How much is mileage reimbursement 2026?
The IRS business rate is 72.5 cents per mile for Jan-Jun 2026 and 76 cents per mile for Jul-Dec. Many employers use it as a reimbursement benchmark, but their written policy controls the actual payment rate.
US reimbursement guide
Mileage Reimbursement 2026
Use 72.5 cents per mile for Jan-Jun and 76 cents for Jul-Dec 2026, exclude commuting, and prepare a mileage log and claim form.
Guide by MileagePilotUpdated Oct 16, 2026
Short answer
Mileage reimbursement 2026 claims depend on when the trip happened: 72.5 cents per mile for Jan-Jun and 76 cents for Jul-Dec. Your employer's written policy sets the rate that is actually paid, so support each claim with a mileage log and a reimbursement form.
At a glance
- Use 72.5 cents per mile for Jan-Jun 2026 business miles and 76 cents per mile for Jul-Dec when the employer follows the IRS standard rate.
- Count eligible business miles only; commuting, personal errands, and unsupported detours should stay out of the claim.
- Keep the trip date, destination, business purpose, miles, rate period, and approval details so the reimbursement can be reviewed cleanly.
Apply the 2026 rate to a claim
Split 2026 business miles into Jan. 1-Jun. 30 and Jul. 1-Dec. 31. Multiply the first segment by 72.5 cents per mile and the second by 76 cents per mile, unless the employer policy uses a different approved rate.
The IRS rate is the benchmark, not the whole claim. The employer still needs a supportable business reason, a clean mileage log, and a reimbursement form or expense report.
Turn the 2026 rate into a claim
- Confirm the trip happened in the 2026 tax year.
- Split the mileage at July 1: 72.5 cents for Jan-Jun and 76 cents for Jul-Dec.
- Exclude ordinary commuting, personal errands, and unsupported route padding.
- Apply the employer-approved rate or the IRS business benchmark.
- Attach a mileage log with date, destination, business purpose, and miles.
- Submit a reimbursement form so the amount can be reviewed and approved.
Where this differs from the IRS rate page
Use the IRS mileage rate 2026 page when you need the official category table for business, medical, moving, or charity mileage.
Use this reimbursement page when you need to turn the two 2026 mileage reimbursement periods into an employer claim with records, review, and next-step tools.
Official references
IRS mileage rate 2026
Use the current Jul-Dec page for the revised 2026 category table and source link.
IRS mileage rate 2026 (Jan-Jun)
Use this first-half page when reconciling trips before July 1.
Calculate 2026 IRS mileage reimbursement
Enter the Jan-Jun and Jul-Dec miles separately; the calculator applies 72.5¢ and 76¢ and shows a checkable breakdown.
Mileage reimbursement form
Pair the calculated amount with a standard claim form and approval trail.
Common questions
Is mileage reimbursement 2026 the same as a tax deduction?
No. Reimbursement is an employer payment for business driving, while a deduction is claimed on a tax return by an eligible taxpayer.
Where does the official 2026 mileage reimbursement rate come from?
The benchmark rates are issued by the IRS (Notice 2026-10 and mid-year update Announcement 2026-11), setting 72.5 cents per mile for January through June and 76.0 cents per mile for July through December 2026.
Continue with tools
Explore official tax authority rate tables, compliance guides, and printable mileage log templates.