Can You Deduct Gas Mileage on Taxes?
When determining travel expenses, you have two ways to calculate the deduction: separate vehicle expenses or the standard mileage rate. Separate expenses include gas, oil, licenses, fees, taxes, depreciation, repairs and maintenance.
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Business Deductions
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Self-employed people and employees who use their personal vehicle for travel can deduct 50 cents per mile. This applies to any vehicle you own or lease; only the business portion of the mileage is tax-deductible. Enter the date, time, miles driven, the trip purpose and other important information.
Charitable Deductions
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You can claim 14 cents per mile for charitable travel. Document each trip and include details such as the charitable purpose, the charity being served, the date and the miles driven.
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Medical Deductions
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You can deduct 24 cents per mile for medical trips. These trips include mileage to and from the medical facility, trips for specialized treatments to facilities (even in another city), and trips to visit a family member who is ill if the doctor deems these visits as part of their therapy. Enter details such as the date, the purpose of the trip, the doctor or institution visited, the miles driven and the medical reason in your logbook.
Considerations
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The standard mileage rate is separate from parking fees, tolls and lodging expenses incurred on medical, charitable and business trips. Trips for entertainment or vacation are considered personal and cannot be deducted.
Warning
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To substantiate your claims for tax deductions, always keep a detailed logbook and document each trip you take. Only the business, medical or charitable portion of mileage is deductible. Miles driven for commuting to and from work and personal mileage are not tax-deductible.
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References
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