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Motor car usage and Logbook for small business-Fair Tax Accountant Geelong

Below are some instructions to maintain a log book. Hereby attaching an excel sheet to help you record your motor vehicle expense.

As a mall business accountant in Geelong, we regularly assist client with motor vehicle tax deductions and ATO logbook requirements.

We have noticed that the ATO has recently increased its focus on motor vehicle expense claims for small businesses and individual taxpayers. If you are claiming motor vehicle expenses for tax purposes, it is important to maintain accurate records to support your deductions.

If anyone not claimming motor vehicle expenses please ignore this.

If you claimin motor vehicle usage for tax needs to be keeping a logbook, along with receipts for other motor vehicle costs you are claiming (insurance, depreciation, repairs, etc.)

Motor vehicle logbook requirement for small business

These log books need to be for a minimum of 12 continuous weeks for any work related trips. If you are using the car for a mixture of business and personal use, please keep a note of the personal trips you have done and the business trips you have done so we can easily differentiate the usage. Please ensure you have a photo of your odometer at the start of the three months, and at the end of the three months.

I have left a link below explaining a bit more on motor vehicle expenses, and how to keep a logbook. Please have a read when you get the chance.

At the beginning and end of the 12th week, you need to take a photo of your odometer, and the total should break up the distances into what was work usage, and personal usage. This 12 week period logbook can be used for up to 5 years, providing your circumstances don’t change.

A tax accountant can help to ensure your vehicle claim meet ATO requirements and maximise your eligible deductions.

Read the below link for more information regarding motor vehicle expenses.

https://www.ato.gov.au/Business/Income-and-deductions-for-business/Deductions/Deductions-for-motor-vehicle-expenses/Logbook-method/#Whattorecordinyourlogbook

Few apps are below if you are interested. No need of exact address suburb should be ok.
Logbook App Features Comparison
Feature
ATO Compliant
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Logbook Method
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Free Version
No
Yes
Limited
Yes
Limited
Subscription
$8
Free
$10
Free
$34
OBD2 Device
Free
App only
App only
App only
$60
First Year Cost
$96
$0
$112
$0
$468
Australian-made for Australians
Yes
Yes
No, American
Yes
No, Danis
Check few of the above app,  (price may vary need to check with the service providers) this  will make easier for you.
An experienced small business accountant, we recommend keeping digital copies of all receipts and records.

Working with a Small Business Accountant in Geelong can help ensure:

  • Your claims are compliant
  • Your deductions are maximised
  • Your records are audit-ready
  • You avoid unnecessary ATO issues

At Fair Tax Accountant Geelong, we assist businesses and individuals with:

  • Motor vehicle tax deductions
  • Business logbooks
  • Small business tax returns
  • BAS and GST
  • Sole trader tax advice
  • Company and trust tax ret

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