Can I Write This Off?

Can I write off business-related mileage on weekends?

TL;DR

Yes, you can write off business-related mileage on weekends if the travel is for legitimate business purposes.

Detailed Answer

Business-related mileage can be deducted regardless of the day of the week, as long as the travel is directly related to your business activities. This includes trips to meet clients, attend business meetings, or visit work sites. However, commuting from home to your regular place of business is not deductible, even on weekends. It's crucial that the purpose of the trip is clearly business-related and not personal.

Where to Put It on the Tax Form

Schedule C (Form 1040), Part II, Line 9 for self-employed individuals

Real World Example

A freelance graphic designer drives to a client's office on a Saturday to discuss a project. The round-trip mileage for this visit can be deducted as a business expense.

Calculation Required

A calculation is required for this deduction.

To calculate the deduction, multiply the total business miles driven by the IRS standard mileage rate for the year. For example, if you drove 50 miles for business on a weekend and the IRS rate is 65.5 cents per mile, the deduction would be 50 * 0.655 = $32.75.

Audit Risk & Documentation Tips

To minimize audit risk, keep a detailed mileage log that includes the date, business purpose, starting and ending locations, and miles driven for each trip. Retain any supporting documents such as calendar entries or client emails that verify the business purpose of the travel.

IRS Reference

IRS Publication 463 (Travel, Gift, and Car Expenses)

Relevant Industries

FreelancersSmall BusinessConsultantsReal Estate Agents

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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax or legal advice. Always consult your tax advisor.

Page created on July 7, 2025

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