GUIDE

What does the IRS require in a mileage log?

Q: What does the IRS require in a mileage log?

The IRS requires a log recording the date, destination, business miles, and business purpose for every trip. TradesTimer automates this by using background GPS to reconstruct your stops and trips without manual input.

Mandatory Log Details

To satisfy an IRS audit, a valid mileage log must record the date, destination, business miles, and the specific business purpose for every trip. This ensures your records are complete and verifiable.

TradesTimer captures these details by auto-detecting stops and trips, providing a rounded billable hour summary and a distance log that stays entirely on your device.

Frequency and Compliance

Records should be kept contemporaneously, meaning you should update your log at least weekly. This prevents the inaccuracies that occur when trying to reconstruct months of driving from memory.

Note: This is general information, not tax advice.

IRS Standard Mileage Rates

The IRS standard mileage rate is 70 cents per mile for 2025 and 72.5 cents per mile for 2026. You must elect the standard mileage rate in the first year a car is used for business.

FAQ

Do I need to track every single trip?

Yes, every business trip must be documented with its specific destination and purpose.

How often should I review my mileage log?

You should review and finalize your logs at least weekly to maintain contemporaneous records.

Last updated 2026-06-08.