Trip records explain individual business journeys. Odometer readings explain the larger vehicle-use picture.
When opening and closing readings are available for the reporting period, RoadStance can compare the Business Total with total vehicle distance:
Business-use percentage = Business Total / odometer span x 100
Personal or other distance = odometer span - Business TotalThe residual is intentional
The Personal or other distance is not simply the sum of individually recorded personal trips. It is the odometer-derived remainder after business distance is removed.
That remainder can include:
- recorded personal trips;
- commuting or other non-business use;
- driving that was not individually captured or substantiated in the trip log;
- other use that needs review for the applicable vehicle arrangement.
RoadStance does not convert that residual into business mileage. It is shown to make the reconciliation transparent.
Example
If a vehicle’s opening and closing odometer readings show 10,000 km of total use and the Business Total is 6,000 km, the business-use percentage is 60%. The remaining 4,000 km is personal or other use for reconciliation purposes, even if only part of it was entered as individual Personal trips.
Start and end readings are useful evidence
Odometer readings help a reviewer see whether the business distance sits within a plausible total-use span. They can also reveal gaps that deserve a closer look before a year-end report is shared.
For multi-vehicle records, calculate the relationship separately for each vehicle. A combined total can be useful for overview, but it should not hide one vehicle’s incomplete or unusual record.
Related reading
- How your mileage total is calculated explains why only Business-classified trips form the Business Total.
- Year-end mileage record review outlines a practical review routine before reporting season.
RoadStance is a record-keeping tool, not a tax advisor. Odometer and business-use requirements vary by jurisdiction and vehicle arrangement.