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PSINGAL
Level 1

What's the difference between auto expense and car and truck expense?

I'm wondering where to put a repair on a car I own but use for business purposes

2 Comments 2
MirriamM
Moderator

What's the difference between auto expense and car and truck expense?

Thanks for reaching out to us, PSINGAL,

 

Let me help share information about the difference between auto expense and car and truck expense.

 

For the Auto Expense, are you referring to the account that you'll be using in QuickBooks Online? If yes, you can use Auto to track costs associated with vehicles. There are also different accounts of this type to track gasoline, repairs, and other maintenance.

 

Since you've conducted a repair on a car which you are using for your business, we have the Other Expense account type with a Vehicle Repairs detail type. 

 

You may also want to check with your accountant for proper guidance.

 

As for the Car and Truck expense, these are costs related to the business use of your vehicle in which you can use QuickBooks Self-Employed to track the actual cost of gas, oil, repairs, insurance, tires, and license plates (but not depreciation).

 

If you have further questions concerning vehicle  expenses, please feel free to reach back out. Have a great day!

qbteachmt
Level 15

What's the difference between auto expense and car and truck expense?

Here is what applies: You Told us this is a Personally Owned vehicle with mixed use.

 

@MirriamM

 

Please Learn from this input.

 

If you are tracking Mileage and will use Mileage allowance as expense in the Sched C, then this is a Personal Repair, not Business.

 

If you are tracking Mileage to use a % of Actual Costs for the vehicle as business portion, that still is a Personal Repair, not Business.

 

Here is Business Expense: I own and operate a Specialty vehicle, such as tow truck or well drilling rig. That has no Personal use, as I do not take the kids to school or the grocery store in that vehicle. That is Business expense, to own and operate it.

 

Ask your own CPA about Business Expense tracking.

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