Use the rate effective when miles were driven
Use 72.5¢ per business mile for January 1–June 30, 2026, and 76¢ per business mile for July 1–December 31, 2026. Do not average the two or allocate annual miles by elapsed days; split them using your dated log.
The engine stores each value with the IRS announcement, effective dates, and verification date used for this build.
Business purpose still matters
A rate does not turn personal or commuting miles into a deduction. Keep records that connect each claimed distance to ordinary and necessary business activity.
Multi-app drivers should maintain one consolidated log so the same mile is not counted twice.
The standard rate includes vehicle costs
The business mileage rate generally represents fixed and variable vehicle costs. Do not stack fuel, routine maintenance, insurance, or depreciation on top for the same period.
Use actual-expense comparison only after checking method eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 2026 business mileage rate?
It is 72.5¢ per business mile from January 1 through June 30, 2026, and 76¢ per business mile from July 1 through December 31, 2026, under final IRS guidance.
Why might a year have two mileage rates?
The IRS can issue a midyear adjustment, although it is unusual. A date-aware engine is safer than assuming every tax year has one rate or automatically splitting every year.
Does the mileage rate include gas?
Yes, the standard business mileage rate generally incorporates fuel and ordinary vehicle operating costs. Do not deduct those same costs again.
Can bicycle delivery miles use the car rate?
No. The standard automobile mileage rate is designed for eligible cars, vans, pickups, and panel trucks. Other transportation costs require different treatment.
Is a mileage log mandatory?
You need adequate records to substantiate business use. A timely log with date, distance, destination or route, and business purpose is a practical foundation.
Official sources
- IRS 2026 inflation adjustments (Rev. Proc. 2025-32)
- IRS Topic 554: Self-employment tax
- IRS Announcement 2026-11: 2026 midyear mileage rate
- IRS Publication 463: car-expense records and substantiation
See methodology for formulas, source status, assumptions, and known limits.
Keep going
DoorDash mileage deduction
Apply the official rate in a delivery context.
Compare vehicle methods
See whether tracked actual costs may be larger.
Why app miles differ
Build a more complete, defensible mileage record.
By the GigTakeHome Editorial Team · Content last reviewed: August 13, 2026. Report an error.