For 2026, the IRS business mileage rate has increased from 70 to 72.5 cents per mile. This guide will explore how to properly apply the IRS mileage rate in your business in 2026.
What is the standard IRS mileage rate for 2026?
In 2026, the IRS standard mileage rate is up 2.5 cents per mile; the rates are as follows:
- 72.5 cents per mile for business purposes
- 20.5 cents per mile for medical purposes or moving for active duty military
- 14 cents per mile for charitable purposes
The standard business rate determines the tax-deductible portion of vehicle use for work purposes. Self-employed workers may deduct business mileage at that rate, and businesses may pay tax-deductible mileage reimbursements to employees at that rate.
How does the IRS calculate mileage rates?
The IRS calculates the standard business rate based on an annual study of fixed and variable vehicle operating costs, which include fuel prices, depreciation, insurance, maintenance, and repairs.
Cost factors in the 2026 IRS mileage rate
With the continued increase in a range of vehicle costs, it is no surprise that the federal mileage rate increased. Gas prices have remained relatively stable, but insurance and maintenance costs have increased significantly.
IRS business mileage rate history
The federal mileage rate reasonably estimates annual vehicle costs for tax purposes. If nationwide vehicle costs increase and are expected to remain higher, then the rate usually increases. A look at mileage rates over the past five years shows this steady increase:
- 2026: 72.5 cents per mile
- 2025: 70 cents per mile
- 2024: 67 cents per mile
- 2023: 65.5 cents per mile
- 2022: 62.5 cents per mile (July-December)
- 2022: 58.5 cents per mile (January-June)
- 2021: 56 cents per mile
In 2022, it was unusual because gas prices spiked. This led the IRS to increase the federal mileage rate mid-year.
Why did the 2026 IRS mileage rate increase?
When does the federal mileage rate change? The IRS announced its 2026 rates on December 29. The business rate increased by 2.5 cents per mile, from 70 to 72.5 cents. Since 2021, the rate has risen by 16.5 cents per mile due to increased vehicle-related costs. Though inflation in vehicle-related costs has slowed, the rate has continued to increase.
Insurance rates have risen steeply (18.6%) over the past year, while maintenance and repair costs have risen moderately (3.4%). These increased costs may have prompted the IRS to raise the rate from 70 cents per mile.
Deducting mileage on your tax return
Eligibility for mileage deductions
To qualify for business-related mileage deductions, taxpayers must use their vehicles for self-employment purposes. Employees cannot deduct mileage for tasks assigned by an employer. This deduction remains suspended through 2026.
Personal commuting costs, such as driving from home to a regular workplace, are not deductible. However, self-employed individuals can generally deduct miles driven for qualified business activities, including visiting clients, delivering products, or traveling between different work locations.
Calculating mileage deductions
To calculate mileage deductions, taxpayers multiply the miles driven for eligible purposes by the appropriate IRS mileage rate. For instance, if a taxpayer drove 1,000 miles for business purposes in 2023, they would multiply 1,000 by the 2023 IRS mileage rate of 65.5 cents to determine their deductible amount. If the same individual drove 1,000 business miles in 2024, the deductible amount would be $670.
Reimbursing mileage at the IRS rate
Tax-exempt mileage reimbursements
Many organizations rely on the IRS business mileage rate when reimbursing employees. When these reimbursements are made at the IRS rate or an equivalent amount under an accountable plan, they are generally not taxable to employees. The requirements for tax-exempt accountable plans are outlined in IRS Publication 463. Employers may also consider alternative approaches, such as a Fixed-and-Variable-Rate (FAVR) program or a mileage allowance based on the federal rate.
Choosing an accountable mileage plan
Many employers adopt the standard IRS mileage rate because it is straightforward to administer. Drivers document their trips in an IRS-compliant mileage log and then multiply those miles by the federal rate in effect for that year. Other employers implement FAVR programs, which apply location-specific cost data to deliver more precise reimbursements.
Drawbacks of the IRS business rate
Downsides of paying the standard IRS rate for business reimbursements:
- Tends to overpay and underpay some drivers
- May result in higher-than-necessary reimbursements in lower-cost areas
- Does not adapt well to diverse vehicle expense profiles
- Slow to no adjustment to significant increases or decreases in fuel prices
The importance of an accurate mileage log
An accurate mileage log is essential for substantiating mileage deductions in the event of an IRS audit. To comply with IRS requirements, the log should include the date of each trip, the business purpose, the starting and ending locations, and the total miles driven.
Without detailed documentation, taxpayers risk losing mileage deductions, and businesses may fail to satisfy the requirements of an accountable plan. Both employers and self-employed individuals should maintain complete and accurate records in accordance with IRS guidelines.
Mileage tracking tools
Several tools and apps are available to help maintain an accurate mileage log. These tools can automatically track and record mileage, making it easier to comply with IRS requirements.
mBurse offers mLog, an accurate mobile app with GPS tracking, automatic trip classification, and detailed reports. Employers can use the app to automate reimbursements, streamline approval processes, save time, and reduce errors.
