how to claim fuel on tax return

Claiming fuel on your tax return isn’t witchcraft, but it does require receipts and a pulse.

Pick a method: the logbook method (keep a 12‑week logbook, work out your business‑use %, then apply it to all car costs including fuel) or the cents‑per‑kilometre method (claim a set rate per business km, up to 5,000 km per car).

Keep fuel receipts, odometer readings, and records of business trips; commuting to your 9‑to‑5 doesn’t count, no matter how heroic the traffic.

Employees claim it under Work‑related car expenses in myTax; sole traders use the motor vehicle expenses section and can apportion GST credits if registered.

No double‑dipping: if your employer reimburses you, you can’t claim it again, and you can’t mix methods for the same car and year.

If in doubt, check the ATO guidance or ask an accountant before you feed the audit fairy.