Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 26 October 2026
Quick answer: Mileage tracking for taxes means keeping a contemporaneous log of business trips: date, destination, business purpose and miles driven. In the US, the IRS lets eligible taxpayers deduct either a standard mileage rate or actual costs. A GPS trip meter can supply distance, but you still need to record purpose. This is general information, not tax advice.
TL;DR
- Record date, place, purpose, miles.
- Keep logs at the time, not later.
- IRS publishes the standard mileage rate yearly.
- Commuting usually does not count.
- Ask a tax professional.
What the IRS asks for
IRS guidance on car expenses explains that you need adequate records, such as a log made at or near the time, showing mileage for each business use, the date and the business purpose. Rates and rules change; check the current IRS page.
Mileage tracking for taxes: standard vs actual
Under the standard mileage method you multiply business miles by the IRS rate. Under the actual expense method you deduct a share of fuel, repairs, insurance and depreciation. Eligibility rules apply.
A simple log template
| Date | From → To | Purpose | Start odo | End odo | Miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-20 | Office → Client A | Site visit | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
| 2026-10-21 | Office → Supplier | Pick-up | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
Using a GPS trip meter
Tap Start in Speedometer PRO's trip meter at the start of a business trip, then note purpose in your log. Trip history keeps distances. The app is not a dedicated mileage logger and does not classify trips.
Outside the US
Other tax authorities use their own approved mileage rates and record rules. Check your local authority's guidance.
Keeping it simple
Log each business trip at the time: date, purpose, start and end points and miles. Back the log up regularly. Ask a tax adviser what your authority accepts.
Disclaimer
This isn't tax advice. Rules and rates change each year.
Accuracy and audits
Keep odometer readings at the start and end of the year. GPS and car numbers rarely match exactly; consistency and contemporaneous records matter more.
Related: Odometer guide: odometers and trip meters · How to measure distance driven · Trip meter: duration, distance, average and max speed · Trip tracker: your past trips in one list · Trip fuel cost calculator · Speedometer for car: your phone as a second display · Odometer app: total distance from GPS · Odometer vs trip meter
Get Speedometer PRO on Google Play · Download on the App Store · Set it up before you move; never handle your phone while driving.
Sources
- Standard mileage rates (IRS): irs.gov (accessed 26 October 2026)
- Trip computer (Wikipedia): en.wikipedia.org (accessed 26 October 2026)
- Odometer (Wikipedia): en.wikipedia.org (accessed 26 October 2026)
FAQ
What should a mileage log include?
Date, destination, business purpose and miles for each trip, recorded at or near the time.
Can I use a phone app for mileage?
Yes, as long as the records are adequate. You still need to note business purpose.
Does commuting count?
Generally no. Ordinary commuting between home and a regular workplace is usually not deductible in the US.
What is the IRS mileage rate?
It is set each year; check the IRS standard mileage rates page for the current figure.
Is this tax advice?
No. It is general information. Consult a qualified tax professional for your situation.