What a CRA logbook must include
If you use your vehicle for business and personal driving, the CRA expects a logbook. Here's what to record and how it turns into your claim.
For every business trip
- The date
- Where you went
- Why you went, for example the client or job
- The kilometres you drove
Once a year
- Your odometer reading at the start of the year
- Your odometer reading at the end of the year
- Readings when you buy, sell or trade in the vehicle
Working out business use
Business-use percentage is business km divided by total km driven in the year. If you drove 20,000 km and 12,000 were for business, your business use is 60%. Self-employed people claim that share of their car costs.
The simplified logbook
Keep a full log for one typical 12-month base year. After that, a continuous 3-month sample each year is enough, as long as your business use stays within 10% of the base year.
General information, not tax advice. Check canada.ca or ask your accountant about your situation.