Directed & KPMG launch automated fuel tax credit solution

Directed Technologies and KPMG Australia have launched a fully automated Fuel Tax Credit (FTC) technology solution targeting heavy vehicle fleets in road transport, construction, mining and agriculture sectors.

The new Directed-KPMG solution is designed to automate the FTC claim process in near real-time, utilising OEM-embedded telematics and advanced data modelling instead of traditional manual claim methods. The companies state that the technology offers a secure and seamless approach for customers to claim the full extent of their fuel tax credit entitlements, with support from an Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Product Ruling.

Directed Technologies' OEM partners, which include PACCAR brands DAF and Kenworth, Hino, Mercedes-Benz, and Fuso, can now use the Fuel Tax Credit integration. This enables fleet vehicle customers across these brands to benefit from improved compliance and operational efficiency.

The product's release coincides with renewed attention on the future of FTCs in Australia, following the recent federal election debate and the unification of industry associations to safeguard the existing FTC system in response to proposed excise cuts. According to Directed Technologies, its ATO-compliant, automated FTC solution provides accuracy for claims and ongoing compliance with evolving regulations.

The collaboration combines Directed's OEM-grade telematics data with KPMG Australia's Fuel Tax Advisory Team. This team has provided advisory services since the FTC scheme was introduced in 2006, including involvement in the high-profile Linfox case. KPMG Australia holds a position on the ATO's Fuel Schemes Stakeholder Advisory Board and offers both retrospective and prospective claim support for clients, leveraging its proprietary FTC Automator tool.

According to the companies, the combined approach could increase FTC claims by over AUD $50,000 per annum for a typical fleet of 100 vehicles.

The solution marks one of the first partner integrations within Directed Technologies' e.things Marketplace, an open ecosystem platform created to incorporate commonly used tools, applications and APIs across the fleet management sector. The e.things Marketplace is positioned to give customers plug-and-play access to value-added services based on Directed's OEM data infrastructure, with more integrations planned in areas such as tax, compliance, navigation, safety and logistics technology.

Brent Stafford, Executive Director of Directed Technologies, commented, "Our mission has always been to bring precision and productivity to connected fleets. This collaboration goes a step further – helping our OEM partners and their customers unlock the full value of their data."

"By automating a previously complex, manual task and ensuring it's ATO-compliant, we're creating a smarter pathway to Fuel Tax Credit claims that meets the realities of today's fleet operations."

The technology will be demonstrated at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show, with Directed Technologies exhibiting alongside PACCAR Australia to showcase how it integrates with factory-fitted telematics hardware and live data services.

Anthony Harmer, Director – Indirect Tax at KPMG Australia, said, "This is a strategic solution designed for fleet-intensive industries. It simplifies compliance, improves rebate accuracy, and gives customers the confidence to claim above safe harbour thresholds, in line with ATO guidance."