The IRS rule for mileage reimbursement allows businesses and individuals to deduct or be reimbursed for the costs of operating a vehicle for business, medical, or moving purposes. For the year 2026, the Standard Mileage Rate is the most common method used; this rate is set annually by the IRS based on a study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. To qualify, you must keep a contemporaneous log of your travel, which includes the date, the purpose of the trip, the starting point, the destination, and the total miles driven. Commuting from your home to your regular place of work is not deductible. However, travel from your office to a client site or between two different work locations is covered. If your employer reimburses you at the official IRS rate, the payment is typically considered non-taxable income. If they reimburse you at a higher rate, the excess is taxed as wages. Many professionals now use automated GPS tracking apps to maintain these records, ensuring they meet the strict documentation requirements should the IRS ever request an audit of their business expenses.