Are you in the market for a smartphone-based car logbook app?

Keeping accurate records for your vehicle can be incredibly time-consuming, and the requirements can seem overwhelming and complicated, even if you complete them year after year. Wouldn’t it be easier if there was an app for it?

Unsurprisingly, there are! There are multiple logbook apps (paid or free) available that you can alternatively use as your vehicle logbook, depending on your needs. However, accurate logging shouldn’t be the only criteria you use to identify the best logbook app.

You should consider these must-have features of a decent logbook app when deciding for you or your business to use:

• ATO compliance – An invalid logbook will keep you from making a successful vehicle expense claim. You need a logbook app that both logs your car business use and provides the evidence to support your tax deduction claim.
• GPS tracking: A logbook app with GPS functionality records live location and provides detailed trip descriptions. You’ll never have to remember where you were on a specific day (a much-desired quality for record-keeping reflections!)
• Mileage reports: A logbook app must give exact details of each trip, including the trip dates and times, odometer readings and the reason for your trip. It must record this information in an easy-to-access and read format to make your accountant’s work easier.

Some examples of logbook apps that might save you the headache of remembering to log your travel include:

• Gofar
• LogbookMe
• Vehicle Logger, and more.

A logbook app that helps you get all your ducks in a row before you contact your accountant will save you major headaches at tax time. Depending on the app, you may find some elements more convenient than others. Work out what appeals to you and works for your record-keeping requirements.