work related car expenses without receipts

Trying to claim work-related car expenses without receipts? The ATO isn’t a fan of flying blind—without receipts, you’ll likely need to fall back on the logbook method or the cents-per-kilometre rate, both of which don’t require receipts but have strict record-keeping rules.

The logbook method requires you to keep a detailed diary for 12 continuous weeks, showing business versus private use, while the cents-per-kilometre method lets you claim up to 5,000 km at a fixed rate (currently around 72 cents per km), no receipts needed.

Beware: claiming expenses without proper evidence is a fast track to a tax audit, which is about as much fun as a flat tyre on the way to work.

Consult the ATO guidelines or a tax professional to avoid turning your tax return into a horror story.