E. Smith Accounting Services

10/16/2026

💡 There’s more than one way to calculate eligible business vehicle expenses.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to use:

🚘 The standard mileage rate
🧾 Actual eligible vehicle expenses

The methods have different rules, and your first-year choice, depreciation history, and vehicle use can affect your options. Parking fees, tolls, and certain other expenses may be separately deductible when eligible.

Don't choose a method without checking the rules first.

📩 Contact E. Smith Accounting Services to review your options.

10/16/2026

📝 Good records can make a big difference at tax time.

Vehicle deductions have strict substantiation requirements. Your records should establish:

The amount of the expense

The date and place of the travel

The business purpose of the trip

A mileage log maintained at or near the time of travel is a practical way to support your records. Reconstructing your records later can face greater scrutiny.

✅ Start recording your business trips today.

10/16/2026

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10/15/2026

📍 Your destination isn't the only thing that matters. Your starting point matters, too.

Some trips to temporary work locations may qualify as deductible business travel, depending on your circumstances. A qualifying home office can also affect how certain trips are treated.

Before claiming vehicle expenses, review your regular workplace, temporary work locations, and travel route.

📩 Have questions about your business travel? Let’s review your situation.

10/15/2026

🚗 Is every drive for work tax-deductible? Not necessarily.

Regular commuting between your home and your regular workplace is generally considered personal travel, not a deductible business expense. The purpose and route of your trip matter.

Keep accurate records and make sure your business travel meets the applicable requirements.

10/14/2026

⚠️ A vehicle deduction today can have consequences later.

If qualified business use of certain vehicles falls to 50% or less during the recovery period, depreciation recapture may apply. This can include previously claimed § 179 expense and special depreciation allowances.

A vehicle's tax treatment isn't always a one-time decision. Changes in how you use it can matter in future years.

✅ Review your business-use percentage annually.

10/14/2026

Before claiming business vehicle expenses, ask three questions:

Who owns or leases the vehicle?

Who uses it, and how?

What percentage of its use is business-related—and could that change?

These questions help frame the analysis of deductions, potential taxable personal use, and depreciation limitations.

Every situation is different, so make sure your records and reporting match the facts.

📩 Need help reviewing your business vehicle expenses? Get in touch with us.

10/14/2026

🚗 FREE DOWNLOAD: Daily Business Mileage Spreadsheet!
https://www.esmithaccountingservices.com/team-1

Want to make tracking your business mileage easier and more organized? I’ve created a FREE Daily Business Mileage Log in Excel that you can download and use as your guide throughout the year!

⚠️ Tax Reminder: Not every trip qualifies as deductible business mileage. Eligibility depends on the purpose of the trip and applicable IRS rules. This spreadsheet is a recordkeeping tool, not a guarantee of deductibility.

10/13/2026