Motor Vehicle Claims 2025 | Logbook vs Cents‑per‑Kilometre Methods
When it comes to claiming business-related car expenses on your 2024–25 tax return, choosing the right method can help you maximise your deduction—whether you’re a sole trader, partnership, or employee. Let’s compare the two primary ATO-approved methods.
🛣️ 1. Cents‑per‑Kilometre Method
Rate for 2024–25: 88 c/km (this rate is all-inclusive and covers fuel, insurance, servicing, registration, depreciation, etc.)
Maximum claim: You can claim up to 5,000 business kilometres per car, per financial year
No logbook required, but you must be able to show how you worked out the kilometres
Applies to: Individuals (employees, sole traders, or partners) who own or lease the vehicle
🧾 What Records Should You Keep?
Even though a formal logbook isn’t required for this method, the ATO expects you to be able to reasonably substantiate your work-related travel if reviewed.
To support your claim, you should keep evidence such as:
Diary entries or calendar appointments clearly noting work-related trips
A travel log showing:
Date of travel
Starting point and destination
Purpose of the trip
Kilometres travelled
Letters or supporting documentation from your employer, confirming the nature of your work travel
Receipts or job records (e.g. visiting clients, attending meetings, offsite jobs)
The ATO may cross-check your kilometres against your work patterns, job description, or employer records. For example, claiming 5,000km with no work travel component in your role could raise red flags.
💡 Example
If you drive to a client site twice a week (30 km round trip), and do that for 40 weeks of the year:
30 km × 2 trips/week × 40 weeks = 2,400 km
Claim = 2,400 × $0.88 = $2,112 deduction
Keep notes of these trips in your diary, digital calendar, or job management system as backup in case of an ATO query.
📘 2. Logbook Method
How it works:
Keep a 12‑week logbook that reflects your typical travel
Use it to determine your percentage of work-related travel
Apply that percentage to all car expenses (fuel, servicing, interest, insurance, depreciation etc.)
How long it lasts:
Logbook is valid for 5 years, with annual odometer checks
Who can use it? Sole traders or partnerships with cars
Why choose it?
Ideal if you drive more than 5,000 business km or have high vehicle expenses—helping maximise your claim.
🔍 How to Choose the Right Method
| Factor | Cents‑per‑km | Logbook |
|---|---|---|
| Ease | Simple—just record total km | Requires 12-week recordkeeping |
| Maximum kilometres | Capped at 5,000 km | Unlimited, but proportional |
| Vehicle costs covered | All running costs via one rate | All actual expenses, prorated |
| Best for | Light to medium business use | Heavy business travel, high costs |
✍️ Claiming Steps
Estimate your work kms using diary, app, or trip logs
Choose your method—claim whichever gives the larger deduction
For logbook, maintain receipts and relevant documentation
Retain records for at least 5 years in case of an ATO review
✅ Ready to Boost Your Claim?
Choosing the right method can make a material difference to your bottom line. If you’re unsure which approach suits your situation—or want help setting up a logbook or tracking system—I’d be happy to help!
📩 Contact me at admin@bectax.com.au or book a meeting via Teams or in-person.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This blog is intended as general information only and may not consider all your personal circumstances. It should not be relied upon as advice. Please seek tailored advice from a registered tax agent or financial advisor to ensure the method you choose aligns with your situation.