CRA Mileage Rate In Canada: How Much You Can Claim Per Km

Answer

Canadian drivers who use a vehicle for work can claim eligible business kilometres using either a per-km CRA rate or actual vehicle expenses, supported by a complete log. KWB helps clients choose a method and keep records that match their employment or business return.

Overview

If you drive for work in Canada, confirm the CRA rate for your tax year and keep a log that separates business and personal kilometres.

• Claim Methods: You can use actual costs or the per-km method, compared in the two ways to claim vehicle expenses.
• CRA Rates: Published per-km tiers change by year, outlined in CRA automobile allowance rates.
• Business Kilometres: Commuting is usually personal; client and site trips may qualify, explained in what counts as business kilometres.
• Common Mistakes: Wrong rates, missing logs, and mixed methods are frequent issues, listed in common mistakes to avoid.
• Employees And Owners: T2200 forms, T2125 claims, and company cars follow different rules in employees vs self-employed and owners.
• KWB Support: We help set up logs and align claims with contracts, described in how KWB can help.

CRA Mileage Rates: What Canadian Drivers Can Claim

If you use your vehicle for work, the kilometres you drive can reduce your taxable income. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) does not pay you a flat mileage cheque. Instead, you claim eligible business kilometres as an expense on your tax return, using either a detailed log and actual costs or the simplified per-kilometre method.

Getting the rate and the rules right matters. Too many people round numbers, mix personal and business trips, or use an outdated rate. That creates risk if the CRA asks for proof.

The Two Ways to Claim Vehicle Expenses

With the actual expense method, you track all vehicle costs, including fuel, insurance, maintenance, registration, lease or financing interest, and depreciation within CRA limits, and you claim the business-use percentage based on your mileage log.

With the simplified per-kilometre method, you keep a log of business kilometres and multiply eligible kilometres by the CRA prescribed rate for the year. You cannot also claim individual gas, repair, or insurance bills for those same kilometres. You may still claim parking and supplementary business insurance separately in many cases.

Most employees and self-employed individuals who drive occasionally choose the simplified method because record-keeping is easier. Owners with heavy vehicle use sometimes save more with actual costs, but only if the log and receipts are strong.

CRA Automobile Allowance Rates (Per Km)

The CRA updates its reasonable automobile allowance rates for employers and its kilometre rates used for tax purposes. Rates can change by year and sometimes by province for the first 5,000 km versus additional km.

Always confirm the rate for the tax year you are filing. The table below reflects the widely used structure; verify current amounts on the CRA website or with your tax advisor before filing.

Distance	Typical CRA per-km rate (check current year)
First 5,000 km (business)	Often in the mid-60-cent range per km for many recent tax years; the rate varies by year.
Each km after 5,000 (business)	Often slightly lower than the first-tier rate; the rate varies by year.
Territories (additional)	An extra few cents per km may apply in the Territories for eligible travel.

If your employer pays you a car allowance, the allowance must generally be reasonable under CRA rules or the payment may be treated as taxable employment income. Self-employed individuals report business kilometres on the appropriate business or professional return.

What Counts as Business Kilometres

Commuting from home to your regular place of work is usually personal, not business. Trips between work locations, client visits, supplier runs, and travel to temporary work sites often qualify when they are required for earning income.

Keep a log that shows the date of each trip, the destination and purpose, odometer readings or total kilometres, and whether the trip was business or personal.

Apps can help, but the CRA cares about accuracy, not the brand of app. A simple spreadsheet or notebook works if it is complete and consistent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Claiming commuting as business travel
• Using last year’s rate for the current tax year
• Estimating kilometres without a log
• Mixing simplified and actual methods on the same vehicle in the same year
• Forgetting that passengers, parking, and tolls are treated differently depending on your situation

Employees vs. Self-Employed and Business Owners

Employees generally need Form T2200 or T2200S from their employer to claim employment expenses, including vehicle costs, unless they receive a tax-free reasonable allowance under CRA rules.

Self-employed individuals claim vehicle expenses on their business statement, for example T2125 for many sole proprietors.

Corporations may own or lease company vehicles with different rules for personal use, standby charges, and operating cost benefits. Personal use of a company car can create taxable benefits that should be calculated and reported properly.

How KWB Can Help

We help clients set up practical mileage tracking, choose between actual and per-km methods, and align vehicle claims with employment contracts and corporate records. If you drive for work across Alberta, the Territories, or multiple provinces, getting the log and the rate right up front is cheaper than fixing it after a review.

More Information and Resources

For a deeper look at record-keeping habits, see our earlier insight on tracking your mileage for tax savings.

We work with our clients to help you navigate these changes. To become a KWB client, book a free consultation.