Discover the 2026 Mileage Rates: Updates for Businesses and Individuals

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has once again announced the inflation-adjusted 2026 optional standard mileage rates, crucial for calculating deductible automobile operating costs for various purposes. These updated rates, effective from January 1, 2026, cover business, charitable, medical, and certain moving expenses.

Here are the key mileage rates for 2026:

  • Business Miles: 72.5 cents per mile, including a 35-cent-per-mile depreciation allocation. This marks an increase from the 2025 rate of 70 cents.

  • Medical and Moving Expenses: 20.5 cents per mile, a slight decrease from 21 cents in 2025.

  • Charitable Service: 14 cents per mile, a rate unchanged due to Congressional stipulations.

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The business rate reflects an analysis of both fixed and variable vehicle operation costs, whereas the medical/moving rate is solely based on variable costs. The charitable mileage rate remains fixed by law.

Note on Moving Expenses: Generally disallowed under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), moving-related mileage is now only deductible for Armed Forces members on active duty or, starting in 2026, intelligence community members needing relocation due to assignment changes.

When offering services to charitable organizations, one might choose to itemize deductions, allowing for specific out-of-pocket expense deductions like fuel costs—though not including repairs, maintenance, or similar expenses.

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Exploring Business Use Deductions: Taxpayers can opt for the actual vehicle expense deduction. This method can be favorable with fluctuating fuel prices and varying depreciation incentives—like bonus depreciation, which was at 100% in parts of 2025. Note that once you adopt actual expense methodology, reverting to the standard rate for that vehicle is not allowed.

Additional Deductions: Beyond the standard mileage allowance, business owners can also deduct parking fees, tolls, and applicable state or local vehicle taxes.

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Tax-Free Reimbursements for Employees: When employers apply the standard mileage method to reimburse employees, it remains non-taxable, given documentation of travel details is provided.

Understanding Employee and Self-Employed Deductions: Post-Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, employee deduction eligibility has been significantly reduced. Yet, self-employed individuals maintain the ability to deduct business vehicle use, factoring in interest on auto loans (Schedule C).

Heavy SUV Deductions: Taxpayers with SUVs over 6,000 pounds can benefit from Section 179 and bonus depreciation, allowing significant first-year write-offs. However, this carries potential recapture tax implications if the vehicle is sold prematurely.

Need further insights or guidance on optimizing vehicle-related tax strategies? Our office is here to help.

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