Revenue Quebec introduces simplified vehicle logbook

On October 22, 2010, Raymond Bachand, Quebec’s Minister of Finance and Revenue, announced (French only) the introduction of a simplified logbook for motor vehicle expenses with a view to making it more simple to do business in Quebec. The logbook would be similar to the one introduced by the CRA last summer (please refer to the July 8, 2010 edition of Weekly Tax Highlights for more information on the federal logbook).


Under the new initiative, businesses would initially keep an expense register during one complete year to record motor vehicle expenses related to business use. This register would serve as a model for future years.


Following this, businesses would only keep a register of their motor vehicle expenses related to business use for three consecutive months rather than monthly as is currently required. Businesses would have to demonstrate that the vehicle use during those three months compares favourably, within 10%, to the use in the 12-month reference period.


The Minister claims that this proposal will simplify record keeping for Quebec business owners as the logbook would be harmonized to the federal model. Additional detailed information to support this initiative has not yet been released.