Why sign in to the Community?

  • Submit a question
  • Check your notifications
Sign in to the Community or Sign in to TurboTax and start working on your taxes
Level 1
posted Apr 13, 2023 9:00:27 AM

I buy fuel in bulk, store it in one tank, and fill my company vehicles from the bulk tank. How do I determine the gasoline expense per vehicle on the TurboTax vehicle expense worksheet. I use actual expenses per vehicle instead of mileage.

I buy fuel in bulk, store it in one tank, and fill my company vehicles from the bulk tank. How do I determine the gasoline expense per vehicle on the TurboTax vehicle expense worksheet. I use actual expenses per vehicle instead of mileage.

0 5 736
1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Apr 13, 2023 9:17:07 AM

You would need to track the number of gallons you are putting in each vehicle when you put it in the vehicles then multiply it by the amount you paid for the gas to fill up the big tank. There is no other way to determine how much gas you are using in which vehicle. Basically, it should be done like you are going to the gas station with a "receipt" for each vehicle whenever they are filled up. 

5 Replies
Expert Alumni
Apr 13, 2023 9:17:07 AM

You would need to track the number of gallons you are putting in each vehicle when you put it in the vehicles then multiply it by the amount you paid for the gas to fill up the big tank. There is no other way to determine how much gas you are using in which vehicle. Basically, it should be done like you are going to the gas station with a "receipt" for each vehicle whenever they are filled up. 

Level 1
Apr 13, 2023 9:25:12 AM

Is this the only way? I would have to buy a gallons counter for the tank. Do i have to enter per vehicle? Or can i just enter a total fuel cost for the year in a different section?

Expert Alumni
Apr 13, 2023 9:39:40 AM

It depends. You may be able to figure it out by estimating the miles per gallon per vehicle and then prorate for each vehicle based on that.  I would guess you have a general idea about miles per gallon on all vehicles you operate.  If you decided to list the fuel in total as an expense for your business you need to be able to verify that all fuel is used 100% for business purposes or if not, be sure to reduce that figure for any personal use percentage.

Level 2
Apr 13, 2023 9:42:03 AM

Thank you. The fuel is used 100% for business. Where would I enter total cost during tax season? Would I just leave gasoline column under each vehicle blank and then enter total cost somewhere else?

Expert Alumni
Apr 13, 2023 9:58:43 AM

You could leave the gas costs blank for each vehicle and then enter the total purchase as a miscellaneous business expense.