Truck depreciation calculator

By Fernandez · Updated October 2026

See a deduction schedule for a truck bought in tax year 2026, under three common methods.

Purchase price (business basis)

Business use

Section 179 and bonus need over 50%

Year 1$39,996
Year 2$53,340
Year 3$17,772
Year 4$8,892

Year one deduction

$39,996

Total over the schedule

$120,000

2026 Section 179 limit

$2,560,000

Half-year convention from IRS Publication 946, Table A-1; asset classes 00.26 (tractor units for over-the-road use, 3-year) and 00.241/00.242 (trucks, 5-year). Bonus and Section 179 per IRC 168(k) as amended by P.L. 119-21: property acquired after January 19, 2025; Rev. Proc. 2025-32 (2026 inflation adjustments); IRC 179 as amended by P.L. 119-21. Section 179 is also limited by business income. Tax year 2026 only. Estimates for planning, not tax advice.

A deduction helps at tax time; loads pay the truck every week. Our dispatchers keep it moving.

Our dispatchers find and negotiate the loads; you approve each one and sign the rate con. 5% of gross for one truck with an MC 6 months or older, no setup fee.

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How it is calculated

Basis = price x business-use percentage.
MACRS applies the half-year convention percentages from IRS Publication 946, Table A-1: 33.33%, 44.45%, 14.81% and 7.41% for 3-year property; 20%, 32%, 19.2%, 11.52%, 11.52% and 5.76% for 5-year property.
Bonus deducts 100% of the basis in year one, per IRC 168(k) as amended by P.L. 119-21.
Section 179 deducts up to the 2026 limit in year one, with any remainder on the MACRS schedule.

Worked example

Year	3-year MACRS on $120,000	Bonus 100%
1	$39,996	$120,000
2	$53,340	-
3	$17,772	-
4	$8,892	-

EXAMPLE price, 100% business use.

What the numbers mean

A big first-year deduction lowers this year's tax, but it does not change what the truck costs, and it leaves nothing to deduct in later years. If you sell the truck, depreciation taken can come back as taxable gain. Many owners choose the method that matches the years they expect high income, which is a conversation for a tax professional, not a calculator.

Federal excise tax, if it applied to your truck, is part of the cost basis; see the federal excise tax guide. Tax depreciation is not market value: for what the truck is likely worth over time, read semi truck depreciation by age and mileage.

Related calculators

Check the payment with the semi truck payment calculator, or see whether a lower rate helps with the truck refinance savings calculator. The commercial truck financing rates guide explains how lenders price a truck loan.

Depreciation mistakes to avoid

Confusing tax depreciation with market value. A truck fully deducted in year one still has resale value, and selling it can create taxable gain.
Using the wrong recovery period. An over-the-road tractor and a box truck can fall in different classes; check Publication 946.
Forgetting the business-use test. Section 179 and bonus depreciation need over 50% business use.
Planning without a tax professional. The best method depends on your income this year and in later years.

General information about tax, not financial, tax or legal advice. RigCaptain is not a lender, broker, dealer or insurer. Read every contract and ask a tax professional or attorney about your own deal.

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The deduction helps once a year; loads help every week

Tax time comes once. The payment comes monthly. Tell us your rig and lanes and we plan the weeks.

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Questions

What is the semi truck depreciation life?

Under IRS Publication 946, tractor units for over-the-road use are 3-year property (asset class 00.26), and other light and heavy general purpose trucks are 5-year property (classes 00.241 and 00.242). Deductions under MACRS spread over one year more than the class life, because of the half-year convention.

What is the box truck depreciation life?

A box truck is generally a truck rather than an over-the-road tractor, so it usually falls in the 5-year class under Publication 946. Heavy box trucks over 13,000 pounds and lighter ones are in different asset classes but both use 5 years. Confirm the classification with a tax professional for your truck.

How does owner operator truck depreciation work with bonus depreciation?

For property acquired after January 19, 2025, the law as amended by P.L. 119-21 allows 100% bonus depreciation, so the full business basis can be deducted in year one. You can elect out and use regular MACRS instead. Sources differ on details, so confirm with Publication 946 and a tax professional.

Section 179 or bonus depreciation for a truck?

Both can deduct the cost in year one. Section 179 has a dollar limit, $2,560,000 for 2026, phases out after $4,090,000 of purchases and cannot create a loss beyond business income. Bonus depreciation has no income limit. The best choice depends on your income and plans, so ask a tax professional.

Do I need over 50% business use?

Yes, for Section 179 and bonus depreciation on listed property, business use must be over 50%. Most trucks used in a trucking business are used entirely for business. The calculator applies the business-use percentage to the basis before any method.