can you claim car repairs on tax

Ah, the age-old question about squeezing every cent back from the taxman. In Australia, you can claim car repairs on your tax—but only if the vehicle is used for income-producing purposes, like a tradie's work ute or a delivery van. Personal cars for commuting typically don’t qualify, so don’t get any ideas.

When claiming, keep meticulous records because the ATO loves to play hardball. You can claim actual repair costs or use the cents-per-kilometre method, but not both. And remember, if you’re reimbursed by your employer, you can’t double-dip here.

Consult a tax professional or the ATO website for the intricate details, or risk a visit from a very unfriendly auditor.