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How Business Owners Can Write Off a Diesel Truck (Section 179 Explained)

đź’Ľ The Big Advantage: Writing Off a Diesel Truck for Your Business

If you own a business in Texas, a diesel pickup isn’t just a tool — it’s an investment. Whether you’re hauling equipment, towing trailers, or meeting clients on job sites, your truck works just as hard as you do. The good news? When tax season rolls around, that truck can work double duty — saving you serious money through write-offs and deductions.

đź§ľ Section 179: The Heavy Hitter for Business Owners

Under Section 179 of the IRS tax code, businesses can deduct the full purchase price of qualifying vehicles used for work — up to $1,220,000 for 2025.
That means if you buy a diesel truck like a Ram 2500, Ford F-250, or GMC Sierra 3500, you can often deduct the entire cost (instead of spreading it out over several years).

To qualify, the vehicle generally needs to:

  • Be used more than 50% for business purposes
  • Be a heavy-duty truck (over 6,000 lbs. GVWR)
  • Be purchased and placed in service during the same tax year

For full IRS details on depreciation and qualifying vehicles, you can review the IRS Publication 946 (Official Section 179 Guidelines)

đźš› Why Diesel Trucks Are a Smart Write-Off

Diesel pickups aren’t just tough — they’re tax-efficient assets.
Here’s why they make financial sense for business owners:

  • Higher GVWR = Bigger Deduction: Most Âľ-ton and 1-ton diesels qualify for full Section 179 deduction.
  • Longevity and Resale Value: Diesels hold their value longer, so your investment stretches further.
  • Real Business Utility: From hauling loads to meeting clients, they check every “business use” box.

đź’ˇ Bonus Depreciation Adds Even More

Even if you go over your Section 179 limits, you may still qualify for bonus depreciation — allowing you to deduct a percentage of the remaining cost.
For 2025, bonus depreciation is 60%, and it applies to both new and used qualifying vehicles.

📊 Example: Real-World Savings

Let’s say you buy a $75,000 Ram 3500 Cummins Diesel for your business.
If it qualifies under Section 179, you could deduct the entire $75,000 from your taxable income this year — potentially saving $15,000–$20,000 or more, depending on your tax bracket.

⚙️ Talk to Your Tax Professional

Every situation is different, so always confirm details with your CPA. But for most small business owners, investing in a diesel pickup can mean real work capability today and major tax relief tomorrow.


Ready to put your money to work?
👉 Browse Our Diesel Truck Inventory and find the truck that works as hard as your business does.

To see how Section 179 applies to trucks and heavy-duty work vehicles, check the Section179.org vehicle deduction guide.

For a breakdown of trucks and SUVs over 6,000 lbs that qualify for full or partial write-offs, review this 2025 list of vehicles over 6,000 lbs that qualify

Kelley Blue Book also provides a clear overview of Section 179 vehicle tax breaks, including which trucks typically meet the GVWR requirements.