Mileage Log Guides
Plain answers on keeping a mileage log the IRS accepts, written from the rules and linked to them.
Before you file
What the IRS expects, and whether a past year can still be logged.
- 1IRS Mileage Log RequirementsWhat the IRS expects in a mileage log: date, destination, business purpose and miles for each trip, plus your total miles for the year. With examples.
- 2Forgot to Track Mileage for Taxes?Forgot to track your mileage? You can still build an IRS log from records made at the time, like your Google Maps Timeline. What holds up, what does not.
- 3How to Reconstruct a Mileage LogHow to reconstruct a mileage log for past years from records made at the time: Google Maps Timeline, calendars, invoices, odometer. Step by step.
- 4Mileage Log for an IRS AuditThe IRS asked for your mileage log? What section 274(d) requires, how to rebuild the log from records made at the time, and what to give the examiner.
Get your data
Getting your drives out of Google Maps.
Rates, templates and alternatives
The rate to apply, and how the options compare.
- 6IRS Mileage Rate 2026The 2026 IRS business mileage rate is 72.5 cents a mile to June 30 and 76 cents from July 1. How to apply the split to your own drives.
- 7MileageWise AlternativeA MileageWise alternative for a mileage log from Google Timeline: one tax year for $49, no subscription, read on your device. An honest comparison.
- 8MileIQ AlternativeA MileIQ alternative when you need last year's miles: rebuild the log from Google Maps Timeline for $49 a tax year, no subscription. An honest comparison.
- 9Free Mileage Log TemplateFree mileage log template with the columns the IRS expects: date, destination, business purpose, odometer, miles. Excel, CSV and printable PDF.