Fuel Tax Credit Rates 2023 Calculator
Calculate your eligible fuel tax credits for 2023 based on the latest ATO rates. This tool helps businesses claim back fuel tax credits for eligible fuels used in machinery, plant equipment, and heavy vehicles.
Your Fuel Tax Credit Results
Comprehensive Guide to Fuel Tax Credit Rates 2023
The Australian fuel tax credit system provides businesses with credits for the fuel tax (excise or customs duty) included in the price of fuel used in machinery, plant equipment, heavy vehicles, and other business activities. The rates change periodically, and 2023 has seen several important updates that businesses need to be aware of to maximize their claims.
What Are Fuel Tax Credits?
Fuel tax credits are a government incentive designed to reduce the cost of fuel for businesses by providing credits for the tax included in fuel prices. These credits are particularly valuable for industries that rely heavily on fuel, such as:
- Agriculture, forestry, and fishing
- Mining and construction
- Transport and logistics
- Manufacturing and processing
The amount you can claim depends on:
- The type of fuel you use
- When you acquired the fuel
- How you use the fuel in your business
Key Changes to Fuel Tax Credit Rates in 2023
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) adjusts fuel tax credit rates twice a year, typically in February and August. For 2023, the following rates apply:
| Fuel Type | On-road Heavy Vehicles (>4.5t GVM) | Off-road (All Other Business Uses) | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 18.8 cents per litre | 48.3 cents per litre | 1 July 2023 – 30 September 2023 |
| Diesel | 18.8 cents per litre | 46.6 cents per litre | 1 October 2023 – 31 December 2023 |
| Petrol (Unleaded) | Not eligible | 18.8 cents per litre | 1 July 2023 – 31 December 2023 |
| Biodiesel (B100) | Not eligible | 18.8 cents per litre | 1 July 2023 – 31 December 2023 |
| LP Gas | Not eligible | 14.5 cents per litre | 1 July 2023 – 31 December 2023 |
Important Note: The rates for diesel used in heavy vehicles for travelling on public roads are lower because these businesses can claim a credit for the fuel tax (excise or customs duty) that relates to their business use of the fuel, minus the road user charge.
Eligibility Criteria for Fuel Tax Credits
To be eligible for fuel tax credits, your business must:
- Be registered for GST (though you can still claim if you’re not required to be registered)
- Use fuel in your business operations (not for private use)
- Keep accurate records of fuel purchases and usage
- Use eligible fuels for eligible activities
Eligible activities include:
- Operating machinery, plant, or equipment
- Operating heavy vehicles (over 4.5 tonnes GVM) on public roads
- Operating light vehicles on private roads (e.g., farm roads, mine sites)
- Generating electricity
How to Calculate Your Fuel Tax Credits
The basic formula for calculating your fuel tax credit is:
Total Credit = Number of Litres × Applicable Rate
For example, if your agriculture business used 5,000 litres of diesel in off-road equipment between July and September 2023:
5,000 litres × $0.483 = $2,415 fuel tax credit
If you’re registered for GST, you’ll need to account for the GST impact on your claim. The GST credit you can claim is 1/11th of your fuel tax credit amount.
Record-Keeping Requirements
The ATO requires businesses to keep detailed records to substantiate their fuel tax credit claims. You must keep records for at least 5 years from the date you lodge your business activity statement (BAS). Required records include:
- Fuel purchase invoices or receipts showing:
- Date of purchase
- Amount of fuel purchased
- Type of fuel
- Supplier details
- Records showing how the fuel was used in your business (e.g., equipment logs, vehicle trip records)
- Calculations showing how you worked out your claim amount
For businesses using the simplified record-keeping method, you can keep a representative sample of records for a 4-week period each financial year, provided your fuel use doesn’t change significantly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many businesses make errors when claiming fuel tax credits that can lead to ATO audits or missed opportunities. Common mistakes include:
- Claiming for ineligible fuels: Not all fuels qualify for credits. For example, aviation fuel and some alternative fuels have different rules.
- Using incorrect rates: Rates change every 6 months, and using outdated rates can result in under or over-claiming.
- Poor record-keeping: Without proper records, you may not be able to substantiate your claim if audited.
- Claiming for private use: Fuel used for private purposes (even in a business vehicle) is not eligible.
- Not accounting for road user charge: For heavy vehicles on public roads, you must subtract the road user charge from the full credit rate.
How to Claim Your Fuel Tax Credits
You can claim fuel tax credits through your business activity statement (BAS). The process involves:
- Calculating your eligible credits for the reporting period
- Including the total credit amount at label 7D on your BAS
- Keeping all required records in case of an ATO review
Most businesses report and claim fuel tax credits quarterly, though some may report monthly or annually depending on their GST reporting cycle.
Special Considerations for Different Industries
Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing
These industries typically have the highest fuel tax credit claims due to extensive off-road equipment use. Key points:
- Diesel used in tractors, harvesters, and irrigation pumps qualifies for the full off-road rate
- Fuel used in light vehicles on farm roads (not public roads) is eligible
- Special rules apply for fuel used in fishing vessels
Transport and Logistics
Transport businesses need to carefully distinguish between on-road and off-road use:
- Heavy vehicles (>4.5t GVM) on public roads use the reduced rate (after road user charge)
- Fuel used for refrigeration units may qualify for the full off-road rate
- Auxiliary equipment (e.g., tailgate lifters) may have different rates
Mining and Construction
These industries often have complex fuel usage patterns:
- Fuel used in mining equipment typically qualifies for the full off-road rate
- Construction businesses must track fuel used in on-site equipment vs. vehicles
- Special rules may apply for fuel used in remote locations
Alternative Fuels and Future Changes
The Australian government is gradually phasing in fuel tax credits for alternative fuels to encourage their adoption. Current rules include:
- Biodiesel: Eligible for credits when used off-road
- LPG/CNG/LNG: Lower credit rates apply compared to diesel
- Electric vehicles: Not eligible for fuel tax credits (though other incentives may apply)
From 1 July 2024, the government has announced plans to:
- Adjust credit rates for emerging alternative fuels
- Introduce new record-keeping requirements for blended fuels
- Potentially expand eligibility for certain low-emission fuels
Fuel Tax Credit Rates Comparison: 2022 vs 2023
| Fuel Type | 2022 Rate (Off-road) | 2023 Rate (Off-road) | Change | Primary Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 44.2 cents/L (Jul-Dec) 46.0 cents/L (Jan-Jun) |
48.3 cents/L (Jul-Sep) 46.6 cents/L (Oct-Dec) |
+4.1 cents (Jul-Sep) +0.6 cents (Oct-Dec) |
Indexation to CPI and fuel excise changes |
| Petrol | 18.8 cents/L | 18.8 cents/L | No change | Stable excise rate |
| LP Gas | 13.3 cents/L | 14.5 cents/L | +1.2 cents | Excise rate adjustment |
| Biodiesel (B100) | 18.8 cents/L | 18.8 cents/L | No change | Consistent with petrol rate |
The increases in diesel rates for 2023 reflect the government’s indexation of fuel excise rates in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as well as adjustments to account for changes in the road user charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim fuel tax credits if I’m not registered for GST?
Yes, you can still claim fuel tax credits even if you’re not registered for GST. However, if you’re required to be registered for GST but aren’t, you won’t be able to claim. The credits are not dependent on being GST-registered, though the claiming process is typically done through your BAS.
How often do fuel tax credit rates change?
Fuel tax credit rates are typically adjusted twice a year, in February and August. These adjustments account for changes in the fuel excise rates and other economic factors. It’s important to use the correct rate for the period when you acquired the fuel, not when you’re claiming.
What’s the road user charge and how does it affect my claim?
The road user charge is a fee that applies to fuel used in heavy vehicles on public roads. It’s currently set at 29.2 cents per litre (as of July 2023). For heavy vehicles over 4.5 tonnes GVM, you subtract this charge from the full fuel tax credit rate to determine your eligible credit.
Can I claim for fuel used in my utes or light commercial vehicles?
Generally, no. Fuel used in light vehicles (under 4.5 tonnes GVM) on public roads is not eligible for fuel tax credits. However, if the vehicle is used off-public roads (e.g., on a farm or mine site), you may be eligible to claim for that portion of fuel use.
How do I correct a mistake in a previous fuel tax credit claim?
If you’ve made an error in a previous claim, you should correct it as soon as possible. For over-claims, you can adjust your next BAS or request an amendment. For under-claims, you can claim the additional amount in your next BAS, provided it’s within the ATO’s time limits (generally 4 years).
Are there any special rules for fuel used in emergency vehicles?
Yes, fuel used in emergency vehicles (such as fire trucks, ambulances, and police vehicles) may be eligible for special fuel tax credit rates. These vehicles are often exempt from the road user charge, allowing them to claim the full credit rate even for on-road use.