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Driving from my home to a conference and back

TL;DR

Driving from home to a conference is generally deductible if the conference is directly related to your business, but commuting from home to a regular place of business is not deductible.

Detailed Answer

The cost of driving from your home to a conference and back is deductible if the conference is directly related to your business and you are traveling away from your tax home. This is considered a business travel expense. However, if you are driving to a conference within your metropolitan area and it is considered commuting, it may not be deductible. For example, if you are a freelancer attending a conference in another city, the mileage is deductible. However, if the conference is in your local area and you regularly work from a home office, you may need to demonstrate that the trip is not just a commute. The IRS allows you to deduct either the actual expenses or the standard mileage rate for business travel. As of 2023, the standard mileage rate is 65.5 cents per mile.

Where to Put It on the Tax Form

Schedule C, Line 9 for car and truck expenses or Line 24a for travel expenses.

Real World Example

A freelance graphic designer drives 150 miles round trip to attend a design conference in another city. The designer can deduct the mileage at the standard rate, totaling $98.25 (150 miles x $0.655 per mile).

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 example, if you drove 150 miles, multiply 150 by $0.655 to get $98.25.

Audit Risk & Documentation Tips

Moderate audit risk. Keep detailed records including the conference agenda, registration confirmation, and a mileage log showing the date, purpose, and distance of the trip. Retain any receipts for related expenses, such as tolls or parking fees.

IRS Reference

IRS Publication 463 (Travel, Gift, and Car Expenses), IRC §162

Relevant Industries

FreelancersConsultantsSmall Business OwnersSales Professionals

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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 February 27, 2026

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