Mileage Reimbursement Calculator

What this computes

The standard mileage rate rolls fuel, maintenance, depreciation, and insurance into one cents-per-mile figure. This multiplies your deductible miles — at the correct rate for each category — and, optionally, compares the result against the actual-expense method so you can see which is worth more.

The math

standard  = business·rate_b + medical·rate_m + charity·rate_c
actual    = total operating cost × business-use share
claim the larger of (business·rate_b, actual)

The two methods are only comparable on the business portion; medical and charitable mileage always use their own fixed rates and are added on top.

The standard rate trades a little accuracy for a lot less paperwork. For most efficient cars driven a lot for work, it also happens to win.

How to use this

1. Set the rate to the current IRS figure for the tax year you're filing — it changes annually.
2. Only count deductible miles. Commuting between home and your regular workplace never qualifies.
3. Run the actual-expense comparison if you have a pricey vehicle or low business mileage — that's where it can win.
4. Keep a contemporaneous log. The deduction is only as good as the records behind it on audit.

Standard vs actual expense

• Standard mileage: miles × rate. Minimal records, predictable, usually best for economical high-mileage business use.
• Actual expense: total operating cost × business-use %. More paperwork; can win for expensive vehicles or heavy depreciation.
• Election rules matter. Choosing actual expense with accelerated depreciation in year one can permanently block the standard rate for that car. Decide deliberately.

What this calculator doesn't model

• Depreciation recapture and basis adjustments under the actual-expense method.
• Parking, tolls, and interest, which can be added on top of the standard rate in some cases.
• State rules, which may differ from federal treatment.
• Employer reimbursement plans, accountable vs non-accountable, which change taxability.