What Is the Standard Mileage Rate?

The standard mileage rate is a rate set by the IRS that is used to calculate the deductible costs of operating a vehicle for business purposes. The rate is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating a vehicle, such as gas, insurance, and depreciation.

To claim the standard mileage rate for your taxes, you must use it in the first year that you use your vehicle for business purposes. In subsequent years, you can choose to use either the standard mileage rate or actual expenses.

If you want to understand how the standard mileage rate works, this blog post is for you. 

How do I claim the standard mileage rate? 

To claim the standard mileage rate, you will need to keep accurate records of your business mileage, including the dates, miles, and purpose of each trip. You will also need to keep receipts for any other vehicle-related expenses that you want to claim, such as parking fees and tolls.

When claiming the standard mileage rate on your taxes, you will need to complete Form 2106 or Form 2106-EZ and attach it to your tax return. This form will help you calculate your deductible vehicle expenses based on the standard mileage rate and any additional expenses that you incurred.

Why is the standard mileage rate helpful? 

Overall, the standard mileage rate can be a useful tool for simplifying the process of calculating and claiming your vehicle-related expenses on your taxes. By using the standard rate, you can save time and effort, and ensure that you are claiming the maximum amount of deductions that you are entitled to.

The standard mileage rate can be claimed by anyone who uses their vehicle for business purposes. This includes self-employed individuals, sole proprietors, and employees who use their own vehicle for work-related purposes.

To claim the standard mileage rate, you must have used the vehicle for business purposes during the tax year for which you are claiming the deduction. This means that you must have used the vehicle to conduct business activities such as driving to meetings, running errands for your business, or transporting equipment or supplies.

Additionally, you must have kept accurate records of your business mileage, including the dates, miles, and purpose of each trip. You will need to provide this information when you claim the standard mileage rate on your tax return.

How did the standard mileage rate change for 2022? 

To keep up with costly prices at the pump due to rising inflation, the IRS amended the standard mileage rate for the last six months of 2022. For the final six months of 2022, the standard mileage rate for business travel is 62.5 cents per mile, up 4 cents from the rate effective at the start of the year. Remember that the rate for the year's first half is 58.5 cents per mile. The IRS normally updates the mileage rates once a year in the fall for the next calendar year. For travel from January 1 through June 30, 2022, taxpayers should use the rates set forth by the agency’s initial notice. 

Can I claim car maintenance on my taxes? 

Yes, you can declare car maintenance expenses on your taxes if you use your car for business purposes. These expenses can be claimed as a deduction on your tax return. However, if you use your car for both business and personal use, you can only claim a portion of the expenses that is related to business use. Additionally, you will need to keep accurate records of your expenses, including receipts, to support your claims.

Smog checks and other state-required inspections for your car may be considered as a maintenance expense and potentially be claimed as a deduction if you use your car for business purposes. However, it would depend on the tax laws of your state and the regulations of the tax authority. Additionally, it would be important to have proper documentation, such as receipts, to support the expense. 

How can Taxfyle help?

Keeping track of what credits and deductions you can apply to your tax return is lengthy. Not only does it require diligent tracking on your end, but you need to stay updated with the latest legislation to ascertain what changes affect your tax return. When you’re running your business and focusing on making the right moves to achieve consistent growth, it becomes increasingly difficult to stay on your toes when taxes are concerned. What if you could give the work to someone else? 

Taxfyle connects individuals like you to experienced, licensed tax professionals who are more than capable of handling your tax return, regardless of the complexity. With Taxfyle, you have an accountant in your pocket who can file your taxes for you at an affordable rate. 

This tax season, ditch the stress. Have more time to focus on your business when you file with a Pro.