FAQ – Does carrying a laptop make my motor vehicle tax deductible?

Have you ever had someone tell you that they claim a tax deduction for their motor vehicle travel as they are required to carry a laptop as a ‘equipment’ for work? Whilst parts of this statement may be true, unfortunately it’s not 100% correct.

You can claim the cost of travel between home and work where you use your car to carry bulky tools and equipment and you are unable to store the equipment in a secure place at work. Whilst there is no definition of ‘bulky tools and equipment’ it is generally considered bulky if it’s over 20kg or genuinely awkward and large, for example a ladder. Transporting a laptop to and from work fails this test as it would not be considered bulky. Furthermore, it is not sufficient that you take the equipment home for your own convenience; it must be out of necessity.