New 2026 Mileage Rate Guidelines Released by IRS

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has once again published its annual adjustment of the standard mileage rates, reflecting inflation adjustments for 2026. These rates are critical for calculating the deductible costs associated with operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical, or moving purposes.

Effective from January 1, 2026, the standard mileage rates applicable to cars, vans, pickups, and panel trucks are:

  • 72.5 cents per mile for business travel—an increase from 70 cents in 2025. This rate includes a 35-cent-per-mile depreciation allocation.

  • 20.5 cents per mile for medical travel and specified moving expenses, reduced from 21 cents in 2025.

  • 14 cents per mile for charitable service-related driving.

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The business mileage rate derives from a comprehensive study that evaluates both fixed and variable vehicle operating costs. The medical and moving rates focus solely on variable costs. It's important to note that the charitable mileage rate is fixed by statute and has remained at 14 cents per mile for over a quarter-century.

While the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has permanently eliminated moving mileage deductions except under specific conditions—such as relocations by active-duty military and, new to 2026, intelligence community members—the option to itemize certain vehicle-related expenses remains. For charitable purposes, taxpayers may instead opt to deduct direct costs like fuel, but not repairs, maintenance, or depreciation.

Key Business Vehicle Use Considerations – While using the IRS’s standard mileage rate for business purposes, taxpayers might consider the actual expense method, especially given potential first-year benefits from bonus depreciation and the depreciation adjustments applicable to passenger autos. This is particularly relevant with the reinstatement to a 100% bonus depreciation for parts of 2025.

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Note that once actual expenses using bonus and MACRS depreciation or Sec. 179 are claimed, switching back to mileage rates in subsequent years is not allowed for those vehicles. This restriction applies per vehicle. Additionally, the business mileage rate cannot be used for hiring services or for operations exceeding four vehicles simultaneously.

It's worth noting that business owners can also deduct parking fees, tolls, and state/local property taxes in addition to the standard mileage deduction.

Employer Reimbursement Policies – When reimbursing employees using the standardized mileage rate, the compensation remains tax-free provided employees document all relevant details of mileage, location, timing, and business purpose.

Employee Vehicle Expenses – The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act repealed unreimbursed employee auto expenses as deductible costs through 2025, a measure finalized by the OBBBA. However, specific exemptions exist, allowing members of the reserve military, certain public officials, performing artists, and qualified educators to deduct some unreimbursed vehicle expenses under adjusted income rules.

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Self-Employed Considerations – Self-employed individuals retain the ability to deduct vehicle-related expenses for business use. The standard mileage or actual method applies, enhancing flexibility in planning. Furthermore, part of the interest incurred on auto loans can be deducted proportionally under Schedule C.

Depreciation on Heavy SUVs – Many large SUVs surpassing 6,000 pounds enjoy relaxed depreciation limits, allowing buyers to leverage both Section 179 and bonus depreciation up to $32,000 in 2026, provided the unloaded vehicle weight doesn’t exceed 14,000 pounds. Yet, taxpayers should be mindful of potential recapture issues if these vehicles are disposed of before five years.

For guidance on optimizing vehicle expense deductions or to understand the necessary documentation requirements, feel free to contact our office for personalized advice.

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