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LEARNING CENTER

2026 Mileage Rates for Tax Deductions Unveiled

The Internal Revenue Service has unveiled the new 2026 standard mileage rates, adjusted for inflation, to determine deductible automobile operating costs for business, charitable, medical, or moving purposes.Image 1

Effective January 1, 2026, the revised standard mileage rates for cars, vans, pickups, or panel trucks are as follows:

  • 72.5 cents per mile for business driving, inclusive of a 35-cent-per-mile depreciation allocation, up from 70 cents in 2025.

  • 20.5 cents per mile for medical reasons and certain relocations, a reduction from 21 cents in 2025.

  • 14 cents per mile for services performed for charitable organizations.Image 3

The business mileage rate is determined by analyzing both fixed and variable automobile costs, while the medical and moving rates are based on variable costs alone. The charity service rate, legislated by Congress, remains unchanged for over two decades.

Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), moving expense deductions have been eliminated, except for active military members following valid orders or intelligence community members transferring due to reassignment in 2026 and beyond.

When volunteering for charity, taxpayers can alternatively opt to deduct actual out-of-pocket expenses like fuel and oil, although repairs, depreciation, and other vehicle costs are not deductible.

Business Vehicle Usage Insights - Taxpayers can choose to calculate their actual vehicle expenses rather than employing standard mileage rates. This individualized approach may be financially advantageous due to fluctuating fuel prices and contemporaneous depreciation allowances. It should be noted that, after initially using the actual cost method, transitioning to mileage rates for a specific vehicle is not permitted.

Though the standard rate excludes past Sec. 179, bonus depreciation, and/or MACRS instances within prior years, it remains inapplicable for commercial or simultaneous operation of four or more vehicles. Importantly, business-related parking fees, tolls, and certain tax fees can be additionally deducted.Image 2

Employer Reimbursements – Tax-free employee reimbursements for employment-connected driving can be achieved if the employee provides full substantiation concerning travel particulars.

Employee Vehicle Expenses - The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has rendered employment-related vehicle expenses undeductible unless submitted through certain adjustments for applicable professionals including reserve military members, paid government officials, and eligible educators.

Self-Employed Taxpayers - Independent contractors can still leverage vehicle deductions either via standard mileage rates or actual expense methods, with added potential to deduct interest on auto loans for proportional business use.

Accelerated Deductions for Heavy SUVs - SUVs over 6,000 pounds can evade luxury depreciation limits, encouraging taxpayers to capitalize on substantial Section 179 and bonus depreciation deductions. However, caution is advised to prevent potential recapture issues if the vehicle is sold prematurely.

If you require guidance on optimizing vehicle-related tax deductions or understanding pertinent documentation requirements, do not hesitate to contact our office for expert advice.

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