Mileage Deduction Calculator
Business miles times the IRS rate, split correctly around the July 2026 increase, plus a check against deducting your actual car costs.
| Standard mileage rate4,000 mi × 72.5¢ + 4,000 mi × 76¢ | $6,090 |
| Actual expenses$9,000 × 60% | $5,550 |
STANDARD RATE WINS
IRS standard mileage rates
| Period | Business | Charity |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 1 – Dec 31, 2026 | 76¢ | 14¢ |
| Jan 1 – Jun 30, 2026 | 72.5¢ | 14¢ |
| 2025 | 70¢ | 14¢ |
Sources: IRS Notice 2026-10, Announcement 2026-11 (IRB 2026-29), Notice 2025-5.
A mileage deduction saves more for the self-employed than for anyone else, because it lowers profit and therefore self-employment tax as well as income tax. At the 22% bracket, each business mile at 76¢ saves roughly 27¢ of federal tax.
Questions freelancers ask
What is the IRS mileage rate for 2026?
For business driving, 72.5 cents per mile from January 1 to June 30, 2026 (Notice 2026-10) and 76 cents per mile from July 1, 2026 (Announcement 2026-11, raised because of fuel prices). Charitable driving stays at 14 cents, fixed by law.
What was the 2025 mileage rate?
70 cents per mile for business use for all of 2025.
Can I deduct mileage and gas?
Not both. The standard mileage rate already covers fuel, maintenance, insurance and depreciation. You can add parking fees and tolls on top. Alternatively, you can deduct actual car expenses times your business-use percentage.
What records do I need for the mileage deduction?
A log with the date, destination, business purpose and miles for each trip, made at or near the time. Odometer readings at the start and end of the year help show total versus business use.