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Keeping track of your mileage for tax purposes can be a hassle, but having a reliable mileage log can make the process much easier. If you're looking for a free IRS mileage log template, you're in the right place.

Download mileage log template

Free IRS Mileage Log Template

This Excel template has all the data and calculations needed for a valid mileage deduction record for the IRS. Just input your odometer readings and trips. This template helps you calculate your deduction per trip using the Standard Mileage Rate. It makes it simple to calculate your total deduction for your taxes on your Schedule C form.

The most important thing about tracking your mileage is to track it consistently -- every trip, every time. To be thorough, you should be tracking your business, personal, and commuting miles.

When you’re sitting in front of the computer next, transfer your records into the spreadsheet. If it’s a trip for business, write “business” in the purpose column. Next to it, record any details about that trip, such as "Open House Showing" "Trip to Staples" or"DoorDash Delivery"

Next, enter the location you drove to and, of course, the mileage of that trip. The template will automatically calculate the deduction for each business trip based on the Standard Mileage Rate.

Mileage Log Requirements

Thorough mileage tracking can save you significant amounts of money during tax season. The IRS needs proof of your mileage deduction, so they don't just trust you to be honest about it. Your mileage log is important for proving your tax claim and determining the amount you can deduct.

Our Excel mileage log template meets IRS requirements and includes all the information needed for an audit. This includes:

  • Your mileage for each trip you deduct
  • The dates of those trips
  • The places you drove on those trips

The IRS will also want to know the total number of miles you drove for the year, which can be found by subtracting the starting mileage on your odometer from the mileage at the end of the year.

It’s also a good idea to know your business, commute, and personal mileage. Since your mileage log template records your business mileage, you can subtract that number from your total mileage. From there, estimate your commute mileage by multiplying your commute length by your days worked (a weekly average is okay for all but the most detailed of purposes). Once you subtract this number, you’ll be left with your personal mileage.  

Of course, keeping detailed records of all your trips takes the guesswork out of calculating your specific mileage for each category. There are many apps to track mileage. They make it easy to track mileage anytime, anywhere, without thinking about it.

Does the IRS require odometer readings for my log?

No, the IRS only requires the mileage of each trip in your log, not the odometer readings for each trip. They need to know the mileage on your odometer at the start of the year. It's a good idea to keep a yearly record of your starting mileage.

Consider using a mileage-tracking app

To use this Excel mileage log template, you need to track your mileage manually in a notebook. Afterward, you can transfer the data into the spreadsheet when you have access to a computer. If this seems difficult to you, you could try using a mileage-tracking app like Everlance.

Mileage tracking apps help you keep detailed records that meet IRS requirements in one place, available anytime. Many of us spend most of our time near our phones. Mileage tracking apps use this and let you track your mileage easily, without any extra effort. You simply download the app, and then categorize each trip as business or personal.

Everlance tracks your mileage automatically, using the GPS built right into your phone. Simply download the app for Android or iPhone, launch the app, and going for a drive, Everlance will do the rest.

Categorizing a trip is as simple as swiping left or right for personal or business trips, respectively. The app is fully customizable and can be tailored to suit your individual needs. You can also use Everlance to automatically track your expenses, making calculating deductions for everything, from business expenses to parking fees to travel costs, easier and more efficient.  

Automated expense tracking can save you time and money

When you connect your bank account or credit card to Everlance, the app will automatically log your expenses, recording the date, time, amount, and corresponding transaction information. This way, you avoid hanging onto a shoebox full of receipts and the end-of-the-month scramble to enter your data into a spreadsheet.

In addition to keeping all your mileage and expense records in one place, Everlance allows you to track your automotive expenses. This can help you calculate your mileage deduction based on actual expenses, which requires much more detailed record-keeping of everything from fuel costs to oil changes to repair expenses, in addition to mileage.

While this method requires much more meticulous records, it can be very lucrative for some people. Keeping appropriately detailed records allows you to decide which method is right for you.

Whether you use the Everlance app, our Excel mileage log template, or even a notebook, the key to getting the most out of your mileage deduction is to track every single trip and maintain detailed records of your mileage.

  1. How does Everlance work?