Mileage Deduction Calculator (2026)
Drive for work? Turn your business miles into an estimated tax deduction at the 2026 IRS rate of 72.5¢ per mile — and see roughly what it saves you. Free, no sign-up.
The 2026 IRS standard mileage rate for business use is 72.5¢ per mile (medical or moving is 20.5¢; charitable is 14¢).
This is a planning estimate, not tax advice. The standard mileage rate applies only to qualifying business miles backed by a mileage log, and the actual-expense method may give a different result. The tax savings shown is a rough figure based on the rate you pick. We're bookkeepers, not tax preparers — work with a CPA for your filing.
How the mileage deduction works
If you drive your own vehicle for work, the IRS lets you deduct a flat amount per business mile instead of tracking every gas and repair receipt. For 2026 that rate is 72.5 cents per mile. Multiply your business miles by the rate and you have your deduction, which lowers the net profit that both federal income tax and self-employment tax are calculated on — so the real-world savings can be meaningful for anyone who drives a lot, like agents, rideshare and delivery drivers, and trades.
Keep a log, or the deduction won't hold
The catch is documentation. To claim business miles you need a log showing the date, miles, and purpose of each trip — a tracking app or a QuickBooks Self-Employed log handles this automatically. Without records, the deduction can be disallowed in an audit. The standard rate is the simple option; for an expensive vehicle, the actual-expense method (gas, insurance, repairs, depreciation) can be larger, and we can help you compare the two.
This calculator is a planning tool, not tax preparation or advice. Eligibility, the choice between standard and actual expenses, and your real savings depend on your full situation. We keep your books and mileage organized so the deduction is clean and defensible — for the filing itself, work with a CPA.
Frequently asked questions
The 2026 standard mileage rate for business driving is 72.5 cents per mile, up from 70 cents in 2025. This calculator multiplies your business miles by that rate.
Self-employed people and 1099 contractors — including real estate agents, rideshare and delivery drivers, and the trades — can deduct miles driven for work. Commuting from home to a regular workplace doesn't count.
The standard mileage rate is simpler; the actual-expense method (gas, repairs, insurance, depreciation) can be larger for expensive vehicles. You generally pick one method per vehicle — we can help you compare which wins for you.
A mileage log with the date, miles, and business purpose of each trip. A tracking app or a QuickBooks Self-Employed log works well. Without contemporaneous records, the deduction may not hold up if you're audited.
Make every deduction count
Mileage is one of the most-missed deductions for people who drive for work. We keep your books and expenses organized all year so nothing slips through — mileage, home office, supplies, and more. Spanish-friendly support available.