Business (56¢ per mile)
Medical or Moving (16¢ per mile)
Charitable Organizations (14¢ per mile)
Mileage Rate Applied:
Total Miles:
Estimated Deduction:
function calculateMileageDeduction() {
// 1. Get Input Values
var milesInput = document.getElementById('milesDriven').value;
var rateInput = document.getElementById('tripPurpose').value;
// 2. Validate Inputs
var miles = parseFloat(milesInput);
var rate = parseFloat(rateInput);
if (isNaN(miles) || miles < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid number of miles.");
return;
}
// 3. Perform Calculation
var deductionAmount = miles * rate;
// 4. Update the UI
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('calc-result');
var displayRate = document.getElementById('displayRate');
var displayMiles = document.getElementById('displayMiles');
var displayTotal = document.getElementById('displayTotal');
// Format currency and rate
var formattedRate = "$" + rate.toFixed(2) + " / mile";
var formattedTotal = "$" + deductionAmount.toFixed(2);
displayRate.innerHTML = formattedRate;
displayMiles.innerHTML = miles.toLocaleString() + " miles";
displayTotal.innerHTML = formattedTotal;
resultDiv.style.display = "block";
}
Understanding the 2021 Mileage Rate Calculator
Calculating your vehicle deductions for the 2021 tax year requires using the specific standard mileage rates set by the IRS for that calendar year. This calculator is designed specifically for calculating deductions on tax returns or amendments for the tax year beginning January 1, 2021.
If you are filing a late return, an amended return (Form 1040-X), or simply reviewing your records for 2021, you must use the historical rates provided above, not the current year's rates.
Official 2021 IRS Standard Mileage Rates
The Internal Revenue Service issued Notice 2021-02 to set the optional standard mileage rates for 2021. These rates were slightly lower than the previous year due to market conditions at the time.
Purpose of Drive
Rate per Mile (2021)
Business Use
56 cents
Medical or Moving
16 cents
Charitable
14 cents
How to Calculate Your 2021 Deduction
The calculation for the standard mileage deduction is straightforward, but accuracy is key for IRS compliance. The formula is:
(Total Qualified Miles) × (Specific 2021 Rate) = Total Deduction
For example, if you drove 2,500 miles for business purposes in 2021:
2,500 miles × $0.56 = $1,400.00 deduction value.
Who Could Use These Rates?
For the 2021 tax year, the standard mileage rate was primarily used by:
Self-Employed Individuals: Sole proprietors and independent contractors filing Schedule C.
Medical Expenses: Taxpayers itemizing deductions who met the threshold for medical expenses (miles driven to doctors, pharmacies, or therapy).
Charitable Work: Volunteers driving for recognized non-profit organizations.
Active Duty Military: Members of the Armed Forces moving under orders (the only group allowed to use the moving expense rate).
Record Keeping Requirements
To claim this deduction, the IRS requires a timely log. Your records for 2021 should include:
The date of the trip.
The starting and ending location.
The business purpose of the trip.
The total miles driven.
Note: This calculator is for educational and estimation purposes. Always consult a qualified tax professional or accountant when filing your taxes.