IRS Announces Revised 2026 Mileage Deduction Rates

The Internal Revenue Service has unveiled the updated 2026 inflation-adjusted standard mileage rates, crucial for determining the deductible expenses of operating an automobile for various purposes, including business, charitable, medical, and moving uses.

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Effective January 1, 2026, the standard mileage rates are set as follows for automobiles, including vans, pickups, and panel trucks:

  • 72.5 cents per mile for business miles driven (inclusive of a 35-cent-per-mile depreciation component), increased from the 2025 rate of 70 cents per mile.

  • 20.5 cents per mile for medical purposes and certain relocations, reduced from 21 cents in 2025.

  • Maintained at 14 cents per mile for charitable service activities, unchanged due to congressional mandates.

The business mileage rate is derived from an extensive annual review of fixed and variable car operation costs. Medical and moving rates reflect variable costs from this same study. The charitable rate, set by Congress at 14 cents for over 25 years, is inhibited from change.

While the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) largely disallows moving expenses, exceptions remain for armed forces personnel under active duty orders and members of the intelligence community relocating due to assignment changes post-2026.

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For those engaged in charitable activities, taxpayers can, instead of the 14 cents method, deduct specific out-of-pocket vehicle expenses like fuel and oil when itemizing. Costs such as general maintenance, repairs, depreciation, fees, tires, or insurance are not eligible.

Crucial Tips for Business Vehicle Use: Taxpayers can opt between calculating the exact expenses or using the standard mileage rate for business vehicle usage. Given the fluctuations in fuel prices and the phased bonuses on depreciation, the actual expense method could yield greater first-year benefits.

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Note: Vehicles utilizing actual cost methods including Section 179, bonus depreciation, and MACRS cannot apply the mileage rates. Additional considerations include the limit of the mileage rate use to four vehicles simultaneously.

Overlooked deductions include parking fees, tolls, and attributable property taxes, which can be deducted alongside the standard mileage rate.

Employer Reimbursement: Employer-paid reimbursements using the standard mileage method are tax-exempt if the employee substantiates the miles driven with time, place, and purpose verification.

Employee Vehicle Expenses: Post-2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act together with the OBBBA prohibits itemizing employee vehicle expenses for deductions. Only eligible educators, reserve component members, certain officials, and performing artists can adjust their income based on unreimbursed travel expenses.

Provisions for the Self-employed: Self-employed individuals can still deduct their business vehicle usage through either standard or actual expense methods, including the interest proportion on car loans deductible on Schedule C.

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Tax Breaks for Heavy SUVs: SUVs exceeding 6,000 pounds escape luxury depreciation limits. Section 179 and the bonus depreciation can be used on these vehicles for up to $32,000 in 2026, although the total vehicle weight must remain inferior to 14,000 pounds. Be wary of the recapture rule for Section 179 if the vehicle is sold before a 5-year tenure.

For personalized guidance on optimal methods and essential record-keeping for business vehicle deductions, our office is ready to assist.

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