The Simple Guide to Tracking Business Miles
Tracking mileage seems daunting, but it is one of the most profitable habits an independent worker can build. Here is how to do it effectively.
Why Track Miles?
Every business mile you drive is worth a specific amount in tax deductions (e.g., 67 cents in 2024). Driving 10,000 business miles could mean a $6,700 deduction, significantly lowering your tax bill.
- Direct reduction in taxable income
- Often larger than actual vehicle expenses
- Worth the minimal effort
Consistency is Key
A contemporaneous log—meaning you should log the miles near the time the trip happens, not reconstructed from memory a year later—is best practice. Use a manual tracker like TaxTrail to log trips daily or weekly.
Leverage Saved Trips
If you drive the same routes frequently—like from home to a regular client or a supply store—use TaxTrail Pro's Saved Trips feature. You can save the route once and log it with a single tap in the future.
Ready to get organized?
Join independent workers who trust TaxTrail to protect their deductions.
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