Bookkeeping for Owner-Operators

Your books done right.
So you can keep moving.

Four Bookkeeping & Accounting handles your IFTA filings, quarterly estimated taxes, and monthly bookkeeping — so you stay compliant, profitable, and focused on the road.

Book a free 30-min call → See what's included
✓ 25+ years accounting experience
✓ IFTA-fluent, trucking-specific
✓ Flat monthly pricing from $300
✓ Serving owner-ops nationwide
Why Owner-Ops Come to Us

The financial problems most trucking bookkeepers miss.

Owner-operators face financial complexity that generic bookkeeping apps and non-specialized accountants routinely get wrong.

🗺️

IFTA filed wrong — or not at all

IFTA requires precise per-state mileage and fuel data every quarter. Errors trigger audits. Missing filings trigger penalties. We track and file it correctly, every time.

💸

Quarterly tax surprises

Self-employed owner-ops owe federal SE tax plus income tax on net profit. Most find out how much at tax time — too late. We calculate your Q1–Q4 estimates so you pay the right amount quarterly.

🧾

Missed deductions eating your profit

Fuel, per diem, dispatcher fees, load board subscriptions, maintenance, permits — every dollar missed is money back to the IRS. We track and categorize every deductible mile and expense.

What's Included

Bookkeeping built for trucking.

Every service is designed around how owner-operators actually earn money and owe taxes — not a generic small business template.

Core Service

Monthly Bookkeeping

We keep your books current throughout the month, so you always know exactly where you stand — no year-end scramble, no surprises.

  • Transaction categorization (income, fuel, maintenance, fees)
  • Account reconciliation
  • Monthly profit & loss statement
  • Revenue-per-mile analysis
  • Monthly check-in call
Tax Compliance

Quarterly Estimated Taxes

We calculate exactly what you owe to the IRS and your state each quarter — before the due date — so you never underpay or overpay.

  • Net profit calculation after all deductions
  • Self-employment tax calculation (15.3%)
  • Federal estimated payment (Form 1040-ES)
  • State estimated payment
  • Due date reminders (Apr / Jun / Sep / Jan)
IFTA

IFTA Quarterly Filing

The International Fuel Tax Agreement requires per-state mileage and fuel data every quarter for any owner-op running across state lines. We handle it.

  • Track miles driven by state each quarter
  • Track fuel purchased by state
  • Calculate jurisdictional fuel tax liability
  • Prepare and submit your IFTA return
  • Maintain audit-ready records
Catch-Up

Clean-Up & Catch-Up

Behind on your books? Running off a shoebox of receipts? We've seen it all. We'll organize your past transactions, fix miscategorizations, and get you current.

  • Sort and categorize past transactions
  • Reconcile backlogged accounts
  • Identify prior-year missed deductions
  • Set up your QuickBooks Online correctly
  • Deliver clean books to your tax preparer
By the Numbers

CFO-level experience. Small-business pricing.

Bert Gonzalez brings executive finance experience to owner-operators who deserve more than a bookkeeping app.

25+
Years of accounting experience
$300
Starting monthly rate, all-inclusive
48
States we handle IFTA filings for
4
Quarterly tax checkpoints per year
Frequently Asked Questions

What owner-operators ask us before signing up.

What bookkeeping services do owner-operator truck drivers need?
Owner-operators typically need monthly transaction categorization, fuel cost tracking by state, IFTA quarterly filings, quarterly estimated federal and state tax calculations, profit & loss statements, and clean books for their tax preparer. We handle all of these starting at $300/month.
What is IFTA and how does it affect my books?
IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) requires owner-operators running across state lines to track miles driven and fuel purchased in each state every quarter. The quarterly IFTA report determines whether you owe additional fuel taxes or receive a refund by state. Accurate mileage logs and fuel receipts are essential. We track this monthly and calculate your filing.
How much should an owner-operator set aside for quarterly taxes?
Most owner-operators should set aside 25–30% of net profit for federal self-employment tax (15.3%) plus federal income tax. State income tax varies by state. The exact amount depends on your deductions and filing status. We calculate your estimated quarterly payments each quarter so you never underpay or overpay.
What expenses can owner-operators deduct?
Owner-operators can deduct fuel, truck payments or depreciation, insurance, maintenance, dispatcher fees, load board subscriptions (DAT, Truckstop.com), permits, tolls, per diem meals, and more. Proper categorization of every expense is the difference between a tax bill and a tax refund.
Do you work with owner-operators outside of Charlotte, NC?
Yes. Four Bookkeeping & Accounting is remote-first and serves owner-operators across the United States. All collaboration happens online. Bert is based in Charlotte, NC but manages clients nationwide.
How is dispatcher fee vs. broker fee treated in my books?
Broker fees are deducted before you see your rate — they're never part of your revenue or expenses. Dispatcher fees are different: they come out of your gross revenue and are recorded as a deductible contract labor expense. Getting this wrong is one of the most common bookkeeping errors in trucking.
Bert Gonzalez, Founder of Four Bookkeeping and Accounting
About Bert

Bert Gonzalez

Founder & Lead Accountant · Four Bookkeeping & Accounting

I started Four Bookkeeping and Accounting because I kept seeing small business owners — including owner-operator truck drivers — leave serious money on the table due to poor bookkeeping. Not because they weren't smart. Because they had nobody in their corner who actually understood their business.

With 25 years of accounting experience spanning tax preparation, controller roles, VP of Finance, and CFO, I bring executive-level financial expertise to businesses that can't afford a full-time CFO — but deserve that level of attention to their numbers.

The name "Four Bookkeeping" comes from my four kids. I built this firm the same way I'm raising them — with intention, accountability, and a focus on doing things right. I'm in Charlotte, NC and I serve clients nationwide.

25+ Years Experience Tax Accountant Controller VP of Finance CFO Charlotte, NC Nationwide Remote
Let's Talk

Ready to get your books right?

Tell us a bit about your operation. We'll reply within 1 business day and schedule a free 30-minute call — no obligation.

Or call / text: (704) 981-1211 · bert@fourbookkeeping.com