How to Track Vehicle Mileage in a Log

Vehicle mileage log

In order to claim business miles driven as a tax deduction on your income tax return, you must track your vehicle mileage in a written log. The log must list the date of travel, the beginning and ending odometer reading, total miles driven and the purpose of the travel. A business travel log can be created in a spreadsheet program or simply be noted on a calendar or daily planner. Make note of all business related travel on a daily basis. The log must be in written form and cannot be reconstructed after the fact.

Things You'll Need

• Calendar
• Daily Planner

Instructions

1. 

   Choose whether to use a spreadsheet or calendar to record your miles.

2. Record the date, the beginning and ending odometer readings and the purpose of all business related travel.

3. Record your data on a daily basis.

References

• IRS: Rev. Proc. 2009-54

Resources

• Microsoft Office: Mileage Log