The approach of April means tax time, and there are several changes to the tax laws this year that will affect the average owner-operator and company driver. Among them:

• The standard deduction has gone up in every category: Married Filing Jointly is now $9,500 up from $7,800 last year. Head-Of-Household is up to $7,000 from $6,900 in 2002. Singles get the smallest increase; $4,750, up from $4,700 last year.

  Tip: Be sure to figure your taxes using both the standard and itemized deductions. Then use the method that yields the greatest benefit.

• The deduction for each dependent is $3,050, up from $3,000 last year.

  Tip: Be sure the social security number you enter for yourself and each dependent is correct. Incorrect social security numbers or ineligible dependents will result in the deduction being disallowed, and a delay in the processing of your return.

• The Child Tax Credit has increased to $1,000 for each qualifying child. If you received an advance payment last summer, you should have also received Notice 1319 showing the amount of that payment. This amount must be deducted from your credit. If you received an advance payment but do not have a copy of Notice 1319, you can get help by visiting the IRS website at www.irs.gov, or call (800) 829-1040. Use the worksheet in your instruction booklet to figure your credit.

• The Additional Child Tax Credit is available again this year. Much like the Earned Income Credit, you may qualify for a refund even though you paid nothing toward withholding. Your tax preparer will automatically figure this credit for you. If you compile your own tax return, be sure to follow the instructions, carefully using the appropriate worksheets to see if you qualify and to determine the amount of your credit.

• For the self-employed, health insurance is a better option. Until this year, only a percentage of your premium payments has been deductible. Now, the entire amount can be written off.

• The mileage rate for business travel in 2003 is 36 cents per mile. This means you can deduct 36 cents for each mile that you drive your personal vehicle for business reasons. Next year (2004) the rate goes up to 37.5 cents per mile.

  Tip: Keep a log book in the glove compartment of your personal vehicle for recording your business miles. Your tax preparer is going to want to see it at the end of the year.

• The per-diem rate for Over-The-Road Truckers is still fixed at $38 per day. This amount is reduced by 35 percent, yielding a net deduction of $24.70 per day.

  Tip: Good record keeping is a must in the trucking industry. In the unlikely event of an audit, they become your life preserver. Without them, your tax bill could be devastating. Take the time to keep good records, or hire a tax preparing service that will take care of this chore for you. All of your records must be kept for three years after the filing date of your tax return. That's the law. Be sure to keep them in a safe place.

Weckerle is the owner of Blair Tax Consulting. He can be reached at (800) 882-5247, or online at www.blairtax.com.