Admin Boss Tax Knowledge Hub

Travel Logbook Checklist

Updated: June 2026 5 min read
Quick Overview: A detailed logbook is mandatory for claiming travel expenses. SARS will reject your claim without one.
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Andre van Niekerk

Registered Tax Practitioner, Admin Boss

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Table of Contents
  1. Quick Answer
  2. What to Record
  3. Daily Entries
  4. Year-End Summary
  5. Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Answer

SARS requires you to keep all tax-related documents for at least 5 years from the date of assessment.

What to Record

Record the date, starting odometer reading, ending odometer reading, total kilometres, business purpose, and destination for every business trip.

Daily Entries

Make entries immediately after each trip. Do not reconstruct logbooks from memory. Use a dedicated notebook or mobile app designed for SARS logbooks.

Year-End Summary

At year-end, calculate total business kilometres, total personal kilometres, and the business use percentage. This percentage applies to all vehicle expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long must I keep these documents?

SARS requires you to keep all tax-related documents for at least 5 years from the date of assessment.

Can Admin Boss help me prepare?

Yes. Admin Boss is a registered tax practice that can help organise your documents and ensure nothing is missed. Visit adminboss.co.za/need-more-info/.

What happens if I miss a document?

Contact the issuer and request a duplicate. For bank statements, download from online banking. Missing documents may result in denied deductions.

Need Help With Your Tax?

Admin Boss is a registered tax practice with over 20 years of experience helping South African individuals and businesses navigate SARS.