IRS Standard Mileage Rate
The 2026 IRS standard mileage rate is 72.5¢ per mile through June, then 76¢ per mile from July. Here is what it covers and how to use it.
The IRS rate changes — and not everyone knows what it covers
The IRS sets a standard mileage rate each year (and sometimes adjusts it mid-year). For 2026, the rate is 72.5 cents per mile for the first half of the year and 76 cents per mile from 1 July onwards.
The rate is not just fuel. It is designed to cover the total cost of owning and operating a vehicle for business — fuel, maintenance, depreciation, insurance, and registration. You cannot also deduct those costs separately if you use the standard rate.
Many taxpayers use the wrong rate for the wrong period, or double-count actual expenses on top of the standard rate — both of which can trigger IRS questions.
Use the correct rate, automatically
MileageCalendar always applies the correct IRS standard mileage rate based on each journey's date. When the rate changes mid-year, your records reflect the change without any manual adjustment.
You can also choose the actual expense method if it suits your situation better — but for most self-employed drivers, the standard rate is simpler and more lucrative.
Always current
MileageCalendar uses the latest IRS rate and applies the correct one per journey date.
Mid-year changes
When the IRS adjusts the rate mid-year, your records update automatically.
No double-counting
The standard rate covers fuel, maintenance, depreciation and insurance — you cannot deduct those separately.
Compare methods
Track mileage with the standard rate, then compare to actual expenses at tax time.
How it works
Track your miles
Record every business journey — MileageCalendar does this from your calendar automatically.
We apply the rate
The correct IRS rate is applied to each journey based on its date.
Report on Schedule C
Export your total deduction and report it on your Schedule C.
Frequently Asked Questions
MileageCalendar helps organise mileage records and calculations. Tax treatment depends on your circumstances. Check the relevant tax authority guidance or speak to a qualified tax professional if necessary.