2026 Mileage Rates: Key Changes and Considerations

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced its annual inflation-adjusted standard mileage rates for 2026, crucial for tax planning regarding automobile expenses for business, charitable, medical, and moving purposes. These adjustments are designed to help taxpayers accurately calculate deductible costs associated with automobile operation.Image 2

Effective January 1, 2026, the standard mileage rates will be as follows:

  • 72.5 cents per mile for business travel, an increase from 70 cents in 2025, which includes a 35-cent allocation for depreciation.

  • 20.5 cents per mile for medical-related travel and certain moving expenses, a slight decrease from 21 cents in 2025.

  • 14 cents per mile for miles driven in service of charitable organizations, which remains unchanged.

The business rate is derived from a comprehensive study of fixed and variable automobile operating costs. Medical and moving rates focus on variable costs alone. It's noteworthy that the charitable mileage rate, set by Congress, has been steady at 14 cents for over a quarter-century.

Significant legislative changes, such as those brought by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), made most moving-related mileage expenses non-deductible, except for active duty members of the Armed Forces moving according to military orders, and, effective 2026, members of the intelligence community relocating due to assignment changes.

For those utilizing a personal vehicle in charitable activities, if itemizing deductions, individuals may opt to deduct related out-of-pocket expenses like gas and oil instead of using the standard rate. Unfortunately, general maintenance and repair costs, as well as insurance, remain non-deductible.Image 3

Considerations for Business Auto Use – Taxpayers have the option to compute actual vehicle expenses rather than defaulting to standard mileage rates. During the initial service year, bonus depreciation and heightened depreciation limits can make this method financially beneficial, especially as these provisions fluctuate—bonus depreciation phased to 40% in early 2025, only to return to 100% later in the year.

It's important to note that the standard mileage rate is unavailable for vehicles previously utilizing the actual method encompassing Section 179 or MACRS depreciation. Moreover, it cannot be applied to vehicles hired for usage or those exceeding four in simultaneous business operation.

A common oversight among business owners using the standard rate is missing additional deductions for parking fees, tolls, and applicable state or local property taxes attributed to business vehicle use.

Employer Reimbursement – When employers adopt the standard mileage allowance to compensate employees for substantiated work-related car expenses, these reimbursements remain tax-exempt if mileage details and business travel purposes are properly documented.

Employee Vehicle Expenses – The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act rendered these expenses non-deductible through 2025, a clause extended permanently by OBBBA. Notably, reserves, specific government officials, performers, and eligible educators may still qualify for deductions on unreimbursed travel costs as they relate to employment.

Self-employed Individuals – These taxpayers can continue deducting business vehicle expenses. When applying either the flat rate or actual cost method, they can also include interest charges on auto loans according to Schedule C.Image 1

Quick Depreciation of Heavy SUVs – Heavy SUVs, exceeding 6,000 pounds, bypass luxury auto depreciation limits, enabling maximum Section 179 deductions up to $32,000 in 2026, when paired with bonus depreciation. However, be aware that disposing of such vehicles before the close of their five-year class life may necessitate expense recapture, affecting taxable income for the year.

If there's any confusion about choosing the best strategy for vehicle expense deductions or required documentation, MJ Ahmed CPA PLLC is here to provide expert guidance, ensuring you make informed decisions. Contact our office for more personalized advice catered to your specific circumstances.

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