function calculateMileage2019() {
// 2019 IRS Mileage Rates
var rateBusiness = 0.58;
var rateMedical = 0.20;
var rateCharity = 0.14;
// Get Input Values
var businessInput = document.getElementById('businessMiles').value;
var medicalInput = document.getElementById('medicalMiles').value;
var charityInput = document.getElementById('charityMiles').value;
// Parse and Validate (Treat empty or invalid as 0)
var milesBusiness = parseFloat(businessInput);
if (isNaN(milesBusiness)) milesBusiness = 0;
var milesMedical = parseFloat(medicalInput);
if (isNaN(milesMedical)) milesMedical = 0;
var milesCharity = parseFloat(charityInput);
if (isNaN(milesCharity)) milesCharity = 0;
// Calculate Deductions
var dedBusiness = milesBusiness * rateBusiness;
var dedMedical = milesMedical * rateMedical;
var dedCharity = milesCharity * rateCharity;
var dedTotal = dedBusiness + dedMedical + dedCharity;
// Display Results
document.getElementById('resBusiness').innerHTML = '$' + dedBusiness.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('resMedical').innerHTML = '$' + dedMedical.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('resCharity').innerHTML = '$' + dedCharity.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('resTotal').innerHTML = '$' + dedTotal.toFixed(2);
// Show result box
document.getElementById('results').style.display = 'block';
}
Guide to the 2019 Standard Mileage Rates
Calculating tax deductions for past years requires accuracy regarding the specific rates set by the IRS for that tax period. Whether you are filing an amended return or catching up on previous tax years, using the correct 2019 mileage rates is essential to avoid errors and maximize your eligible deduction.
Important Note: This calculator specifically applies to miles driven between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019. Rates change annually, so ensure you are applying these figures only to the 2019 tax year.
The 2019 IRS Mileage Rates Breakdown
For the 2019 tax year, the Internal Revenue Service issued Notice 2019-02, which established the optional standard mileage rates for calculating the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical, or moving purposes.
Category
Rate per Mile
Use Case
Business
58 cents
Travel to client sites, meetings, or temporary work locations.
Medical & Moving
20 cents
Travel for qualified medical care or moving (active-duty military).
Charitable
14 cents
Volunteer work for qualified non-profit organizations.
How to Calculate Your Deduction
The standard mileage deduction is calculated by multiplying the total miles driven for a specific purpose by the rate assigned to that category for the year. This method simplifies tax filing by replacing the need to track actual vehicle expenses like gas, insurance, depreciation, and repairs.
Example Calculation
Imagine a freelance graphic designer named Sarah who worked in 2019. She tracked her driving logs and found the following activity:
Business: She drove 2,400 miles to visit various local clients.
Medical: She drove 300 miles for specialized medical treatments.
Charity: She drove 150 miles delivering meals for a local food bank.
Her deduction calculation for 2019 would look like this:
Business: 2,400 miles × $0.58 = $1,392.00
Medical: 300 miles × $0.20 = $60.00
Charity: 150 miles × $0.14 = $21.00
Total Deduction Value: $1,473.00
Requirements for Claiming Mileage
To claim these deductions on your 2019 tax return, you must adhere to strict record-keeping requirements mandated by the IRS. Estimates are generally not accepted during an audit.
Timely Logs: Records should be created at or near the time of the trip.
Details Required: Your log must include the date, mileage (odometer readings), destination, and business purpose of the trip.
Consistency: You cannot switch between the standard mileage rate and the actual expense method within the same year for the same vehicle. Furthermore, if you want to use the standard mileage rate for a car you own, you must choose to use it in the first year the car is available for use in your business.
Business vs. Commuting Miles
A common mistake taxpayers make is attempting to deduct commuting miles. The IRS defines commuting as travel between your home and your regular place of business. Commuting miles are never deductible, regardless of how far you live from your workplace. Only travel from your office to a client site, or from your home office (if it is your principal place of business) to a client site, qualifies for the 58 cents per mile rate in 2019.