Do your Tax with TaxTim and WIN R10,000  More info   T&C's apply


Depreciation on cars, how does it work?



Your depreciation calculator - is it up to date in terms of percentages allowed etc?

Second question - I am a sole prop. I know that I can deduct business expenses (not permanently employed), but I am not sure about the installment that I pay for the vehicle (HP). Can I deduct for tax purposes since I use the car for business.

Last question - if the above deduction is allowed, can I also add depreciation of the vehicle to the 'basket' or is it a matter of either or?

Thank you for your time!

TaxTim TaxTim says:
13 March 2013 at 9:42

Our depreciation tables are based on the latest Practice Note 47 which has was released by SARS on 2 November 2012.

If you use the car for business purposes then the portion of the lease payment (HP) that relates to business use can be deducted as well. Only the business portion. You would need to determine how this is done, but the best way would be to keep a log book detailing your opening and closing km for the tax year and then document all business travel. This percentage of business travel to total travel would then be used as a way of apportioning the lease payment.

Petrol, license and insurance costs could be done the same way.

You would not be able to depreciate the vehicle unless you bought it outright or were not trying to deduct lease payments. That would be a double deduction.

This entry was posted in Tax Q&A and tagged , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.




Submit your tax return right here!

TaxTim will help you:

 Do Your Tax Return Easily
 Avoid penalties
 Maximise your refund

Tim uses your answers to complete your income tax return instantly and professionally, with everything filled in in the right place.

Let Tim submit your tax return direct to SARS in just a few clicks!

Get started

Blog Categories


Ask TaxTim

Got a question you want answered about tax?

Visit our helpdesk →

Get SARS Tax Deadlines in your Inbox
We'll tell you when you need to file, along with tax tips and updates.