{"id":9737,"date":"2025-12-05T21:40:58","date_gmt":"2025-12-06T01:40:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/truckstopreport.com\/newtsr\/?p=9737"},"modified":"2025-12-10T23:43:52","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T03:43:52","slug":"%f0%9f%92%b0-tax-planning-tips-for-company-drivers-before-the-end-of-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/truckstopreport.com\/newtsr\/%f0%9f%92%b0-tax-planning-tips-for-company-drivers-before-the-end-of-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"? Tax Planning Tips for Company Drivers Before the End of 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Please note: This is not legal or financial advice and should be used for entertainment purposes only. You absolutely will need to do a deeper dive research on each step and consult with an attorney [or multiple ones] to do this legally and safely. Consider a LegalShield Small Business<\/a> plan as an option to save on your legal expenses.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Let\u2019s face it\u2014tax season hits hard if you\u2019re not ready. Whether you\u2019re hauling coast to coast or running local, the right moves before<\/em> December 31 can make a big difference in your 2025 tax return and give you a head start on a smoother 2026.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what company drivers and employee truckers need to know now, before the clock runs out.<\/p>\n

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? 1. Check Your Withholdings<\/h3>\n

If you got a surprise tax bill last year\u2014or too big a refund\u2014you might want to:<\/p>\n

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    Review your W-4 withholding<\/strong> settings with HR<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Use the IRS Withholding Estimator<\/strong> to adjust for 2026<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Make sure you\u2019re accounting for bonuses or extra pay<\/strong> that might bump you into a higher tax bracket<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Fixing this now can help you avoid underpayment penalties or letting Uncle Sam hang on to too much of your money all year.<\/p>\n

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    ? 2. Track Reimbursements vs. Deductions<\/h3>\n

    As a company driver, you likely can\u2019t deduct most work expenses anymore due to tax law changes (thanks to the 2017 TCJA). But that doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re out of luck:<\/p>\n

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      Make sure any out-of-pocket expenses<\/strong> were fully reimbursed (meals, tolls, parking, gear)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      If not reimbursed, track them anyway<\/strong>\u2014rules can change, or your tax pro may find deductions under state or union rules<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Save documentation now for anything job-related<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Ask your employer about per diem<\/strong> benefits too\u2014some companies offer this tax-free, which helps you take home more without increasing taxable income.<\/p>