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New Mileage Rates for 2026 Unveiled by IRS

The IRS has unveiled its 2026 standard mileage rates, essential for calculating deductible auto operating costs for business, charitable, medical, or moving purposes.

Effective January 1, 2026, the updated mileage rates for cars, vans, pickups, and panel trucks are as follows:

  • 72.5 cents per mile for business use, which includes a 35-cent allocation for depreciation, up from last year's 70 cents per mile.

  • 20.5 cents per mile for medical or certain moving expenses, a slight decrease from 21 cents in 2025.

  • 14 cents per mile for charitable service, unchanged due to congressional mandate.

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The business mileage rate arises from annual analyses of auto-related costs, both fixed and variable. The medical and moving rates hinge on similar studies, whereas the charitable rate, static for over two decades due to legislative requirements, requires Congressional approval for alterations.

Despite the One Big Beautiful Bill Act's (OBBBA) eradication of moving expense deductions, exceptions exist for active-duty military members and intelligence agency personnel relocating per duty mandates.

For charitable activities, rather than applying the 14-cent per mile rule, itemizing taxpayers may subtract directly linked gas and oil costs. However, expenses tied to general maintenance, depreciation, registration fees, tires, or insurance remain non-deductible.

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Considerations for Business Vehicles – Taxpayers may opt to compute actual vehicle expenses over standard mileage rates. Given the fluctuating fuel market and beneficial depreciation terms, choosing actual expenses can be favorable, especially in a vehicle's initial deployment year for business. The phase-out of bonus depreciation, which was fully restored in late 2025, adds another layer for consideration.

Note: Standard mileage cannot apply to vehicles previously utilizing methods like Section 179, bonus depreciation, or MACRS. This restriction is vehicle-specific. Furthermore, it’s inapplicable to vehicles for hire or fleets exceeding four.

Business owners frequently overlook deductions for parking fees, tolls, as well as relevant property taxes in addition to mileage rates.

Employer Reimbursements – Tax-exempt status applies to employer mileage reimbursements, conditional on the employee justifying the trip’s business relevance, location, and logistics.

Employee Vehicle Expenses – The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) revoked itemized deductions for employee mileage through 2025. However, exempt categories like reserve military, certain public officials, and specified performing artists retain deduction privileges. Educators likewise have comparable provisions for 2026 on their federal returns.

Self-employed Taxpayers remain eligible for vehicle expense deductions. Whether employing the standard or actual expense avenue, interest on auto loans proportionate to business use remains deductible on Schedule C.

Enhanced Deductions for Heavy SUVs – SUVs exceeding 6,000 pounds dodge luxury car depreciation limits. The Section 179 deduction (up to $32,000 in 2026) and applicable bonus depreciation offer accelerated first-year tax relief. However, vehicles surpassing 14,000 pounds gross weight are excluded.

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Caution: Cars in the 5-year property class may invoke Section 179 recapture upon disposal within five years, needing add-back into taxable income. Pre-plan deduction implications diligently.

For guidance on optimizing vehicle expense deductions or understanding proper documentation, contact CPA Consulting Services for expert advice.

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