Quick answer
A good mileage app records trips automatically and produces an IRS-ready log. For 2026, the standard mileage rate is 72.5 cents per mile from January 1 to June 30 and 76 cents per mile from July 1 to December 31.
- Best free: Stride (free, automatic tracking) and TripLog (free plan with unlimited automatic tracking).
- Best simple paid app: MileIQ (free for 40 trips a month; paid plans cost more, check current price).
- Best with expense tracking: Everlance or Hurdlr (paid tiers about $9 to $10/month).
- Best if you already use accounting software: QuickBooks Solopreneur includes automatic mileage tracking.
Prices are approximate as of September 2026. Check each app store listing for current plans.
2026 IRS mileage rates
The IRS raised the business rate in the middle of 2026, so your app must apply the right rate to each trip.
| Period | Business rate |
|---|---|
| January 1 to June 30, 2026 | 72.5 cents per mile |
| July 1 to December 31, 2026 | 76 cents per mile |
Most apps let you set the rate or update it automatically. Check your report before you file. See Car Expenses: Mileage vs Actual to decide which method fits you.
Comparison table
| App | Free plan | Paid price (approx.) | Automatic tracking | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stride | Yes, fully free | None | Yes | Gig and delivery drivers |
| TripLog | Yes, unlimited auto trips | About $5/mo | Yes | Budget users who want extras |
| MileIQ | 40 trips/month | About $9 to $14/mo | Yes | Swipe-to-classify simplicity |
| Everlance | Yes, limited | About $9/mo | Yes | Mileage plus expenses |
| Driversnote | 15 trips/month | Paid plans | Yes, optional beacon | Clean reports, reimbursements |
| Hurdlr | Yes, limited | About $10/mo | Semi-automatic | Real-time tax estimates |
| QuickBooks Solopreneur | Trial | About $20/mo | Yes | All-in-one bookkeeping |
We compared published features and prices. We did not test these apps.
Short reviews
Stride
Stride is free, with automatic trip detection and expense tracking. It is popular with rideshare and delivery drivers. It earns money through insurance referrals, not subscriptions.
TripLog
TripLog offers unlimited free automatic tracking. Paid plans at about $5 a month add features such as integrations and more detailed reports.
MileIQ
MileIQ runs in the background and lets you swipe each drive as business or personal. The free tier covers 40 trips a month, which is too few for most full-time drivers.
Everlance and Hurdlr
Both combine mileage with income and expense tracking. Hurdlr also shows a running estimate of what you owe in taxes. Useful if you want one app for everything.
Driversnote
Driversnote produces clear logs and supports an optional Bluetooth beacon in the car for more reliable trip starts. The free tier covers 15 trips a month.
QuickBooks Solopreneur
If you want bookkeeping, quarterly tax estimates and mileage in one place, QuickBooks Solopreneur tracks trips automatically. See QuickBooks Self-Employed vs FreshBooks vs Wave.
What an IRS-ready mileage log needs
The IRS requires records made at or near the time of each trip. For each business trip, keep:
- Date
- Destination or starting and ending points
- Business purpose (client meeting, delivery, supply run)
- Miles driven
Also record your total miles for the year and odometer readings at the start and end of the year. Commuting from home to a regular workplace is not deductible. See Receipts and Records.
Worked example: a split-rate year
Carlos drives for delivery apps and tracks every trip. His app shows 8,000 business miles from January to June and 7,000 from July to December.
| Period | Miles | Rate | Deduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 to Jun 30 | 8,000 | $0.725 | $5,800 |
| Jul 1 to Dec 31 | 7,000 | $0.76 | $5,320 |
| Total | 15,000 | $11,120 |
A paid app at about $5 a month costs roughly $60 a year. That is small next to an $11,120 deduction, and the subscription itself is a business expense. Parking and tolls for business trips are deductible on top of the standard rate.
Part-time drivers should also read Side Hustle Taxes and Self-Employed Tax Deductions: The Complete List.
How to choose
- Count your trips. Free tiers with trip caps suit occasional drivers only.
- Check battery and accuracy settings. Automatic tracking uses GPS in the background.
- Look at reports. You need a year-end export with date, purpose and miles.
- Match your other tools. Integration with your accounting software saves re-entry.
- Make sure it handles the July 1 rate change.
Standard rate vs actual expenses
A mileage app matters most if you use the standard mileage rate. If you use the actual expense method, you still need a log to prove the business-use percentage, plus receipts for gas, repairs, insurance and depreciation.
You generally must choose the standard rate in the first year you use a car for business if you want the option to use it later. Your app’s yearly mileage totals make either calculation faster.
Frequently asked questions
Is a free mileage app good enough for the IRS?
Yes, if it records date, destination, purpose and miles for each trip. The IRS cares about the log, not the price of the app.
Can I rebuild my mileage log at the end of the year?
Records should be made at or near the time of the trip. Reconstructed logs are weaker if the IRS asks. Calendar entries and client records can help support them.
Which rate do I use for a trip on June 30?
The 72.5-cent rate. Trips from July 1 onward use 76 cents.
Are mileage app subscriptions deductible?
Yes, as a business software expense, as long as you use the app for your business.
This article is general information, not tax advice. Prices are approximate and change often. Consult a CPA or Enrolled Agent for your situation.
Related guides
- Best Tax Software for Self-Employed (2026)
- Best Business Bank Accounts for LLCs and Freelancers (2026)
- QuickBooks Self-Employed vs FreshBooks vs Wave (2026)
- Best Bookkeeping Services for Small Businesses (2026)
About this guide
Written by the Freelancer Tax HQ editorial team, based on our professional experience, official US government sources (IRS, SSA and other agencies) and reputable informational articles listed in the sources below. Last reviewed on . Tax rules change often, and we update this guide when they do. Read our editorial policy or report an error.
Sources
IRS: Standard mileage rates; IRS Publication 463, Travel, Gift, and Car Expenses; The Rideshare Guy: Best mileage tracker apps; SparkReceipt: Best mileage tracker apps; QuickBooks Solopreneur. Example figures are FreelancerTaxHQ illustrations.
Official resources linked in this guide: IRS: Tax preparer credentials.