Tax implications of vehicles | Simkover and Associates Chartered Accountants

Tax implications of vehicles

Costs associated with a vehicle can be written off as long as the vehicle is used at least partly for business purposes.
The following costs can be written off:

Capital cost allowance (gradual depreciation of the cost of the vehicle itself, if purchased)
Leasing cost (maximum $800/month plus taxes)
Lease down payment (amortize over term of lease)
Gas
Highway tolls
Repairs and maintenance
Parking
Tickets
Accident damage
Interest on loan (maximum $300/month)
License plates
Insurance
Driver's license

The percentage of total kilometers used for the vehicle that is represented by business-use kilometers, gives us the percent of the above expenses that can be written off as a tax-deductible expense. Note that traveling to and from home and office is considered personal use, but the following is business use:

Home, to customer, to home
Home, to customer, to office
Office, to customer, to home

The government requires the use of a travel log to confirm the business-use percentage that is claimed. Without the log, the government is likely to reduce the business-use percentage.

One of the most common questions is whether it is better to buy or lease a vehicle. From a tax perspective, there are some differences but they are not very significant except that leasing produces a quicker write-off. However, leasing costs you more than buying, unless you are planning to buy a vehicle and keep it for three years or less. If you keep your vehicle for five or more years, it is likely more beneficial to purchase rather than lease.

There are many other tax implications of vehicles. Please contact Simkover and Associates at 905-943-4046 if you need further accounting services or advice in relation to this topic. Click here for additional contact information

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Tax implications of vehicles | Simkover and Associates Chartered Accountants