The rate for 2026
The IRS standard mileage rate is 72.5 cents a mile from January 1 to June 30, and 76 cents from July 1 to December 31.
You multiply your business miles by the rate. The result comes off your profit.
For example, 1,000 business miles take $725 off your profit.
What the rate already covers
The rate stands in for the real cost of driving: gas, oil, repairs, tires, insurance and the car losing value.
So those costs aren’t deducted on top of the miles. Parking fees and tolls for work are, because the rate leaves them out.
Which miles count
Miles driven for the work count, like driving to a pickup and then to the drop-off.
Driving from home to your first order usually doesn’t count. Personal trips never do.
A tax professional can tell you how this works for you.
Keep a log
The IRS asks for a record of the date, the miles and what each trip was for. The app’s own mileage summary often misses the drive to the pickup.
Most drivers use a mileage tracker app for this. Tax Pit Stop can import its file.
The other method
Instead of the rate, you can deduct the share of your real car costs used for work. Most drivers use the rate because it’s simpler. The rules for switching between the two methods are strict, so drivers often ask a tax professional before choosing.
Figures for 2026, from IRS documents. Tax rules change, so check the year at the top.
Work out your own number
The free calculator shows how much of each payout to set aside for your year, with the math. No sign-up.
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