CRA Automobile Standby Charge & Operating Cost Tax Guide | NationRules
Home/Canada/Taxes/Automobile Standby Charge
Tax Compliance

CRA Company Car Tax Guide

Navigate standby charges, operating cost benefits, and employee auto logs for company vehicle tax compliance.

Standby & Operating Benefit Calculator

Estimate the taxable benefit of a company car using standard CRA formulas:

Include GST/HST.
Includes daily commute.

Reducing Your Standby Charge Tax

The CRA allows a **reduced standby charge** if you satisfy two strict parameters:

  • Business Use Rule: You must drive the company vehicle for business purposes at least **50% of the time**.
  • Personal Distance Limit: Your personal use kilometers must not exceed an average of **1,667 km per month** (totaling exactly **20,004 km per year**).
  • Mandatory Logbook: To prove to the CRA that your business use exceeds 50%, you **must** keep a daily logbook recording every single business trip (date, destination, purpose, and kilometers driven). Without a logbook, the CRA will deny the reduction.
CRA Formula Constants
Standby Monthly Rate2.0% of cost
Leased standby rate2/3 of lease cost
Operating Cost Rate (2026)$0.33 / km
Reduced Standby cap20,004 km / year