Claiming work related car expenses on my tax return?

This is a question we are asked often. The guidelines are fairly clear as to what you can and can not claim.

See also four methods to claim car expenses"

==> Set rate per Km;
==> 12% actual cost method;

==> 1/3 Actual expenses;
==> log book method

Travel between home and work

What you can claim!

You can claim the cost of travel between home and work if:

1. you used your car to transport bulky tools or equipment that you use for and AND could not leave at work. This means, where you employer does not supply a secure environment, and you must transport your tools to/from work and home, you can claim that travel. We make these claims for many trades people.

2. your home is a base of employment and you travel from your home (as work place) to another location to continue your work. A typical example is a sales representative who works from home, travels directly to and from clients and may visit the employer's office occasionally.

3. you have shifting places of employment and you regularly work at more than one site each day before going home. A typical example is a cleaner who travels to multiple job sites each day and travel from one place of employment to another (eg second job).
4. travel from your normal workplace to an alternative workplace

What you can't claim:

You can not claim travel between work and home where:

1. you did minor tasks - eg picking up mail on your way to work.
2. traveling between home and work twice in one day.
3. on call duties.
4. there was no public transport near your work.
5. you work outside normal working hours
6. you home was a place of business and you travelled directly to a place of employment.


FREE fact sheet on claiming car expenses ==> Claiming a Deduction for Car Expenses

My Tax Zone