How to Keep Track of Business Mileage for Tax Deductions in Singapore

06 July 2024

Editor: ET

Properly tracking business mileage is crucial for claiming tax deductions and maintaining accurate financial records.

Tracking business mileage is essential for claiming tax deductions and maintaining accurate financial records. Proper documentation of business mileage can help reduce your taxable income and ensure compliance with tax regulations.

Further Reading: Penalties for Not Holding an AGM in Singapore

This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to keep track of business mileage for tax deductions in Singapore.

Importance of Tracking Business Mileage

Accurately tracking business mileage allows you to:

1. Claim Tax Deductions: You can claim deductions for business-related travel expenses, reducing your taxable income.

2. Maintain Accurate Records: Keeping detailed mileage logs helps in financial planning and audits.

3. Ensure Compliance: Adhering to tax regulations avoids potential penalties and fines from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).

Methods to Track Business Mileage

1. Manual Logs

One traditional method of tracking mileage is through manual logs. This involves recording the date, start and end locations, purpose of the trip, and the total distance traveled. While this method is straightforward, it can be time-consuming and prone to errors.

2. Mileage Tracking Apps

Utilizing mileage tracking apps can simplify the process. These apps automatically record your trips using GPS, calculate the distance traveled, and allow you to categorize trips as business or personal. Some popular apps include MileIQ, TripLog, and Everlance.

3. Odometer Readings

Recording odometer readings at the start and end of each business trip is another effective method. This approach requires noting the readings and the purpose of the trip, ensuring that all business-related travel is documented accurately.

Best Practices for Tracking Business Mileage

1. Consistent Record Keeping

Maintain consistent records by logging trips immediately after they occur. This habit reduces the risk of forgetting details and ensures accuracy.

2. Categorize Trips

Differentiate between business and personal trips to avoid mixing expenses. Clear categorization helps in accurate tax reporting and deduction claims.

3. Retain Supporting Documents

Keep supporting documents such as fuel receipts, toll receipts, and parking receipts. These documents can substantiate your mileage claims during tax audits.

How to Claim Business Mileage Deductions

When filing taxes, you can claim deductions for business mileage by:

1. Calculating the Total Business Mileage Sum up the total distance traveled for business purposes over the tax year.

2. Applying the IRAS Mileage Rate Multiply the total business mileage by the mileage rate prescribed by IRAS.

3. Filing the Deduction Include the calculated deduction in your tax return, along with the supporting documents and mileage logs.

Further Reading: Applying for an Extension of Time to Hold Your AGM in Singapore

Properly tracking business mileage is crucial for claiming tax deductions and maintaining accurate financial records. By using manual logs, mileage tracking apps, or odometer readings, you can ensure precise documentation of business-related travel. Following best practices and retaining supporting documents will help you stay compliant with tax regulations and maximize your deductions.

For professional advice and assistance, consult the experts at Expede.com.sg.