🚛 Occupation guide

Truck driver tax deductions: what you can claim

What you can claim, what you cannot, and the records the ATO expects. Written in plain English and updated for the 2025–26 financial year.

Oscar says"Meals when away overnight (with receipts), protective clothing, logbook vehicle expenses, CB radio, first aid cert. Scan the receipt the day you get it and June takes care of itself."

What you can claim

Meals when required to sleep away from home overnight (need receipts — the ATO does not accept a standard meal rate without receipts for employees).
Protective clothing.
Logbook vehicle expenses if using own vehicle.
CB radio.
First aid cert.
Sunglasses.

What you cannot claim

Meals when not away overnight.
Home to depot travel.
Personal grooming.
Gym.

Apportionment: the part most people get wrong

Vehicle — logbook method. Meals — only when away overnight. If an expense is part work and part personal, you claim the work percentage only, and the ATO expects you to show how you worked it out.

Records you need to keep

Meal receipts, accommodation receipts, logbook, travel diary. A claim without a receipt or tax invoice behind it is a claim you may have to repay if the ATO asks.

ATO red flags for this occupation: Meal claims without overnight stay documentation. These are the patterns that trigger review letters, so keep airtight records for exactly these claims.

Common questions

What records do I need to keep?

Meal receipts, accommodation receipts, logbook, travel diary. Keep them for five years from when you lodge.

How do I split work and personal use?

Vehicle — logbook method. Meals — only when away overnight. Claim the work proportion only.

What gets claims like mine reviewed by the ATO?

Meal claims without overnight stay documentation. Solid receipts and logs are the answer to all of them.

Oscar already knows these rules

Pick your occupation once, then scan, email, or forward receipts. Oscar classifies each one against these exact ATO rules and tells you what it is worth. Free to start.

Start scanning free