Key Updates on 2026 Mileage Rates for Tax Deductions

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released the updated 2026 mileage rates, essential for calculating deductible vehicle use costs for business, charitable, medical, or moving purposes. These rates are crucial when accounting for vehicle expenses on taxes, impacting both individuals and businesses alike.

Starting January 1, 2026, the standard mileage rates for automobiles, including various truck types, will be adjusted as follows:

  • Business travel will see a new rate of 72.5 cents per mile, reflecting an increase from 70 cents in 2025. This includes a 35-cent-per-mile allocation to account for depreciation costs.

  • The rate for medical travel and certain moving expenses drops slightly to 20.5 cents per mile from 21 cents in 2025.

  • The rate for driving in service of charitable organizations remains at 14 cents per mile, unchanged for over two decades as it is statutorily fixed.

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The business mileage rate is determined through a detailed annual study covering both fixed and variable automotive operation costs. For medical and moving purposes, the variable cost components are primarily considered. Meanwhile, charitable miles remain legislatively set and require Congressional action to adjust.

Although the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) restricts moving-related mileage deductions, exceptions exist for active-duty military (due to permanent station changes) and intelligence community members (requiring assignment-related relocations).

For charitable service using personal vehicles, taxpayers can alternatively deduct direct out-of-pocket expenses instead of the mileage rate. This includes fuel and oil, but excludes general repair, maintenance, and insurance expenses.

Optimizing Business Vehicle Deductions – Business vehicle users may opt to compute actual utilization costs rather than applying standard mileage rates. Considering volatile fuel costs and enhanced depreciation benefits, calculating actual expenses may be advantageous, especially in the initial deployment year. Although bonus depreciation was phased out post-2022, it temporarily reverted to 100% in late 2025.

Restrictions prevent switching to standard mileage rates after employing actual cost methods, including Section 179 and MACRS depreciation, particularly for more than four vehicles or those used for hire.

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Often overlooked, business parking, tolls, as well as state and local vehicle-related taxes can also be deducted alongside the standard rate.

Reimbursements for Employees – Employer reimbursements following the standard mileage allowances are tax-free provided employees document the business characteristics of the travel.

Vehicle Expenses Post-Tax Cuts and Jobs Act – Recent legislative changes eliminated itemized deductions for unreimbursed employee expenses through 2025, with certain exceptions for reserve military members, specified government officials, and eligible educators.

Self-employed Vehicle Deductions – Self-employed individuals retain the ability to write off vehicle expenses, independent of the method chosen. Auto loan interest related to business usage is deductible on Schedule C, bolstering tax efficiency.

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Depreciation Opportunities with SUVs – Heavier vehicles often evade luxury vehicle depreciation limits, allowing for substantial deductions via Section 179, which caps at $32,000 in 2026, plus potential bonus depreciation. Users should consider the implications of Section 179's accelerated deductions and the potential recapture if selling the vehicle within five years.

For guidance on maximizing your vehicle-related tax deductions and ensuring correct documentation, connecting with a tax advisor is recommended.

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