Traffic Controllers Car Expenses

Deductibility of Car Expenses for Road Traffic Controllers Traveling from Site to Site

Work out which travel situation applies to you..

1. Travel Between Work Locations of the Same Employer:

   • Deductible: If a road traffic controller travels directly between different work locations for the same employer on the same day, these car expenses are generally deductible. This is because the travel is considered to be "on work" rather than "to work".
   • Example: If you start your day at one construction site and then need to drive to another site for the same employer, the car expenses incurred for this travel are deductible.

2. Travel Between Home and a Work Location:

   • Generally Not Deductible: Travel between home and a regular place of work is typically not deductible. This is considered commuting, which is a private expense.
   • Exceptions:
     • Itinerant Work: If your job involves shifting places of work (itinerant in nature), such as having no fixed place of work and traveling to different sites regularly, the travel from home to these sites can be deductible.
     • Transporting Bulky Equipment: If you are required to transport bulky or heavy equipment that is essential for your job and there is no secure storage at your workplace, the travel from home to work may be deductible.

3. Travel from Home to Multiple Sites in a Day:

   • Deductible: If you travel from home to a work site, then to another site, and so on throughout the day, the travel after the first trip from home is generally deductible. The initial trip from home to the first site may not be deductible unless the nature of your work is itinerant.
   • Example: You leave home and go to Site A, then travel from Site A to Site B, and finally from Site B back home. The travel between Site A and Site B is deductible, but the trip from home to Site A and from Site B back home may not be, unless you meet the itinerant work criteria.

Specific Guidelines and Examples

• Example 1: You are a road traffic controller who starts the day at a central depot, picks up necessary equipment, and then travels to various sites throughout the day. The travel between the depot and various sites is deductible, but the travel from home to the depot may not be unless it is considered itinerant work.

• Example 2: You travel directly from home to different sites each day without returning to a central office or depot. If your work is considered itinerant, all travel from home to these sites can be deductible.

Record Keeping

• Logbook Method: If you use the logbook method, keep a detailed logbook for at least 12 weeks to establish the business use percentage of your car. Record all trips, including the date, destination, purpose, and kilometers traveled.
• Cents per Kilometre Method: If using this method, you can claim a set rate per kilometer (up to a maximum of 5,000 business kilometers per year). You need to be able to substantiate the number of kilometers traveled for work purposes.
• Get the Gotax App to track your travel.
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Practical Tips

• Documentation: Always keep detailed records and receipts for all car expenses, including fuel, maintenance, registration, and insurance.
• Consultation: For specific situations, especially those that might be more complex or unique, consider consulting with a tax professional or accountant to ensure compliance with tax laws and to maximize your eligible deductions.

By understanding these guidelines, road traffic controllers can effectively determine when their car expenses are deductible and ensure they are accurately claiming these expenses on their tax returns.

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