If you drive for work, the miles can lower your taxes. But you need a log. This guide shows what to write down and how to add it up.
What to write for each trip
The IRS wants four things for each business trip:
- The date.
- Where you went.
- Why it was for business. For example, "Client visit" or "Bank deposit."
- The miles.
Driving from home to your normal job does not count. Ask a tax pro if you are not sure.
The 2026 IRS mileage rate
The rate changed in the middle of 2026:
- 72.5¢ a mile for trips from January 1 to June 30, 2026.
- 76¢ a mile for trips from July 1, 2026.
So 100 miles in June is worth 7,250 cents. The same 100 miles in July is worth 7,600 cents. Each trip uses the rate for its own date.
How to make your log
- Go to tools.ltd/mileage-log.
- Type or paste your trips, one on each line. For example:
3/14, Client visit, 18. - Check the miles and the total.
- Press Make my mileage log. Download the PDF. You can also get an Excel file.
Your trips stay on your computer. They are never uploaded.
Keep it with your tax papers
Save the PDF with your other tax papers. Keep it for at least 3 years.
Frequently asked questions
What is the IRS mileage rate for 2026?
For business driving it is 72.5 cents a mile from January 1 to June 30, 2026, and 76 cents a mile from July 1, 2026.
Do I need an app to keep a mileage log?
No. A note on your phone or a paper list is fine, as long as it has the date, where you went, why, and the miles.
Can I make the log at the end of the year?
It is best to write trips down when you drive. Then you can turn your notes into a clean log at any time.
Is this tax advice?
No. Ask a tax pro if you are not sure which trips count as business driving.
Related guides: How to make an invoice · More mileage guides