2026 mileage reimbursement calculator
Mileage reimbursement calculator for 2026
Download the free 2026 mileage log template →
Add your business trips by date. The calculator automatically applies 72.5¢/mile through June 30 and the current 76¢/mile rate from July 1, then lets you compare your employer's mileage rate.
Jan 1 – Jun 3072.5¢per business mile
Rate changed Jul 1 →
Jul 1 – Dec 31 Current76¢per business mile
Free calculator
Calculate reimbursement trip by trip
Enter each business trip once. The date picks the correct 2026 IRS benchmark automatically; destination and purpose stay with the calculation if you export it.
2026 split-rate built in
Business trips
Start with your own trips or load an example.| Date | Miles | Destination | Business purpose | IRS rate | Benchmark |
|---|
IRS benchmark total$0.000.0 business miles
Jan–Jun$0.000.0 mi × 72.5¢ Jul–Dec$0.000.0 mi × 76¢
Employer policy totalEnter a rateSee how it compares with the IRS benchmark
The IRS rate is a federal benchmark, not a universal rule requiring every employer to reimburse this exact amount. Employer policy and state requirements can differ.
Official 2026 business rates: IRS standard mileage rates. The revised 76¢ rate applies to qualifying transportation expenses paid or incurred on or after July 1, 2026. This calculator is informational and is not tax or legal advice.
Why date matters in 2026
In 2026, the trip date changes the answer
The business rate changed on July 1, 2026. So the same number of annual business miles can produce a different benchmark total depending on when those miles were driven.
Mar 15750 mi × 72.5¢$543.75
Aug 121,100 mi × 76¢$836.00
Total1,850 business miles$1,379.75
IRS benchmark vs employer policy
IRS benchmark and employer reimbursement are not the same thing
IRS benchmark
The optional standard mileage rate can be used for business mileage calculations and mileage allowances that meet applicable substantiation rules.
Employer policy
An employer can have its own reimbursement policy. The calculator's optional employer-rate field lets you compare a flat policy rate with the 2026 IRS benchmark.
State rules
State reimbursement requirements can differ. Do not assume the federal standard mileage rate by itself answers every employer reimbursement question.
Recordkeeping
Keep the trip facts behind the reimbursement total
1CaptureDate, route and mileage
2ClassifyBusiness, commute or personal
3Add purposeClient, project or business reason
4ReimburseApply policy and retain the record
For an accountable plan, the IRS generally requires a business connection, adequate accounting within a reasonable period, and return of any excess reimbursement. Publication 463 describes safe-harbor periods of 60 days to account for expenses and 120 days to return excess amounts. IRS Publication 463.
FAQ
Mileage reimbursement calculator questions
What is the IRS business mileage rate for 2026?
For business use, the IRS standard mileage rate is 72.5 cents per mile for January 1 through June 30, 2026, and 76 cents per mile for July 1 through December 31, 2026.
Why does the 2026 mileage reimbursement calculator need the trip date?
Because the business standard mileage rate changed on July 1, 2026. A trip dated June 30 uses 72.5 cents per mile while a trip dated July 1 uses 76 cents per mile.
Does my employer have to reimburse me at the IRS rate?
No. The IRS standard mileage rate is a federal benchmark used for tax and substantiation purposes; it is not a universal federal rule requiring every employer to reimburse exactly that amount. Employer policies and state rules can differ.
Can I enter a custom employer mileage rate?
Yes. Enter an optional flat employer rate to compare that policy amount with the IRS 2026 benchmark calculated by trip date.
What records should I keep for mileage reimbursement?
For business transportation, keep a timely record of the date, business destination, business purpose and business mileage, along with the documentation your employer requires.
Can I download the calculator results?
Yes. Download the current trip rows as a CSV with date, miles, destination, business purpose, IRS rate and calculated benchmark reimbursement.
Guide
Mileage reimbursement 2026
Understand the IRS benchmark, accountable plans and employer policy.
Record
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