Every so often, car owners find themselves at the mechanic’s shop, incurring maintenance and repair expenses that can cause a substantial dent in the wallet. But could some relief be available come tax season? 

Is it possible that some of those pesky repair bills can be written off your tax return? Let’s explore this topic in detail and see who stands to benefit from such deductions.

Who’s Eligible to Deduct Car Repairs on their Taxes?

First and foremost, it’s essential to understand that only a particular category of taxpayers can claim tax deductions for vehicle-related expenses. These include self-employed individuals, small business owners, military reservists, and fee-basis government officials.

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Those who use their vehicles to perform their work duties, such as contractors, salespersons, or artists who qualify, are often able to take advantage of these car-related deductions.

What Counts as a Car-Related Expense for Tax Purposes?

The list of potential tax-deductible expenses is not limited to just car repairs. In fact, if your profession necessitates the use of a vehicle, you can usually deduct any ordinary and necessary car expenses. A plethora of costs fall under this umbrella:

• Repair and maintenance costs
• Fuel and oil expenses
• Depreciation
• Lease payments
• Parking and toll fees
• Vehicle insurance
• Licensing and registration costs
• You have the flexibility to approach these deductions in two ways – using the actual expenses incurred or applying the standard mileage rate. The latter allows you to write off a set amount per business mile driven, as designated by the IRS each year.

How Do You Report Car Repairs and Expenses on Tax Returns?

Taxpayers aiming to deduct vehicle-related expenses should be prepared to keep thorough records. Only business use of your vehicle is deductible, meaning personal miles need to be separated and accounted for accurately. 

A convenient way to achieve this is by maintaining a detailed log of your mileage, noting which drives pertain to your business activities. Imagine if you drive your car 60% of the time for business purposes, you would generally be eligible to deduct 60% of your total car expenses on your tax return. 

It is important to have receipts, invoices, and other relevant records to back up these deductions. Depending on your filing status, you would record these expenses in different places.

Related: Self-employed Worker Mileage Deduction Guide

Schedule C forms are used by self-employed individuals and business owners, whereas Form 2106 is for military reservists, fee-basis state or local government workers, and certain performers.

Are Vehicle Improvements Deductible?

It’s crucial to distinguish between repairs and improvements. While the former maintains your vehicle’s current condition, the latter enhances its value or extends its lifespan. 

The IRS does not consider improvements as deductible expenses. However, you can spread the cost of these improvements over several years, a process known as depreciation.

How to Keep Track of Your Deductible Vehicle Expenses

One crucial step to successfully claiming your vehicle-related tax deductions is diligent record-keeping. Keep track of every service or repair your vehicle undergoes, preserving all invoices and receipts.

Moreover, diligently recording your mileage for each business-related trip can substantiate your claim for deductions. The best way to keep track of your mileage and expenses is with a mileage tracker app like TripLog.

These apps typically allow you to label drives as business or personal, making it easier to determine the percentage of business use at the end of the tax year. 

Getting Professional Help with Your Deductions

The tax code can be complex, and when it comes to deductions, precision is key. Missteps can lead to audits or penalties, causing unwanted stress. Therefore, getting professional help can be incredibly beneficial.

Related: Top 5 Tax Tips For Gig Economy Workers In 2024

Tax preparation companies like H&R Block have professionals well-versed in identifying and claiming all eligible deductions. They can assist you in calculating your expenses, completing your tax forms correctly, and ensuring you don’t miss out on any potential savings.

Moreover, they can guide you in determining whether the standard mileage rate or actual expense method would provide you with the most significant tax benefits. This personalized guidance could result in considerable savings, particularly if you have substantial vehicle expenses.

Always remember, managing taxes need not be overwhelming. With the right tools and professional advice, you can maximize your deductions and potentially save money during tax season.

The Difference Between Car Repairs and Improvements

It’s important to understand the difference between repairs and improvements when claiming deductions. Generally, repairs refer to work done to restore the vehicle to its previous state, like replacing a broken headlight, mending a damaged fender, or fixing a malfunctioning air conditioner.

Improvements, on the other hand, involve alterations that enhance the car’s value or extend its life span, such as adding an improved engine, installing a more advanced navigation system, or upgrading the car’s sound system.

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While repairs are considered part of your deductible vehicle expenses, improvements typically are not immediately deductible as business expenses. However, there’s still some light at the end of the tunnel. The costs related to vehicle improvements are not entirely lost—they can be depreciated over a five-year period or longer, allowing you to recoup some of the costs over time.

Conclusion: Making Car Repairs Work for Your Tax Situation

In a nutshell, although car repairs can put a dent in your wallet, the ability to deduct these expenses for tax purposes can lighten the financial burden for those eligible. However, the complexities of tax laws mean it’s crucial to stay organized and maintain accurate records.

Furthermore, the help of a professional tax preparer or advisor can ensure that you navigate these deductions correctly, minimizing your tax liability and maximizing your refund potential.

Remember, everyone’s tax situation is unique, so it’s important to evaluate your own circumstances and consult with a tax professional to ensure you’re utilizing the available deductions optimally. Stay informed, stay organized, and make the tax season work in your favor.

One of the best ways to make sure you get every penny you deserve back from your taxes is to use a mileage tracker app like TripLog! Download for free on iOS or Android today.