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How do I deduct can you write off gas on taxes for work on my taxes?

TL;DR

Gas expenses for work can be deductible if they are directly related to business activities, but personal commuting is not deductible. Ensure you differentiate between personal and business use.

Detailed Answer

Gas expenses are deductible when they are incurred for business purposes, such as traveling to meet clients, attending business meetings, or transporting goods. However, commuting from home to your regular place of business is not deductible. For example, a freelance photographer driving to a client’s location can deduct the gas used for that trip. You can choose to deduct actual expenses (including gas) or use the standard mileage rate, which covers gas and other vehicle expenses. It's important to maintain a log of business miles driven and receipts for gas purchases if you opt for actual expenses.

Where to Put It on the Tax Form

Schedule C, Line 9 for car and truck expenses. If using Form 2106, refer to Line 1.

Real World Example

A freelance graphic designer drives 200 miles in a year to meet clients and attend design conferences. They keep a log of these trips and choose to deduct the actual gas expenses. If they spent $150 on gas for these trips, they can deduct this amount on Schedule C, Line 9.

Calculation Required

A calculation is required for this deduction.

To calculate the deduction, you can either track actual expenses (keep all gas receipts and calculate the total spent on business trips) or use the standard mileage rate by multiplying the business miles driven by the IRS mileage rate (e.g., 65.5 cents per mile for 2023).

Audit Risk & Documentation Tips

Moderate audit risk. Keep detailed records such as a mileage log showing dates, miles driven, and purpose of each trip. Retain all gas receipts and any related documentation, such as client meeting confirmations or contracts, to substantiate the business purpose of the travel.

IRS Reference

IRS Publication 463

Relevant Industries

FreelancersReal Estate AgentsConsultantsContractors

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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 25, 2025

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