Few people drive as much for work as real estate agents. Open homes, appraisals, vendor meetings — it adds up fast, and so does the deduction if you claim it properly.
Two ways to claim
- Kilometre rate — a set rate per business kilometre, simple to run
- Actual costs — claim the business-use share of all running costs and depreciation
High-mileage agents are often better off on actual costs, but it depends on the vehicle and how much you drive. The only way to know is to compare.
Either way, you need records
A logbook over a representative period sets your business-use percentage. Keep it once, apply it, and refresh it periodically.
We compare both methods on your numbers and use whichever saves you more — then keep the records IRD expects.