TaxTrail
Guide

Maximizing Mileage Deductions as a 1099 Worker

When you receive a 1099 instead of a W-2, you pay self-employment tax. Tracking your mileage is one of the best ways to lower that tax bill.

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The Standard Mileage Rate

A standard mileage rate is set each year (for example, 67 cents per mile in 2024). This rate accounts for gas, depreciation, insurance, and maintenance. Consult a tax professional to see if you can simply multiply your business miles by this rate to get your deduction.

  • Rate changes yearly
  • Easier than tracking actual expenses
  • Consult a CPA for eligibility

What the IRS requires in a log

A simple total of "10,000 miles" won't work for verification. An organized log needs the date of the trip, the starting point, the destination, the business purpose, and the total miles driven.

How TaxTrail Helps

TaxTrail is designed to capture these specific details. You enter the locations and distance, and we handle the math and formatting. Review your eligibility and final deduction amounts with a tax professional. Upgrade to Pro when you're ready to export the final PDF report.

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