Question 1

What is the 2026 IRS standard mileage rate?

Accepted Answer

The IRS standard mileage rate for business use of a vehicle is $0.67 per mile for 2026. This rate covers gas, insurance, depreciation, repairs, and other vehicle operating costs. You simply multiply your business miles by this rate to calculate your deduction.

Question 2

What counts as deductible business mileage?

Accepted Answer

Business mileage includes driving to meet clients, traveling between work locations, going to the bank or post office for business, and trips to buy supplies. It does NOT include commuting from home to your regular workplace, or personal errands.

Question 3

Can I switch between Standard Mileage and Actual Expenses?

Accepted Answer

If you use the standard mileage rate in the first year you use the car for business, you can switch to actual expenses in later years. However, if you start with actual expenses, you generally cannot switch to standard mileage for that same vehicle.

Question 4

How do I track my mileage for tax purposes?

Accepted Answer

Keep a mileage log that records: date, destination, business purpose, and miles driven. Apps like MileIQ, Everlance, or Stride make tracking easy. The IRS requires contemporaneous records — logging at the time of the trip, not reconstructing later.

Question 5

Can rideshare drivers (Uber/Lyft) use the standard mileage rate?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Rideshare drivers can use the standard mileage rate for all business miles, including miles driven while waiting for rides (if the app is on), driving to pick up passengers, and driving passengers. Only personal miles are excluded.

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