What is an ATO compliant Motor Vehicle Log Book
Claiming car expenses?
Here’s what the ATO needs to see in your logbook
An ATO-compliant logbook for claiming work-related car expenses must include the following details:
1. Logbook Period
The logbook must cover a continuous 12-week period.
This period should be representative of your car usage throughout the year.
A new logbook is required every five years, or sooner if your car use changes significantly.
2. Car Details
Make, model, and engine capacity.
Registration number.
Odometer readings at the start and end of the logbook period.
3. Odometer Readings
Start and end odometer readings for each trip.
Total kilometres travelled for each trip.
4. Trip Details
Each trip recorded must include:
Date of the trip.
Reason for travel (e.g., client meeting, worksite visit).
Start and end locations.
Number of kilometres travelled.
5. Total Kilometres
Total work-related kilometres for the logbook period.
Total private kilometres for the logbook period.
The work-use percentage is calculated as:
(Total Work Related KM/Total KM Travelled) X 100
6. Keeping Records
The logbook and odometer records must be kept for five years from the date of your tax return lodgment for the year the logbook was used.
The percentage of work use determined in the logbook is used to claim car expenses for the entire financial year.