Can You Claim Mileage to Work on Your Taxes?

If you are just commuting to your job from your home, you cannot claim a deduction on your taxes for the miles you drive. However, there are certain miles you may be able to deduct.

Independent Contractors

If you work as an independent contractor, the miles you drive to and from your contract work sites are deductible as business miles.

Miles Driven at Work

If your employer requires you to have a car and use it during your job -- not just to get to your job -- you can deduct those miles as a job expense.

Working Multiple Jobs

If you work multiple jobs, you can deduct the mileage you travel from one job to another, but not the miles you drive from your home to your workplace or vice versa.

Business Mileage Rate

The mileage rate for business miles was 55 cents per mile in 2009. The rate is adjusted each year for inflation.

Function

The business mileage expense falls in the miscellaneous expense category, meaning you must subtract 2 percent of your adjusted gross income from the total. In addition, the deduction is an itemized deduction, so you cannot claim the standard deduction.

References

• IRS: Publication 463
• MSN Money: Auto Tax Deductions
• Liberty Tax Service: Mileage Deduction Information