How much is mileage reimbursement for 500 miles in 2026?
For business driving, 500 miles in 2026 is reimbursed at $380.00 if driven Jul 1 – Dec 31, 2026 (76¢/mile) or $362.50 if driven Jan 1 – Jun 30, 2026 (72.5¢/mile). The IRS raised the rate mid-year — the driving date decides which rate applies.
Jan 1 – Jun 30, 2026
$362.50
500 mi × 72.5¢/mi (business)
Jul 1 – Dec 31, 2026 · current
$380.00
500 mi × 76¢/mi (business)
Why two amounts? The IRS raised the business rate mid-year — only the second mid-year adjustment since 2022. The rate that applies is the rate in effect on the date you drove, not the date you file. The mid-year increase is worth $17.50 on this distance.
500 miles at every 2026 IRS rate
| Purpose | Jan 1 – Jun 30, 2026 | Jul 1 – Dec 31, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Business | 72.5¢ → $362.50 | 76¢ → $380.00 |
| Medical | 21¢ → $105.00 | 21¢ → $105.00 |
| Moving (military) | 21¢ → $105.00 | 21¢ → $105.00 |
| Charity | 14¢ → $70.00 | 14¢ → $70.00 |
Source: IRS Notice 2026-10 (Dec 2025); IRS mid-year adjustment effective July 1, 2026. Charity rate is set by statute.
- Round trip (×2)
- 1000 mi → $760.00
- Same trip in 2025
- $350.00 (70¢/mi)
- Mid-year difference
- +$17.50 (Jul–Dec vs Jan–Jun)
- Rates verified
- IRS Notice 2026-10 (Dec 2025); IRS mid-year adjustment effective July 1, 2026
Mileage reimbursement calculator
500 miles is long-haul territory. Note that the standard mileage rate covers vehicle costs only — fuel, wear, depreciation, insurance. Lodging, meals, tolls, and parking are separate reimbursement categories under most policies, so track them independently of the $380.00 mileage figure.
Frequently asked questions
Which 2026 rate applies to my 500-mile trip?
The rate in effect on the date you drove: 72.5¢/mile for Jan 1 – Jun 30, 2026, 76¢/mile for Jul 1 – Dec 31, 2026. A trip driven in first half of 2026 is reimbursed at the older rate even if you submit the expense later.
How is the $380.00 figure calculated?
Miles × rate: 500 × 76¢ = $380.00. The IRS business rate (IRS Notice 2026-10 (Dec 2025); IRS mid-year adjustment effective July 1, 2026) covers fuel, maintenance, depreciation, and insurance in a single per-mile figure.
What is the round trip worth?
500 miles each way is 1000 miles total: $760.00 at the current business rate (or $725.00 at the first half of 2026 rate).
What about medical or charity driving?
500 miles at the 2026 medical rate (21¢/mile) is $105.00; at the charity rate (14¢/mile, fixed by statute) it is $70.00.