Diesel rebate logbook

The diesel logbook SARS checks, kept on your phone

Since 1 April 2026 farmers can claim the diesel refund on all diesel used on qualifying work. SARS checks the logbooks behind every claim, and has turned claims down over vague entries and missing records.

Start free Free while in early access. No card needed.

What you record

  • Every use: machine, operator, hour meter or odometer readings, litres, field and the exact task
  • Whether the task qualifies, worked out from the activity you pick
  • Purchases: supplier, litres, price and the tank they went into
  • Each storage tank: capacity, location, opening balance and monthly reconciliation

What you can download

  • Usage logbook as PDF, or as a spreadsheet in the column order of SARS’s published template
  • Storage logbook per tank
  • Refund summary with an estimate and a purchase-versus-usage check
  • Purchases as CSV

Diesel usage logbook

Bosveld Plaas · 2026-10

Date Machine Hours Litres Task Eligible
2026-10-01 John Deere 6120M 1 201–1 204 38 Ripping, north maize block Yes
2026-10-02 John Deere 6120M 1 204–1 207 40 Discing the lower lands Yes
2026-10-02 Isuzu D-Max 84 210–84 262 km 6 Staff to town No
2026-10-03 Borehole pump 402–410 12 Pumping to cattle troughs Yes

Eligible 90 L · Non-eligible 6 L

How it works

  1. 1

    Add your tanks and machines

    Once, with the tank’s capacity and location and each machine’s name.

  2. 2

    Log diesel as it is used

    Pick the machine and activity, write what was done, enter the meter readings. Vague wording is refused.

  3. 3

    Download at claim time

    Send the logbooks and summary to your accountant with your VAT return.

Questions

Does The Farmer submit my claim?

No. Claims go through your VAT return. The Farmer keeps the records SARS asks to see and gives you the figures.

Which refund rate does the estimate use?

The SARS refund rate in force on each day you used the diesel, including the 2026 fuel-levy changes. It is an estimate; confirm it before you claim.

What about diesel used before 1 April 2026?

Before that date refunds were on 80% of eligible litres. The estimate applies the right share to each day.