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ladyvita(Newbie)Newbie
21 June 2025

I use a company car as a property manager assistant. I need to drive to properties as part of my job. I need to have it presentable and clean. Can I claim car washes as tax deductible? I only use this car for work purposes.

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2 replies
2,217 views
2 replies

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ATO Certified Response
NikkiATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator
ATO Certified Response23 June 2025

Hi @ladyvita,


Here’s the link for Section 51AF – Car expenses incurred by employee that @Bruce4Tax has mentioned.


It explains that if a car is provided by your employer for your exclusive use and you're allowed to use it for private purposes, then you can’t claim a deduction for car expenses. This includes car washes – even if the car is only used for work.


Instead, you could:

  • ask your employer to reimburse the cost, or
  • let them know you’ve paid it, so they can reduce the fringe benefit value of the car (if they’re using the operating cost method for FBT).

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Are car washes on a company vehicle tax deductible? | ATO Community