GOFAR vs ATO myDeductions App: A Buyer’s Guide

GOFAR vs ATO myDeductions App: A Buyer’s Guide

GOFAR’s compact, five minute comparison guide identifies a revolutionary digital logbook app to handle your tax affairs. We help you to determine the one best suited to maximising your vehicle tax claim and gaining financial freedom.

At the end of this article, your decision will create more time for you to do the things you love, save money on your tax claim and earn freedom from tax-related burdens.

#1: The GOFAR App

Best For: Accurately tracking every kilometre, saving you money and time.

Rating: 9.5/10

The GOFAR app is much more than an automated logbook. It provides intuitive, real-time feedback to drivers in a multitude of areas. While logging your work-related journeys, it intelligently diagnoses your car to ensure it’s running at its optimum, by sending you alerts with recommendations.

The intelligent set-and-forget adapter syncs with your car’s odometer, automatically tracking every kilometre, so you never miss a claim.

PROS CONS
Set and Forget Adapter: log distances without a phone Doesn’t Work in Older Cars: reduce emissions by 8%
Accurate Data Export: export data directly to the ATO Compatibility Testing: ask GOFAR to check your vehicle for compatibility
Diagnostics Tool: OBDII technology alerts you of faults Subscription Fees: tiered fees are quickly offset by savings
Drive Smart with Ray: additional feature regulates your driving

Do you delay crucial diagnostics due to anticipated high mechanic costs? 

GOFAR’s car repair sensor sends instant, free alerts to your phone in simple, non-technical language. Quickly grasp the severity of the problem, take appropriate action and enjoy newfound control over our car.

Overview

The GOFAR app manages your finances, monitors your car, promotes environmental responsibility and ensures peace of mind, while you prioritise what really matters.

Like any technology, GOFAR is not without its faults. A few minor glitches have been reported, however, due to its cutting-edge nature and responsive support team, most are easily resolved.

Why We Love It

The GOFAR app effectively resolves numerous day-to-day issues faced by Australians, setting it apart from other automated logbooks. 

Ratings and Reviews

A whopping score of 4.4 / 5 stars on the Apple app store, sets the GOFAR app far apart from other automated logbooks. 

Almost Perfect

“Really enjoy using GOFAR over alternative ways to track my miles due to the accuracy …… never miss a mile ….. simple, to the point ……. love the maintenance tracker and scanner-tool.” Chris Harmon

Read other reviews like Chris’, here. Find out more and download the app at Logbook App | Automatic & Australian-Made | GOFAR.

#2: Australian Taxation Office’s myDeductions App

Best For: User-Friendly Interface

Rating: 7/10

The ATO’s myDeductions app is designed to streamline your tax return compliance.

Straightforward journey logging and retaining tax-related information, accords it second place.

A glaring limitation is the inability to export data directly to the ATO or an accountant. Data can only be sent externally via Apple Mail for compilation onto a spreadsheet, which can be a time-consuming frustration.

PROS CONS
Record Keeping: receipt and photo storage in one accessible space Additional App Required: download Apple Mail to export data from the app
Tax Assistance: download compliant records Regular Glitches: inconsistency in operation results in missing details
User-Friendly Interface: simple navigation and compact layout

Overview

The ATO’s myDeductions app doesn’t go the extra distance like the GOFAR app, but it does alleviate some of the stress associated with recordkeeping and ensures tax-relevant data is stored in one place.

Why It’s Second Place

The myDeductions app is a decent, automated logbook that ensures compliance on your car tax return – it doesn’t do much more.

Ratings and Reviews

User reviews rate the app 3.7 / 5 stars, which is a decent score. 

“Love the app ……. to keep my business organised, especially being able to upload receipts that I’ll possibly lose.” Miles Wilson

Read more reviews here.

To learn more about the ATO’s myDeductions app, visit ATO app | Australian Taxation Office.

Key Features Comparison

Now that we have an idea of the capabilities and setbacks of the two apps, let’s compare them in a side-by-side format to highlight the app that stands out.

 

Both apps tackle a common tax problem, but which one goes further to resolve issues beyond car tax? 

Why Choose GOFAR?

GOFAR’s mission extends beyond saving drivers time and money. 

Having a global vision to reduce car pollution by 8% and make roads safer by encouraging safer driving habits, has propelled the app as a singular solution for car and tax issues, faced globally.

Using advanced tracking algorithms similar to those in missiles, the GOFAR app accurately reports on emissions readings and vehicle optimisation. 

This cutting-edge technology differentiates GOFAR and equips users with a powerful calibration tool. 

Who Should Use the ATO myDeductions app?

The myDeductions app is an integral part of a broader suite of services developed by the Australian Taxation Office. It consolidates tax-related services into a user-friendly interface.

It simplifies the process of car tax assessments, ensuring compliance and minimising erroneous tax claims. While users may not maximise their tax entitlement claims, the app ensures adherence to legislative and regulatory requirements.

Gain a snapshot perspective by exploring the comparison table below:

FEATURES ATO myDEDUCTIONS APP GOFAR APP
Accurate GPS Tracking and Trip Classification Not always

Can only operate on a phone

Yes
Photo Capturing and Receipt Storage Yes Yes
Integration Capabilities Not always

Can only use Apple Mail for report export

Yes
User-Friendly Interface Yes Yes
Real-time Sync and Automatic Back-up No

Users must remember to back up data each time

Yes
Car Diagnostics Tool No

Can only be used as a logbook tool

Yes
Cost Free

Download here

Subscription-based:

Monthly- $15

Annually – $120*

Bi-Annually – $192**

Buy here

*most popular

**best value

Questions to Ask Before You Decide

What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing an Automated Logbook? 

First, identify the factors which align with your specific requirements. An automated logbook should enhance your tracking and reporting user-experience, whilst maximising your tax claim entitlement. 

Key features to consider are:

⭐Accuracy ⭐Efficiency ⭐Back-up Capability

⭐Seamless Integration ⭐Good customer support ⭐User-friendly technology

Can I Use the App on Multiple Phones? 

The GOFAR app stands out for its capability to be used on multiple phones. Data is collected and synced through the adapter, removing limitations of single phone use. With GOFAR, you can even log your journeys without your phone.

Data on the myDeductions app is generated from and stored on your mobile phone, restricting its use to a single device for tracking distances travelled.

I am a Business Owner. Will the App Track More Than One Car? 

Both apps support tracking multiple cars. Once you have entered the information for your main car, you can enter details for additional cars. 

Can I Make Phone Calls and Use Other Apps?

Yes – continue to use your phone as normal, whilst tracking your journeys on both apps.

Does the App Export Data Directly?

The GOFAR app emphasises functionality, allowing you to easily export your data directly from the app to your destination of choice.

On the other hand, one recurring issue with the myDeductions app is the frustration of downloading Apple Mail to export any data from the app to external databases.

Do I Have to Pay for the App?

Whilst you can download the GOFAR app free from the Apple app store, it offers an affordable subscription model with three tariffs. Two of these come with a free adapter, giving users the option to choose which subscription best suits their needs. Explore the available subscription options here.

The myDeductions app is a free tool designed and made available by the ATO.

So – Which App is Best For You?

The myDeductions app provides a basic service for claiming your vehicle tax return, whilst ensuring compliance, making it a worthy consideration.

However – if you are looking for an app that manages your tax return, ensures full compliance and takes consideration of your vehicle’s health, whilst also promoting an attitude of responsibility for the environment, then OUR first choice should be YOURS too.

The GOFAR app: 

  • addresses global pollution
  • alerts you of car problems
  • precisely logs every kilometre
  • reminds you of car appointments
  • helps you locate your parked car
  • captures substantiated expenses
  • ranks you on a fun ‘greener driving’ leaderboard

Our research has uncovered the advanced capabilities packed into this app. From precise tracking to intelligent tools with sleek designs, such as the adapter and Ray, the GOFAR app eradicates limitations like no other.

Though the ATO’s myDeductions tool is free, the fairly priced subscriptions offered by the GOFAR app prove to be a worthwhile investment, considering the long-term benefits gained.

Download GOFAR for a comprehensive, efficient and empowering solution to your tax and vehicle needs.