13/04/2026
🚗 Sole Traders: Want to Maximise Your Car Deductions? Keep a Logbook!
As a sole trader, choosing the right method to claim motor vehicle expenses can make a BIG difference in your tax refund.
While the cents-per-kilometre method is simple, keeping a 12-week logbook usually gives you a much higher deduction — especially if you use your car regularly for work or business.
🔍 Why the Logbook Method Is More Advantageous
✅ Claim the business use percentage of ALL vehicle expenses
(insurance, fuel, registration, servicing, tyres, car washes, loan interest, depreciation)
✅ Perfect for rideshare/Uber, delivery drivers & small business owners
Your real business usage is often much higher than cent per km allows.
✅ Valid for 5 years
Once your 12-week logbook is done, you can use that percentage for the next 5 years (as long as your travel pattern doesn’t change significantly).
✅ More accurate & ATO-compliant
A proper logbook helps avoid issues during ATO reviews.
📒 Tip: Start your logbook NOW — it must run for 12 continuous weeks to be valid.
If you need help setting one up or want advice on choosing the best method for your business, Akiora Accountants is here to help.
📩 Message us anytime for guidance!
