Mileage log template (free Excel, CSV and printable)
A mileage log is a running record of each business trip: the date, where you went, why, and how many miles. Download the spreadsheet (it adds up your miles for you) or print the blank log below and keep it in the car.
What to record for every trip
- The date of the trip
- Where you started and where you went (a business name or address)
- The business purpose, in a few words (for example "client site visit" or "bank deposit")
- Odometer reading at the start and end, or the trip distance from a mapping app
- The odometer reading on January 1 and December 31, so total miles for the year can be checked against business miles
Printable blank log
| Date | From | To | Business purpose | Odo start | Odo end | Miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
How to keep a mileage log that holds up
Write the entry the same day. A log rebuilt from memory at year end is the kind that gets questioned. Tax authorities generally expect records made at or near the time of the trip, showing the date, the miles and the business reason. In the US, IRS Publication 463 covers car expenses and recordkeeping; check the current edition and ask your tax preparer which method (standard mileage rate or actual expenses) suits you. We do not list a per-mile rate here because it changes and varies by country.
Commuting between home and a regular workplace is normally not business mileage, so leave those trips out unless your preparer tells you otherwise. Keep the log with your other tax records: see the tax organizer template and the checklists for Uber drivers, DoorDash drivers, real estate agents and the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
What should a mileage log include?
For each trip: the date, where you started and went, the business purpose and the miles driven (or odometer start and end). Also note your odometer on January 1 and December 31.
Do I need a mileage log if I use an app?
An app is fine if it records the same details at the time of each trip and you can export them. A paper or spreadsheet log works just as well.
Is commuting business mileage?
Normally not. Driving between home and a regular workplace is generally treated as personal. Ask your tax preparer about your situation.
What is the mileage rate?
It is set by the tax authority, changes over time and differs by country. Check the current figure with the IRS (US) or your local authority instead of relying on a number on a template.
This is a general checklist to help you gather paperwork, not tax or legal advice. Rules and thresholds change and depend on your situation, so confirm details with a qualified preparer or the IRS.