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2026 Mileage Rate Updates: Key Insights for Your Business

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released the annual inflation-adjusted mileage rates for 2026. These rates are pivotal for calculating the deductible expenses of operating vehicles for business, charitable, medical, or certain qualified moving purposes.

Starting January 1, 2026, the standard mileage rates are as follows for the use of a car, van, pickup, or panel truck:

  • For businesses: 72.5 cents per mile—an increase from the previous 70 cents in 2025. This includes a 35-cent allocation for vehicle depreciation.

  • For medical or certain moving purposes: 20.5 cents per mile, a slight decrease from 21 cents in 2025.

  • For charitable services: Statutorily fixed at 14 cents per mile, a rate unchanged for over 25 years unless modified by Congress.

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The business mileage rate is derived from an extensive analysis of both fixed and variable vehicle operating costs. Similarly, the medical and moving rates are based solely on variable costs identified in this study.

It's important to note that the OBBBA has discontinued moving-related mileage deductions, with exceptions for specific groups such as Armed Forces personnel on active duty and intelligence community members moving due to a required change of assignment.

While using your vehicle for charity, instead of using the 14-cent deduction method, itemized taxpayers may deduct direct expenses like gasoline or oil, although other costs like maintenance and registration are non-deductible.

Strategic Considerations for Business Vehicle Use – Taxpayers can opt to calculate actual vehicle costs for business use versus relying on standard mileage rates. With recent fluctuations in fuel prices and changes to depreciation rules—including the phasing in and out of bonus depreciation—calculating actual expenses may be advantageous, particularly when deploying a vehicle in business service.

It should be noted that once actual method deductions, such as those involving Sec. 179 or bonus depreciation, have been applied, the standard mileage rate cannot be reverted to. This applies to each vehicle individually and excludes vehicles used for hire or fleets exceeding four vehicles.

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Business vehicle expenses often overlooked include deductible parking fees, tolls, and state or local property taxes when related to business use.

Employer Reimbursement Insights – Businesses reimbursing employees for vehicle expenses using the standard mileage rate provide tax-free benefits, provided the employee verifies the specifics of business-related travel to the employer.

Employee Vehicle Expense Deductions – With the advent of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the OBBBA, most employee vehicle expenses remain non-deductible for federal returns, effective 2017–2025. However, certain professionals like reservists, state or local fee-paid officials, and some entertainers can still claim these as income adjustments. Eligible educators also have specific provisions for deductions under Sch. 1 of Form 1040.

Guidelines for Self-Employed Taxpayers – Those self-employed may continue to deduct both standard mileage and actual vehicle expenses, including the business-related interest on auto loans, on Sch. C.

Depreciation for Heavy SUVs – Heavy SUVs, often exceeding 6,000 pounds, allow larger deductions beyond luxury auto depreciation limits through both Section 179 and bonus depreciation—with a cap of $32,000 in 2026. Careful planning is crucial to avoid recapture by prematurely selling the vehicle within a 5-year period.

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If you are considering the most beneficial method to deduct your vehicle expenses or have documentation questions, we invite you to contact our office. Our Montana-based firm is here to offer personalized and practical solutions, aligning with our commitment to simplicity, honesty, and lasting professional relationships.

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