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The Daily Insight

Can you write off truck lease payments?

Author

Andrew Mclaughlin

Published Apr 06, 2026

You can only deduct the part of your lease payments that are for the business use of the vehicle. When you choose the actual expense method, you may also be able to deduct other vehicle-related costs, such as depreciation, maintenance, repairs, gas, insurance and registration fees.

Are lease payments deductible for tax purposes?

For operating and capital leases, only the lease payments paid during the year are deductible for tax purposes. This fact will impact the decision on whether the lease or purchase option provides the lowest overall cost.

You can only deduct the part of your lease payments that are for the business use of the vehicle. If you choose the standard mileage rate deduction, you can’t deduct any part of your lease payment or other actual business-related vehicle costs, like maintenance, repairs, gas, insurance or registration fees.

Can you deduct lease payments on a business vehicle?

Vehicles used exclusively for business can deduct the full amount of lease payments less the inclusion amount, or percentage of the car’s fair market value multiplied by the percentage of business use for the year. If your vehicle is used for both personal and business purposes, you can deduct some of your business mileage costs.

How to deduct lease payments for an S-Corp?

This is equal to the total amount of your lease payments for the tax year, minus the inclusion amount. IRS Appendix A-6 should be used to determine your inclusion amount. The year the lease began, and the exact amount of days it was used out of 365 days are required to use the appendix.

Can you deduct depreciation on a business vehicle?

You can also deduct depreciation if you own the vehicle. If you lease a vehicle, you can deduct the lease payments related to the business use of your car. Your vehicle’s fair market value (FMV) might be more than the amount allowed on the lease term’s first day.

What can I use as a tax deduction for a trucking business?

Be sure to keep receipts as proof. Business Loans or Mortgages – you can use the interest on these loans as a tax deduction. Devalue in Property – any trucking equipment that loses its value over the years such as trailers, trucks, computers, copiers, fax machines, or furniture can be used as a tax deduction.