Kilometre rates for the business use of vehicles for the 2021 income year

In accordance with s DE 12(4) the Commissioner is required to set and publish kilometre rates.  These rates can be used to calculate expenditure claims for the business use of a motor vehicle.  They may also be used by employers as a reasonable estimate for reimbursement of expenditure incurred by employees for the use of a private motor vehicle for business purposes.  More information is available on the Inland Revenue website www.ird.govt.nz/ (search keywords “claiming vehicle expenses”). 

The rates set out below apply for the 2020/2021 income year for business motor vehicle expenditure claims. The tier one rates reflect a decrease in overall vehicle costs largely due to lower fuel costs in response to reduced global demand (Covid-19 pandemic) and reduced interest and maintenance costs.

The table of rates for the 2021 income year:

The Tier Two rate is for running costs only. Use the Tier Two rate for the business portion of any travel over 14,000 kms in a year. 

Operational Statements OS 19/04A: Commissioner's statement on using a kilometre rate for business running of a motor vehicle - deductions and OS 19/04B: Commissioner's statement on using a kilometre rate for employee reimbursement of a motor vehicle provide further information on the use of the kilometre rates.