BOK logo
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

Using the cents per kilometre method for claiming car expenses

Share this article:

The cents per kilometre method is a simple way to work out how much you can deduct for car-related work or business expenses.

.

Only individuals, including sole traders, or partnerships (where at least one partner is an individual) can use the cents per kilometre method. So if you operate your business through a company or trust, the business will have to use the actual costs method to claim car and vehicle running expenses.

The cents per kilometre rate takes into account all your car running expenses (including registration, fuel, servicing and insurance) and depreciation.

To work out how much you can claim, you simply multiply the total work/business kilometres you travelled by the appropriate rate. The rate for the 2022–2023 tax year is 78 c/km, and the rate for the 2023–2024 tax year is 85 c/km.

Importantly, you can’t claim more than 5,000 work/business kilometres per car, per year using this method – if you use your car for more than 5,000 kilometres a year for work or business, you need to use the logbook method to calculate your deductible car expenses.

You don’t need formal written evidence to show exactly how many kilometres you travelled, but if you use the same vehicle for both work/business and private use, you must be able to correctly identify and justify the percentage that you claim for work/business. You can’t claim a deduction for the private use. You can use a logbook or diary to record private versus work/business travel.

Travelling between your home and your place of work/business is considered private use, unless your home is considered your place of work, or you operate a home-based business, and your trip was for work/business purposes.

 

 

 

 

Acctweb

Want to know more?

Do you have a question about something you've read in this article? Need more information? Want to book an appointment? Simply let us know below and we'll get back to you ASAP.

Share this article:

Disclaimer

In the preparation of this website every effort has been made to provide accurate and timely information. However, errors can occur and applicable laws and regulations may change.

The information contained in the site is general and is not intended to serve as advice. No warranty is given as to the reliability of any information.

Users are encouraged to consult with professional advisers for advice before making any decisions that affect their own interests.

Bourke O’Brien Kennedy disclaims all and any liability to any person as to the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done by any person in reliance whether wholly or partially, upon any information contained in this website.

Links on this website are to resources managed by other parties over whom Bourke O’Brien Kennedy has no control. As such, Bourke O’Brien Kennedy accepts no responsibility as to the accuracy of any statement, opinion or advice contained in any of the supplied information and readers should rely on their own enquiries before making any decisions affecting their own interests.

Privacy Policy

We will only use the information you provide to us to respond to your requests and provide you with information about Bourke O’Brien Kennedy services.

Whenever you receive information from us electronically, you will always have an opportunity to request not to receive the information again and your wishes will be respected.

If you send us a curriculum vitae (CV) to apply for a position with Bourke O’Brien Kennedy, we will only use that information to consider you for available opportunities.

We do not share personal information with third parties except as necessary to carry out our business or as required by law or other processes. We do not sell personal information. All personnel with access to personal information ensure to maintain its confidentiality.

If you have questions or comments about anything to do with our website, please do not hesitate to contact us at bok@bok.com.au