Principal Issues: A request to allow sole proprietors to deduct a per kilometre allowance for motor vehicle expenses instead of maintaining receipts for individual expenses.
Position: Not permissible under the Act.
Reasons: Such expenses would require receipts.
September 20, 2006
XXXXXXXXXX
Dear XXXXXXXXXX:
I am replying to your correspondence addressed to XXXXXXXXXX, concerning expenses for business travel.
To ease the record-keeping burden for sole proprietors, you suggest that they be given the option of deducting a per-kilometre rate when using their personal automobile instead of having to keep track of individual expenses and receipts.
The government is constantly reviewing ways to ease the administrative burden of small businesses in fulfilling their obligations under the Income Tax Act, and I appreciate you bringing this suggestion to my attention. I assure you that it will be considered by the Canada Revenue Agency and the Department of Finance Canada.
I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your letter.
Sincerely,
The Honourable Carol Skelton, P.C., M.P.
Randy Hewlett
613-957-2049
August 31, 2006
2006-020300