Blog

We keep you up to date on the latest tax changes and news in the industry.

2026 Mileage Rates: Key Updates and Tax Implications

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) annually updates the standard mileage rates, and for 2026, it has once again adjusted these rates to reflect inflationary changes. These rates are essential for calculating the allowable deduction when using an automobile for business, charitable, medical, or moving purposes.

Starting January 1, 2026, the IRS standard mileage rates will be:

  • 72.5 cents per mile for business travel, up from 70 cents in 2025. This includes a depreciation component of 35 cents per mile.

  • 20.5 cents per mile for medical purposes and eligible moving expenses, decreased from 21 cents in 2025.

  • 14 cents per mile for charitable service, which remains unchanged due to statutory stipulations.

The business mileage rate is determined through a comprehensive study of both fixed and variable automobile operation costs. Conversely, the medical and moving rates consider only variable costs. Notably, the charitable mileage rate can only change through legislative amendments, having been fixed at 14 cents for over two decades.

Image 3

The tax reform known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) eliminated most moving-related mileage deductions, with exceptions for active-duty Armed Forces members and specific moves mandated by military orders or for intelligence personnel relocations from 2026.

For those donating their time using personal vehicles for charity, the standard 14 cents per mile can be bypassed in favor of itemizing direct out-of-pocket expenses such as gas and oil costs. However, general repairs, registration, tires, and insurance are non-deductible.

Business Vehicle Considerations – Taxpayers may choose between the actual costs method or the standard mileage rates for business use. Given fluctuating fuel costs and adjustments in bonus depreciation, the actual cost method might be beneficial when a vehicle is newly deployed for business.

Image 1

However, once the actual method and depreciation methods like Section 179 or MACRS have been applied to a vehicle, the standard mileage rates are no longer an option for that vehicle. Additionally, this mileage method is not allowed for hired vehicles or if using more than four vehicles concurrently.

A notable oversight with the standard mileage deduction is the additional allowance for parking, tolls, and business-related state/local property taxes.

Reimbursement Practices – Employer use of standard mileage rate reimbursement is non-taxable, provided employees offer detailed trip logs covering mileages, dates, and travel purposes.

Employee Vehicle Expenses – The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ceased most itemized employee business expenses through 2025. Conversely, some professionals, such as reservists, fee-based government officials, performing artists, and qualified educators, can still declare such expenses, subject to limitations, as income adjustments.

Image 2

For Self-employed Individuals – Business-use vehicle expenses remain deductible for such taxpayers. Using either method—standard rate or actual expenses—still allows deduction of business-related interest on auto loans via Schedule C.

Accelerated Deductions for Heavy SUVs – SUVs exceeding 6,000 pounds evade luxury auto depreciation limits, granting access to extensive Section 179 and bonus depreciations, enabling substantial first-year tax savings. This benefits those with Section 179’s $32,000 deduction cap in 2026, though proper future planning is essential to navigate potential deductions recapture.

Should you require guidance on optimal vehicle deduction strategies or documentation advice, don’t hesitate to contact our office.

Share this article...

Sign up for our newsletter.

Each month, we will send you a roundup of our latest blog content covering the tax and accounting tips & insights you need to know.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .

We care about the protection of your data.

Ask me anything! Our Ai Smart Bot Can Assist With Questions You May Have
If you'd prefer a call - click Contact Us Now below
Please fill out the form and our team will get back to you shortly The form was sent successfully