The IRS has increased the standard business mileage rate to 76¢ per mile for eligible business travel from July 1 through December 31, 2026. Business miles logged before July 1 still use the earlier 72.5¢ rate.
That makes 2026 a split-rate year, so the trip date matters when you calculate deductions or reimbursements. For every 1,000 eligible business miles in the second half of the year, the new rate adds $35 compared with the previous rate.
Have you already updated your mileage calculations or reimbursement process? And what’s your approach for keeping the two periods clear in your records?