on the road.
- Don't forget sun protection, GPS, dashcam, and licence renewals.