Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/103886
OWNER OPERATOR SOLUTIONS Clothing Expenses Work-related clothing can be deducted on your tax return. According to Mr. Christiansen, "Drivers can deduct protective clothing, which includes safety shoes or boots, safety glasses, hard hats and work gloves. In addition to these items, drivers can deduct a winter coat, rain coat and coveralls. Any other clothing that is suitable for everyday wear is not deductible." Other Expenses As a trucker, you may deduct expenses for cleaning supplies, laundry care, load locks, scales, tolls, tools and truck washes while on the road. You may also do so for mobile phone, satellite radio and satellite television expenses. Do-it-Yourself or Hire a Pro? The information provided in this article should help you save as much money as possible on your next tax return. However, keep in mind that the IRS tax code is over 72,500 pages long. Also, note that the IRS is about as lenient as the KGB, meaning that you'll have to carefully toe a line between minimizing your taxable income and being audited. If you are good with numbers or have a background in accounting, you may want to try this on your own first. However, if you find yourself neck-deep in paperwork or peeking out the window for IRS agents every day, consider hiring a professional tax preparer. Doing so may cost more on the front end, but could lead to tremendous savings and peace of mind on the back end. EQUINOX Owner-Operator Solutions is a privately held technology and business services company headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT. EQUINOX offers technology-driven business services designed to lower the cost and increase the profitability of contractors in the transportation industry. To learn how EQUINOX can help, go to http://www.equinoxlife. com / OWNER OPERATOR/ FEBRUARY 2013 / / 48 OO0213_text2.indd 48 1/4/13 11:36 AM