📅 Day 5: How to Track Mileage Without the Stress

 

📅 Day 5: How to Track Mileage Without the Stress

If you drive for business — even occasionally — tracking your mileage could lead to real tax savings. But let’s be honest: nobody wants to carry around a paper logbook or guess their odometer reading every day.

Good news: there are smarter (and simpler) ways to do it.

🚗 Why Mileage Matters

The IRS allows you to deduct business-related driving at the standard mileage rate, which in 2025 is $0.67 per mile (subject to updates). That means:

100 miles = $67 deduction
1,000 miles = $670 deduction

For many solopreneurs, that’s hundreds or even thousands of dollars in write-offs — if you track it properly.

✍️ What Trips Can You Count?

• Driving to meet a client
• Picking up business supplies
• Visiting a vendor or coworking space
• Attending a business conference or training

🚫 Personal commutes don’t count (like from home to a regular office location).

📱 3 Stress-Free Ways to Track Mileage

1. Mileage Apps (automated, low effort)
• Try MileIQ, Everlance, or Stride
• They run in the background, detect trips, and let you “swipe” business vs. personal
2. Spreadsheet Tracker (simple + free)
• Create a column layout: Date Start/End Miles Purpose
• Use Google Sheets on your phone for quick logging
3. Calendar Sync Method

• At the end of each week, look at your appointments and log the trips
• Good option if you don’t drive often but want to stay accurate

✅ Tip from a CPA

Even if you switch from the standard mileage rate to actual vehicle expenses, you still need a mileage log to prove business use. So start now — you’ll thank yourself come tax time.

Coming up next: Day 6 – What’s Actually Deductible When You Eat Out for Business (hint: it’s not your grocery run 🛒). Let’s dig into business meals tomorrow