2026 IRS Standard Mileage Rates: What Taxpayers Need to Know

Starting January 1, 2026, updated standard mileage rates will take effect for individuals and businesses using a car, van, pickup, or panel truck. These rates are used to calculate deductible vehicle expenses for tax purposes and apply across gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and fully electric vehicles.

Here’s a clear breakdown of the new mileage rates and what they mean for you.

🚗2026 Standard Mileage Rates

Business Use:

• 72.5 cents per mile

  
  

  ⬆️ Up 2.5 cents from 2025

  
  

  This increase may lead to larger deductions for business owners, self-employed individuals, and independent contractors who use their vehicles for work-related travel.

• Medical Use:

  
  

  20.5 cents per mile

  
  

  ⬇️ Down 0.5 cent from 2025

  
  

  This rate applies to miles driven for qualified medical care.

• Moving (Active-Duty & Certain Intelligence Members):

  
  

  20.5 cents per mile

  
  

  ⬇️ Down 0.5 cent from 2025

  
  

  Available only to qualifying active-duty members of the Armed Forces and now certain members of the intelligence community.

• Charitable Use:

  
  

  14 cents per mile

  
  

  ➖ Unchanged from 2025

  
  

  This rate remains fixed by law for mileage driven in service of charitable organizations.

⚡Electric & Hybrid Vehicles Included

Good news for EV and hybrid owners: these rates apply equally to fully electric, hybrid, gasoline, and diesel-powered vehicles. There is no separate mileage rate based on vehicle type.

📊 Why This Matters

If you track mileage for business, medical, charitable, or qualifying moving purposes, these rate changes can directly impact your tax deductions. Accurate mileage logs are essential to maximize allowable deductions and stay compliant.

✅ Pro Tip

Start tracking your mileage from day one in 2026. Use a mileage app or a written log that records:

• Date of travel

• Purpose of the trip

• Starting and ending odometer readings

If you have questions about how these mileage rates apply to your tax situation or want help maximizing your deductions, feel free to reach out. Staying informed is one of the smartest tax moves you can make.