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2026 Mileage Rates: Strategic Insights and Tax Implications

Each year, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) updates its standard mileage rates to reflect changes in the cost of operating an automobile. The 2026 update brings both increases and decreases across various categories. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect for deductible automotive expenses starting January 1, 2026:

The new mileage rates are as follows:

  • Business Use: 72.5 cents per mile, which includes a 35-cent allocation for depreciation. This marks an increase from the 2025 rate of 70 cents per mile.

  • Medical and Moving Purposes: 20.5 cents per mile, a slight decrease from 21 cents in 2025.

  • Charitable Service: Unchanged at 14 cents per mile.

The standard mileage rates account for both fixed and variable costs of automobile operation, refined annually through detailed studies. The medical and moving rates focus on variable costs alone, while the charitable rate stands as a legislative fixture, unchanged for over 25 years without Congressional action.

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Special Considerations for Military and Intelligence Community – While moving expense deductions were largely nullified by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), exceptions remain for active-duty military and, starting 2026, certain intelligence officers who must relocate due to job reassignment.

When partaking in charitable activities, taxpayers can opt for the actual expense method over the flat 14 cents rate. This alternative allows for direct deductions of fuel costs but excludes repair, maintenance, and similar expenses.

Strategic Business Insights – For business usage, particularly when dealing with fluctuating fuel prices and potential depreciation benefits, calculating actual expenses can be beneficial. However, choosing between actual expenses and standard rates must account for prior usage of Section 179 deductions or depreciation schedules, influencing eligibility for the mileage option.

Employers who reimburse employees through the standard mileage method can offer tax-free compensation, provided there’s adequate substantiation of the travel's business nature. Costs like parking, tolls, and taxes directly related to business use are still deductible when using the mileage rate.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminated itemized deductions for employee-experimented vehicle costs, a rule sustained until 2026 by OBBBA. Exceptions exist for military reservists, fee-based government officials, and specific artists and educators who can adjust income with these expenses.

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Benefits for Self-Employed and SUV Owners – Self-employed individuals retain the ability to claim vehicle expenses on Schedule C, irrespective of the method chosen. Heavier SUVs (above 6,000 lbs) offer attractive deductions, with possibilities to leverage both Section 179 and bonus depreciation, subject to careful planning to avoid recapture taxes upon untimely disposals.

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If tax strategy complexities arise or additional clarification is needed regarding vehicle-related deductions, reaching out to our office can clarify the best practices suited to your unique circumstances.

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