The IRS has announced its 2026 standard mileage rates. Beginning January 1, 2026, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car, van, pickup, or panel truck will be:

No. The rates apply to fully electric and hybrid automobiles, as well as gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.

If you’re wondering about the differences in rates for business and medical purposes, or for moving, there is a reason. The standard mileage rate for business is calculated using an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile, including depreciation, insurance, repairs, tires, maintenance, gas, and oil. In contrast, the rate for medical and moving purposes is based just on the variable costs.

If you feel like it always looks the same, it has. By statute, it is not indexed for inflation or otherwise adjusted—it’s been 14 cents per mile since the Clinton era.

According to a 1997 Treasury letter, the main reason why the standard mileage rate for travel for charitable purposes is less than the business standard mileage rate is that the charitable rate does not include such items as depreciation, insurance, or repairs, which are not deductible as charitable contributions under section 170 of the tax code.

The standard mileage rate dates back to the 1970s. It was introduced as a simplification tool to reduce time and paperwork. In 1971, the IRS first formally published the standard mileage rate, now updated annually.

The original rate was 10 cents per mile for business use. Adjusted for inflation, that’s roughly $1.05 per mile today. That means today’s 72.5 cents per mile is less than the original rate (even more interesting if you consider how much........

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