Motor Vehicle Expense Claims: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how electricians can claim travel costs using cents-per-km or logbook methods to reduce their taxable income.
If you are an electrician who uses your own vehicle to travel between different work sites, you may be able to claim certain travel costs on your tax return.
Who it's for
This scheme is for electricians who use their personal vehicles for work-related travel.
What you get
You can reduce your taxable income by claiming vehicle expenses through one of two ways:
- Cents-per-km method: You claim a set amount for every kilometer you drive for work.
- Logbook method: You claim the actual business portion of your vehicle expenses based on your records.
What it costs you
To use the logbook method, you must maintain a detailed logbook for a continuous 12-week period to establish your business use percentage. You will also need to keep records of your vehicle expenses and kilometers traveled.
The catch to know
You generally cannot claim the cost of traveling from your home to your first job site of the day.
How to apply
- Determine which claim method best suits your driving habits.
- Keep a record of your business kilometers or maintain a 12-week logbook.
- Keep all receipts related to your vehicle expenses.
- Report your claim when you lodge your annual tax return.