Should I use logbook or cents per kilometre for my ute?
Use cents per kilometre for simplicity; use logbook when your work vehicle costs and work-use percentage are high enough to justify the records.
Last updated: 7 July 2026. General information for Australian tradies. Not personal tax advice.
Cents per kilometre
This is simpler and suits smaller work-travel claims. You need a reasonable basis for work kilometres, but not a full logbook.
Logbook method
A logbook can claim the work-use percentage of fuel, repairs, rego, insurance, depreciation or lease costs. It needs stronger records but may produce a larger claim.
Do not double count
Do not claim cents per kilometre and also claim fuel, servicing, rego, insurance, or depreciation for the same car.
Where to enter it in TradieCalc
Use Site-to-site travel for cents per km, or Vehicle logbook / vehicle expenses when using actual costs.
Open the calculatorRelated long-tail answers
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