New Zealand: mileage, vehicle expenses and tax records
Kilometre rates or actual costs
How the local rules work
Business vehicle expenses can be worked out using the applicable kilometre-rate method or actual costs. Mixed private and business use needs a business-use calculation.
What to keep
Keep business kilometres, total distance and vehicle details. Preserve receipts when using actual costs and check the logbook requirements.
What the odometer message means
The app needs total vehicle distance, including personal driving, to estimate business use. Enter beginning and ending odometer readings for the same vehicle and reporting period. Missing total distance means the percentage is incomplete; it does not erase your recorded business trips.
80% business · 20% personal
12,000 ÷ 15,000 × 100 = 80%. Use miles or kilometres consistently. This is a usage ratio, not automatic permission to deduct 80% of every cost.
Avoid this mistake
Rates depend on the income year, vehicle type and tier. A flat rate entered in an app may not represent the correct claim.
Prepare your records in Free Mile Tracker
- Select your country and the correct reporting period.
- Review each trip and distinguish business from personal driving.
- Add dated odometer readings and keep supporting expense documents.
- Export your records and compare them with platform statements before filing.
Official guidance
Inland Revenue: source for this guide
Source checked October 8, 2026. Confirm the applicable tax year on the official site before filing.