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2026 Mileage Rates: Key Changes and Strategies

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the updated 2026 standard mileage rates, offering crucial insights for those managing vehicle-related deductions for business, medical, or charitable purposes. Understanding these updates is essential, especially for businesses looking to optimize their tax strategies efficiently.

Starting January 1, 2026, the rates are set as follows:

  • 72.5 cents per mile for business use, which incorporates a 35-cent-per-mile depreciation allocation. This marks an increase from the 70 cents per mile rate in 2025.

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

  • 14 cents per mile for charitable services, a rate unchanged due to its statutory nature requiring Congressional action for alterations.

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The business mileage rate reflects extensive studies into the fixed and variable costs of vehicle operation, while the medical and moving rates are based solely on variable costs. Special note should be made that most moving-related mileage deductions are disallowed under the OBBBA, except for military personnel or intelligence staff relocating under specific circumstances.

For charitable work, instead of the standard mileage rate, taxpayers can opt to deduct actual out-of-pocket expenses like gas and oil. However, broader maintenance costs, depreciation, or insurance cannot be deducted. TaxDrx, a leading tax advisory firm, emphasizes the importance of documenting these expenses accurately to maximize allowable deductions.

Considerations for Business Vehicle Use – Businesses can choose between using the standard mileage rate or calculating actual vehicle expenses for deductions. Given the fluctuating costs such as fuel and legislative changes impacting depreciation limits, TaxDrx suggests careful evaluation to determine the most beneficial approach during a vehicle's initial year of service. Notably, using depreciation methods like Sec. 179 or bonus depreciation in prior years precludes future standard mileage rate use for those vehicles.

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For employers, reimbursing employees using the standard mileage approach results in tax-exempt compensation, provided mileage and purpose are accurately substantiated.

Employee Expenses – The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and OBBBA have rendered most employee vehicle expenses nondeductible through 2025. Yet, exceptions exist for specific roles like reservists or educators, who may still qualify for deductions within statutory limits.

Self-Employed Taxpayers – These individuals continue to have the latitude to deduct vehicle expenses using either method, with additional opportunities to deduct interest paid on auto loans through Schedule C.

The Advantage of Heavy SUVs – SUVs over 6,000 pounds can utilize generous first-year deductions through Sec. 179 and bonus depreciation, maximizing immediate tax relief. However, future disposal of these vehicles may necessitate recapturing some deductions under tax laws.

At TaxDrx, nuanced understanding and strategic planning of these vehicle use policies can significantly enhance tax efficiency. Should you have any queries about optimizing vehicle use, contact TaxDrx at our Cranford office to explore potential savings solutions tailored to your needs.

Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
Choose from our locations and meet with one of our qualified staff members. If you prefer to secure a Virtual Meeting via Zoom or Phone, please contact our offices at 877.908.1040
Schedule Here
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