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Mileage vs
actual expenses

Which vehicle deduction method saves you more — standard mileage or actual expenses? Run both side by side.

2026 IRS rate · $0.70/mile

Side-by-side comparison

Winner

—

Both methods compared

Standard mileage ($0.70 × miles)—

Actual expenses (× business use %)—

Total operating cost—

Cost per mile—

Decision factors

How to choose.

Standard mileage usually wins for older, cheaper, high-mileage vehicles. Actual expenses usually wins for new, expensive, low-mileage vehicles — especially 6,000+ lb GVWR SUVs that qualify for Section 179.

If your cost per mile is below $0.70, standard mileage wins.
If your cost per mile is above $0.70, actual expenses wins.

Important: The choice locks in for the vehicle. If you start with actual + Section 179, you generally can't switch to standard mileage later. Starting with standard mileage gives more flexibility. Read our full method comparison guide for nuances.

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