Motor Vehicle Deductions

John Reilly • August 4, 2025

Motor Vehicle Deductions

Motor Vehicle Tax Deductions (Australia)

If you use your car for work (not private travel), you may be able to claim deductions. Two main methods apply:


1. Cents per kilometre method


  • Claim 88c/km (from 1 July 2024), up to 5,000 km per car.

  • No logbook needed, but you must show how the kms were work-related.  Eg Diary records.

  • Covers all car running costs (fuel, rego, servicing, depreciation).

2. Logbook method


  • Complete a log book to track your car use over 12 continuous weeks to establish % of work use. (This % can be used for 5 years, assume car usage does not change)

  • Claim actual costs based on that %:

  • Petrol, 
  • Insurance, 
  • Registration, 
  • Repairs & servicing, 
  • Loan interest or Leasing, 
  • Depreciation

  • Must keep receipts and records.

  • Electric Cars, receipts from commercial charging stations. (They also have special rules for charging at home)


You can't claim:


  • Commuting from home to work (unless carrying tools or working at multiple sites).

  • Any private portion of use.


Head to our website today to find out how we can help you manage your motor vehicle deductions/

https://www.keytaxsolutions.com.au/



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