Tax Tips
Tax Tips articles from the Smart Miles blog.
IRS Raises the Mileage Rate to 76 Cents for the Rest of 2026
The IRS announced a rare mid-year increase: the business mileage rate rises from 72.5 to 76 cents per mile on July 1, 2026. Here's what changes for you.
Standard Mileage Rate vs. Actual Expenses: Which Should You Choose?
Pick the IRS method that pays you more: the simple 76 cents-per-mile standard rate, or the actual-expense method with receipts. Here's how to decide and how to switch.
Is Mileage Reimbursement Taxable Income?
Mileage reimbursement is taxable by default. It only becomes tax-free when your employer runs an accountable plan that pays at or below the 2026 IRS rate of 76 cents per mile.
Are Tolls Tax Deductible? Yes, On Top of Your Mileage
Business tolls and parking are deductible separately from your mileage, with the standard rate or actual expenses. Here's what counts and what doesn't.
Charitable and Medical Mileage Rates: The Other 2026 Deductions
Beyond the business rate, the IRS sets 2026 mileage rates of 23.5 cents for medical or moving and 14 cents for charity. Here's who can claim each.
Commuting vs. Business Miles: Which Drives Can You Deduct?
Commuting miles aren't deductible, but business miles are. Here's exactly where the IRS draws the line, plus the home-office and gig-driver exceptions.
How Do I Prove My Mileage to the IRS?
To prove a mileage deduction, the IRS needs a contemporaneous log with the date, route, business purpose, and miles of every trip. Here's exactly what counts.
Is a Car Allowance Taxable? What Drivers Need to Know
A flat car allowance is usually taxable income. Here's when your car allowance is taxed, when it isn't, and how an accountable plan changes everything.
NAICS Business Codes for Gig Workers (Uber, DoorDash, and More)
The Schedule C business activity code for gig work: rideshare drivers use 485300, delivery couriers use 492000. Here's the full list and how to pick yours.
How Much Can I Deduct for Mileage on My Taxes?
As of July 1, 2026 you can deduct 76 cents for every business mile you drive. Here's how to calculate your mileage deduction, who qualifies, and what records the IRS requires.
The Average Mileage Tracker Saves $5,000+ a Year
The IRS gives you 76 cents per business mile as of July 1, 2026. Learn how to track correctly and why most people leave thousands unclaimed.
IRS Mileage Rate 2026: What You Need to Know
The 2026 IRS standard mileage rate is 76 cents per mile as of July 1 (72.5 cents before), what it means for your taxes, plus how employers use it for reimbursement.
Stop leaving money on the road.
Every mile you don't track is a deduction you don't claim. Start tracking automatically today.