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IRS Announces 2026 Mileage Rate Adjustments

The Internal Revenue Service has unveiled the inflation-adjusted 2026 standard mileage rates applicable to the deductible costs of operating a vehicle for business, charitable, medical, or moving purposes. This annual update continues to support taxpayers’ need to accurately manage vehicle-related deductions.

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

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

  • 20.5 cents per mile for medical purposes and certain moving expenses, a slight decrease from the previous year’s 21 cents.

  • 14 cents per mile for miles driven in service of charitable organizations, unchanged due to statutory mandate.

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The business mileage rate is formulated based on an extensive annual study of the fixed and variable costs involved in automotive operations. For medical and moving purposes, only variable costs are considered. Notably, the charitable mileage rate remains unchanged due to Congressional stipulations.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has permanently disallowed moving-related mileage expenses, except for military members on active duty moving under a military order and intelligence community members relocating due to duty requirements.

When leveraging a personal vehicle for charitable service, taxpayers opting out of the standard 14 cents per mile can directly deduct actual expenses like gas and oil. Nevertheless, costs such as general repairs, maintenance, or insurance do not qualify as deductible.

Critical Insights for Business Vehicle Use – Business owners can choose between reporting actual automotive expenses or using the standard mileage rate. With fluctuating fuel prices and variable depreciation incentives, such as the temporary reinstatement of 100% bonus depreciation in 2025, discerning the most beneficial approach is key for optimizing deductions.

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It’s crucial to note that once actual cost methods (including Sec. 179, bonus depreciation, and MACRS) are employed, reverting to standard rates is not an option. Additionally, the business mileage rates are not applicable for hired vehicles or simultaneous use of more than four vehicles.

Business owners frequently overlook deductible elements such as parking fees, tolls, and property taxes related to business use. These can significantly enhance the financial benefits obtained from standard mileage deductions.

Employer Reimbursements – Tax-free reimbursements utilizing mileage allowance require thorough substantiation by the employee covering the time, place, mileage, and purpose of travel.

Employee Vehicle Expenses – As per the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, employee deductions for vehicle expenses remain non-deductible up to 2025. Specific exemptions exist for certain groups, such as Armed Forces members and eligible educators, who may claim these as income adjustments or itemized deductions on their returns.

Self-employed Individuals – Self-employed taxpayers can still deduct vehicle business expenses regardless of the method used. Additionally, if financed, the business portion of auto loan interest is deductible via Schedule C.

Optimizing Depreciation for Heavy SUVs – SUVs exceeding 6,000 pounds can leverage up to $32,000 via Section 179 deductions in 2026, along with bonus depreciation benefits. However, business autos, regarded as a 5-year class life property, require caution due to potential recapture implications should the vehicle be sold before completing the class life period.

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For any queries related to optimizing vehicle deductions or ensuring compliance with documentation requirements, feel free to contact our office for personalized guidance.

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