Archive · 31 Dec 2025
IRS Announces 2026 Tax Breaks for Work-Related Expenses
The IRS has announced new tax rules for 2026.
People who use their cars for work will get a bigger tax break, with the mileage rate increasing to 72.5 cents per mile.
This is good news for self-employed workers, gig workers, and small business owners who drive a lot for their jobs.
The rate for medical travel will decrease slightly to 20.5 cents per mile.
The rate for charitable driving stays the same at 14 cents per mile.
The IRS also said that the standard deduction will go up for most taxpayers.
Individual filers will get $15,750, and married couples filing together will get $31,500.
Seniors aged 65 and older can deduct an extra $6,000.
The IRS is encouraging everyone to prepare early for the next tax season.
The IRS has increased the standard mileage rate for business use to 72.5 cents per mile starting January 1, 2026.
The medical mileage rate will decrease to 20.5 cents per mile, while the charitable mileage rate remains at 14 cents per mile.
The standard deduction for individual filers will rise to $15,750 in 2026, and $31,500 for married couples filing jointly.
Seniors aged 65 and older can deduct an additional $6,000 from their taxable income from 2025 through 2028.
Taxpayers can choose to deduct actual vehicle expenses instead of using the standard mileage rate.
- Who
- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and taxpayers using personal vehicles for work, medical, or charitable purposes
- What
- Announcement of updated standard mileage rates and other tax changes for 2026
- When
- Starting January 1, 2026
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To reflect updated cost data and yearly inflation adjustments
- Business Mileage Rate (2026)
- 72.5 cents per mile
- Medical Mileage Rate (2026)
- 20.5 cents per mile
- Charitable Mileage Rate (2026)
- 14 cents per mile
- Standard Deduction (Individual, 2026)
- $15,750
- Standard Deduction (Married, 2026)
- $31,500
- Additional Deduction for Seniors (2026)
- $6,000
- Tip Deduction Limit (2026)
- $25,000