As of January 1, 2026, the IRS mileage rate for business use officially increased. Understanding how the 2025 and 2026 rates differ, and how they apply to your organization, can help ensure compliance, accurate reimbursements, and clearer communication with employees.
What Is the IRS Mileage Rate?
The IRS mileage rate is a standardized per-mile amount used to calculate the deductible cost of driving for business, medical, or charitable purposes. For employers, the rate is most often used as a benchmark for reimbursing employees who use their personal vehicles for work.
While private employers are not legally required to reimburse at the IRS rate, it is widely adopted because it:
- Provides a consistent and defensible reimbursement standard
- Simplifies expense reporting and payroll processing
- Helps avoid taxable income issues when reimbursements exceed IRS limits
The IRS Mileage Rate Change for 2026
The IRS announced on December 29, 2025, that the standard mileage rate for business use increased for 2026, while the rate for medical use decreased slightly.
2026 IRS Mileage Rates
- Business use: 72.5 cents per mile
- Medical use: 20.5 cents per mile
- Charitable use: 14 cents per mile
This represents a 2.5-cent increase for business miles compared to 2025. The IRS cited higher overall transportation costs, including fuel volatility, vehicle maintenance, insurance premiums, and depreciation, as key drivers of the increase.
How the 2025 and 2026 Rates Compare
For reference, here are the IRS mileage rates that applied during 2025:
2025 IRS Mileage Rates
- Business use: 70 cents per mile
- Medical use: 21 cents per mile
- Charitable use: 14 cents per mile
To put the change into perspective:
- An employee who drove 10,000 business miles in 2025 could deduct or be reimbursed $7,000
- That same mileage in 2026 equates to $7,250
While the difference may seem modest, it adds up quickly for organizations with sales teams, field employees, or frequent travel.
What This Means for Employers
For employers, the updated mileage rate affects more than just reimbursement amounts. It has implications for payroll accuracy, tax treatment, and employee expectations.
Key considerations include:
- Reimbursement policies: If your organization uses the IRS rate, systems and policies should reflect the 2026 update.
- Tax compliance: Reimbursements above the IRS rate may be considered taxable income for employees.
- Budgeting and forecasting: Higher reimbursement rates can impact travel and operating expenses.
- Employee communication: Clear guidance helps avoid confusion when rates change year over year.
Employers that rely on consistent processes and accurate data will find it easier to manage these changes smoothly.
Are Employers Required to Reimburse at the IRS Mileage Rate?
One of the most common questions employers have is whether they are legally required to reimburse employees at the IRS standard mileage rate. The short answer is no. The IRS mileage rate is not a mandate for private employers; it is a guideline used to determine how much mileage reimbursement can be treated as non-taxable. Employers are free to set their own reimbursement rates based on internal policy, budget considerations, or role-specific needs.
That said, the IRS rate often serves as a practical benchmark. Reimbursing at or below the IRS rate allows employers to treat the reimbursement as non-taxable income for employees, provided proper documentation is maintained. If an organization chooses to reimburse above the IRS rate, the excess amount may need to be treated as taxable wages and included in payroll. Because of this, many employers adopt the IRS rate as a simple, defensible standard that balances fairness to employees with tax and compliance considerations.
Why the IRS Adjusts the Mileage Rate Each Year
The IRS calculates the standard mileage rate using nationwide cost data from the prior year. Factors considered include:
- Fuel prices
- Vehicle maintenance and repair costs
- Insurance premiums
- Depreciation and financing costs
- Broader transportation cost trends
In recent years, rising vehicle ownership costs and inflation have pushed rates higher. The 2026 increase reflects continued pressure in those areas and is intended to better align the rate with real-world driving expenses.
Best Practices for Managing Mileage Reimbursement
To stay compliant and reduce administrative burden, employers should consider:
- Maintaining clear mileage reimbursement policies
- Requiring proper documentation of business purpose and mileage
- Using digital tools or systems that simplify tracking and reporting (such as GPS-based mileage tracking apps, expense reporting platforms, HCM technology with integrated reimbursement workflows, and mobile tools for real-time trip logging)
- Reviewing reimbursement rates annually to align with IRS updates
Accurate mileage tracking not only supports compliance, but also protects both the employer and employee in the event of an audit.
Final Thoughts
Mileage rates will continue to change as transportation costs evolve. Staying informed, updating policies proactively, and ensuring systems are aligned helps employers avoid surprises and maintain trust with employees.
If you have questions about how mileage reimbursement impacts payroll, tax treatment, or employee policies, Simco is here to help. You can click here to get in touch with one of our specialists today.
Sign up for our newsletter.




