Mileage Deduction Calculator for Gig Workers (2026)
If you drive for Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, or any delivery or rideshare platform, the mileage deduction is often your largest tax write-off. The IRS allows you to deduct 67 cents per mile for every business mile you drive in 2026.
This free mileage calculator helps you instantly calculate your total mileage deduction based on the 2026 IRS standard mileage rate. Simply enter your business miles and see how much you can deduct on your taxes.
Total miles driven for business purposes in 2026
Percentage of vehicle use for business
Actual Expenses Method (Optional)
Enter your total vehicle expenses to compare with standard mileage
Gas, repairs, insurance, registration, etc.
For depreciation calculation
Why the Mileage Deduction Matters for Gig Workers
For most gig workers who drive, mileage is the single largest business expense deduction. If you drive 15,000 business miles in a year, that's a $10,050 deduction at the 2026 rate of $0.67 per mile.
This deduction reduces your taxable income, which lowers both your self-employment tax (15.3%) and your federal income tax. Proper mileage tracking can save you thousands of dollars per year.
Example Savings
If you drove 15,000 business miles:
- Mileage deduction: $10,050
- Self-employment tax savings: ~$1,538
- Federal income tax savings (22% bracket): ~$2,211
- Total tax savings: ~$3,749
How to Track Your Mileage
The IRS requires contemporaneous records, meaning you must track mileage as it happens, not reconstruct it later. Here are the best methods:
1. Use a Mileage Tracking App (Recommended)
Apps like Stride, MileIQ, or Everlance automatically track your drives using GPS. They categorize trips as business or personal and generate IRS-compliant reports. Most are free for basic use.
2. Manual Mileage Log
Keep a notebook or spreadsheet with: date, starting odometer reading, ending odometer reading, total miles, destination, and business purpose. This method works but requires discipline.
3. Platform Reports + Tracking
Some platforms provide mileage reports, but they may not capture all deductible miles (like driving to your first pickup or between platforms). Use these as a baseline and supplement with your own tracking.
Related Tools and Resources
Gig Worker Tax Calculator
Calculate your total tax liability including self-employment tax and federal income tax based on your gig income and deductions.
Calculate Your TaxesTax Deductions Guide
Learn about all the tax deductions available to gig workers beyond mileage, including phone bills, supplies, and more.
View Deductions GuideFrequently Asked Questions
Start Tracking Your Mileage Today
Don't leave money on the table. Start tracking your business mileage today and maximize your tax deductions. The mileage deduction alone can save you thousands of dollars per year in taxes.
Use the calculator above to estimate your annual mileage deduction, then implement a tracking system to capture every deductible mile you drive.