Can I Write This Off?

Can you write off can you write off driving to work?

TL;DR

Driving to work is generally not deductible as it is considered a personal commuting expense. However, there are exceptions for certain situations involving temporary work locations or multiple job sites.

Detailed Answer

The IRS typically considers commuting expenses, such as driving from your home to your main place of work, as personal expenses and not deductible. However, if you are traveling between multiple job sites for the same employer or if you have a temporary work location, those travel expenses may be deductible. For example, if you are a freelancer with a home office and you drive to meet a client, this travel is deductible as a business expense. Additionally, if you have a temporary work location that is not your regular place of business, travel to this location can be deductible. It's important to differentiate between regular commuting and business travel to ensure compliance with IRS rules.

Where to Put It on the Tax Form

Schedule C, Line 9 for car and truck expenses if you are self-employed. For employees, Form 2106 may be used if you qualify to deduct unreimbursed employee expenses.

Real World Example

A freelance graphic designer who works from a home office drives 15 miles to meet a client at their office. This trip is considered business travel, and the mileage can be deducted. If the designer logs 30 business-related miles at the IRS standard mileage rate of $0.655 per mile (2023 rate), they can deduct $19.65.

Calculation Required

A calculation is required for this deduction.

Calculate the deduction by multiplying the total business miles driven by the IRS standard mileage rate. For example, if you drove 100 business miles, the deduction would be 100 miles x $0.655/mile = $65.50.

Audit Risk & Documentation Tips

Moderate audit risk. Keep detailed records of all business travel, including a mileage log with dates, destinations, and business purposes. Retain any supporting documentation such as client meeting confirmations or contracts to substantiate the business nature of the travel.

IRS Reference

IRS Pub 463, Travel, Gift, and Car Expenses; IRS Pub 529, Miscellaneous Deductions.

Relevant Industries

FreelancersConsultantsReal Estate AgentsContractors

Popular Related Pages

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 25, 2025

Back to Search