Vehicles drive along Pennsylvania Ave. during rush hour traffic at...

Vehicles drive along Pennsylvania Ave. during rush hour traffic at sunrise Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, in Washington, with the U.S. Capitol in the background. Credit: AP/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

WASHINGTON — The standard mileage rate for the business use of a car, truck, van or other vehicle will increase by 2.5 cents in 2026.

The IRS announced Monday that beginning Jan. 1, the standard mileage rate for a qualifying vehicle will be 72.5 cents per mile, up 2.5 cents from 2025.

The rate will be 20.5 cents per mile driven for medical purposes, down a half cent from 2025 and will be 20.5 cents per mile driven for moving purposes for certain active-duty members of the Armed Forces and certain members of the intelligence community, which is reduced by a half cent from last year.

The change, meant to reflect updated cost data and annual inflation adjustments, applies to fully-electric and hybrid automobiles, and gas and diesel-powered vehicles.

Use of the standard mileage rates is optional. People who use a their car for work may instead choose to calculate the actual costs of using their vehicle.

Suburban voters and midterms ... Oyster Bay proposed budget ... Jets vs. Dolphins preview  Credit: Newsday

Luxe apts. got tax break without affordable housing ... Suburban voters and midterms ... LI employs 90% of highest paid government employees ... County on hook for $70M for dangerous intersection

Suburban voters and midterms ... Oyster Bay proposed budget ... Jets vs. Dolphins preview  Credit: Newsday

Luxe apts. got tax break without affordable housing ... Suburban voters and midterms ... LI employs 90% of highest paid government employees ... County on hook for $70M for dangerous intersection

Subscribe

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

SUBSCRIBESALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME