Current Rate Snapshot: Mid-2026
The IRS sets standard mileage rates annually, typically in late December. The 2026 rates were announced in IRS Notice 2026-10, raising the business rate from 70 to 72.5 cents — a 3.6% increase driven by sustained vehicle cost inflation. Halfway through the year, no mid-year correction has been triggered, unlike 2022 when surging gas prices forced an unusual July rate adjustment.
Will There Be a 2026 Mid-Year Adjustment?
A mid-year adjustment is unlikely for 2026 unless US average gasoline prices spike significantly above current levels. The 2022 mid-year adjustment was triggered when the national average exceeded $5.00/gallon in June — well above typical prices. No comparable spike has occurred in the first half of 2026.
However, taxpayers with significant mileage in the second half of 2026 should remain aware that the IRS retains the authority to issue a mid-year correction if conditions change materially.
Planning Implications for Employers and Employees
If reimbursing employees at the IRS rate, ensure payroll systems are updated to 72.5¢ for all 2026 mileage. If using a lower rate (many employers reimburse at 50–60¢), confirm your accountable plan documentation and communicate clearly to employees that they may be eligible for a tax deduction on the difference.
Self-employed individuals claiming the standard mileage rate for 2026 should maintain contemporaneous mileage logs — the IRS requires adequate records for all mileage deductions, and logs created at tax time rather than at the time of each trip do not meet the standard.