A log book is a written record of your business use of a motor vehicle over a period of time. Log books must be recorded in English and must be made at the end of the journey or as soon as possible afterwards.
Log books must be kept for 12 consecutive weeks in the first year that you claim a deduction for the motor vehicle and every fifth year thereafter. It is illegal to backdate a log book.
The ATO can tell if you have backdated a log book as there is a unique code printed in the log book.
This unique code is located on the interior of the spine on the last page of the book facing the inside back cover.
Example of a log book:
| Car | Date Start | Date End | Odometer Start | Odometer End | KM travelled | Travel Desc. |
| ABC123 | 1/3/2012 | 1/3/2012 | 20465 | 20500 | 35KM | Meeting with client at Penrith office |
| ABC123 | 2/3/2012 | 2/3/2012 | 20510 | 20550 | 40KM | Went on site to see progress of work |
What are odometer readings?
Odometer records mean a document which records for the period for which the log book is kept showing odometer reading at start and end of period.
If you need assistance in your log book keeping needs, it is important that you seek the help of a professional. Here at The Quinn Group our experienced team of accountants and bookkeepers can assist you with all your accounting and legal needs. For matters relating to log books or for any other accounting issues submit an online enquiry or call us on 1300 QUINNS (784 667) or on +61 2 9223 9166 to book an appointment.
