The optional standard mileage rate used to calculate the tax-deductible cost of operating a business vehicle increased in 2025. The IRS announced that the cents-per-mile rate for the business use of a car, van, pickup or panel truck is 70 cents. In 2024, the rate was 67 cents per mile. The standard rate is useful if you don’t want to track actual vehicle-related expenses. But you still must record certain information, such as the mileage, date and destination for each trip. The standard mileage rate is adjusted annually and calculated based on driving costs, including the price of gas. According to AAA, the national average price of a gallon of regular gas on Jan. 17 was $3.11.
