Smart Fuel Tracking: Save Money and Simplify Claims

Why fuel is worth tracking properly

For anyone who drives for work, fuel is often the largest and most variable expense, and it is one of the easiest deductions to under-claim simply because the slips go missing. Capturing fuel as you go also tells you something useful: your real cost per trip and your vehicle's efficiency.

What makes up the pump price

A South African fuel price is not one number. It bundles the basic fuel price, the general fuel levy, the Road Accident Fund levy, and customs and excise duties. You do not need to itemise these to claim, but it explains why fuel moves so much month to month and why tracking the actual spend matters.

Tracking practices that pay off

1. Scan every fuel slip the moment you fill up, so nothing fades or disappears.
2. Log your odometer at fill-ups to see real fuel efficiency over time.
3. Link fuel to trips so the business purpose is clear.
4. Watch the running total so monthly spend never surprises you.

A few habits also lower the bill: planning efficient routes, combining errands, keeping tyres at the right pressure, and servicing the vehicle on time.

Two ways to claim fuel

You can claim business fuel using either:

• Actual costs: the business-use portion of the fuel you actually paid for, backed by slips and your business-use percentage.
• The prescribed rate: the SARS rate per kilometre applied to your business kilometres, which already accounts for fuel along with other running costs.

The prescribed rate changes each year (it is R4.95 per km for the 2027 tax year), and for newer, fuel-efficient vehicles it often beats actual costs. The only way to know is to calculate both. The SARS rate per kilometre guide has the current figure and the trade-offs, and fuel sits inside the wider list of deductible business expenses.

Capture fuel without thinking about it

Expenstry reads your fuel slips, ties them to trips and odometer readings, and keeps the totals tax-ready, so whichever method wins, the records are there. See Expenstry pricing, from R59 a month, or start a 7-day free trial.

General guidance, not personal tax advice. The prescribed rate changes annually, so confirm the current figure at sars.gov.za or with your accountant.

Frequently asked questions

How do I claim fuel from SARS?

Either claim the business portion of your actual fuel costs, or use the SARS prescribed rate per kilometre on your business kilometres. The prescribed rate already includes fuel and other running costs.

Which method gives a bigger deduction?

It depends on the vehicle. For newer, fuel-efficient cars the prescribed rate often beats actual costs. Calculate both before you choose.

Do I need fuel slips if I use the prescribed rate?

The prescribed rate is based on your business kilometres rather than slips, so a logbook is essential. If you claim actual costs instead, you need the fuel slips.

What is the current SARS rate per kilometre?

R4.95 per km for the 2027 tax year. It changes annually, so confirm the current figure with SARS.