If you drive for work, gig apps or a side business, the miles can be worth real money, as a tax deduction or an employer reimbursement depending on where you live. Most people lose part of it because they reconstruct trips months later.
What to record for each trip
Date, start and end location, purpose, and odometer at start and end (or the distance). That's it.
Make it a habit
Log the trip when you park, not at the end of the month. A phone note or a spreadsheet row takes under a minute.
Separate business from commuting
In many tax systems the regular trip between home and your main workplace doesn't count as business driving. Check the rules where you live.
Know your rate
Whether you use a standard per-mile rate or actual costs (fuel, insurance, repairs, depreciation), the log is what supports the number. Example: 4,000 business miles at a rate of 70 cents a mile is $2,800.
Total it monthly
A monthly total makes quarterly tax estimates and year-end filing much easier.
Free tools
- Free mileage log spreadsheet (CSV for Excel / Google Sheets)
- Gas cost calculator
- Freelancer & Small-Business Bookkeeping Spreadsheet (income counted when paid, tax pot, monthly P&L)
- 42 free budget templates, pay what you want ($0 is fine)
General information, not tax advice.