If you use your vehicle for work, you’re entitled to claim tax relief for every mile you drive. Mileage claims help offset your expenses like fuel, servicing, and the inevitable wear and tear while reducing the amount of tax you pay. Whether you drive a car, van, motorcycle, or bicycle, HMRC has fixed rates to claim based on how much you can claim per mile.
Our HMRC Mileage Claim Calculator makes it easy to calculate mileage claims. Simply enter your business mileage, select your vehicle, and instantly see your tax relief. It’s fast, precise, and fully compliant with HMRC’s guidelines.
What are the current HMRC approved mileage rates in 2025/26?
The current HMRC approved mileage rates vary depending on the type of vehicle used for business purposes.
| First 10,000 business miles | Each business mile over 10,000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cars and vans | 45p | 25p |
| Motor cycles | 24p | 24p |
| Bicycles | 20p | 20p |
These rates are set by HMRC and are designed to cover the full cost of running your vehicle for business purposes. If a vehicle is utilised for both business and personal use, only the business miles are accounted for in these calculations. You can claim mileage for each business trip, but commuting from home to your usual workplace is not allowed.
Who Can Claim Mileage Allowance
- Employees: If you use your own vehicle for work trips that your employer does not reimburse, you can claim tax relief.
- Contractors: Business-related travel counts if you are self-employed or operate through a limited company.
- Self-Employed: All business journeys can be claimed as allowable expenses, including visits to clients, suppliers, or temporary workplaces.
How Our HMRC Mileage Claim Calculator Works
Calculating your mileage claim manually can be time-consuming and confusing when you’re dealing with several trips or vehicles. That’s why we created the HMRC Mileage Claim Calculator to make things simple and help you calculate your tax relief in just a few steps.
Step 1. Select Your Vehicle Type
Begin by choosing the type of vehicle you drive for business travel. The options include:
- Car or Van
- Motorcycle
- Bicycle
The calculator will automatically apply HMRC-approved rates for 2025/26.
Step 2. Input Business Miles Travelled
Next, use the slider to input the number of miles you’ve travelled for business purposes. Only include trips that count under HMRC rules, your regular commute isn’t eligible.
Step 3. View Your Mileage Claim Amount
After you’ve entered your details, the calculator instantly shows how much tax relief you can claim. It’s quick, accurate, and you can trust the result.
- Mileage Claim Amount
- Miles Travelled Under 10,000
- Allowance Per Mile Under 10,000
- Miles Travelled Over 10,000
- Allowance Per Mile Over 10,000
HMRC Mileage Claim Example Calculation – See How Your Claim Is Worked Out
Imagine you as a self-employed use your own car to visit clients during the tax year. You drive a total of 22000 miles for business purposes. These trips include client meetings and travel between work locations. All journeys qualify under HMRC rules. HMRC applies different rates depending on how many miles are driven.
- First 10,000 miles are paid at 45p per mile
- Any miles above 10,000 are paid at 25p per mile
| Vehicle Type | Miles Driven | Rate per Mile | Claim Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car | 10,000 | 45p | £4,500 |
| Car | 12,000 | 25p | £3,000 |
| Total Claim | 22,000 | £7,500 |
What Types of Journeys are Eligible for Mileage Allowance?
You can only claim mileage when your journey is solely for business. HMRC is pretty clear about what qualifies and what doesn't. Below are the most common journey types that qualify for mileage allowance:
- Travel to Meet Clients or Customers: Visiting clients, customers, or patients? That’s business mileage.
- Travel Between Worksites: Travelling between different offices, work sites, or temporary workplaces during your day? You can claim that as well.
- Travel for Business-Related Errands: Travel to purchase tools, equipment, or materials needed for your work qualifies as business mileage.
- Travel to Attend Meetings, Conferences, or Training: If you need to travel to attend a work-related meeting, conference, or training session, you can claim those miles.
- Travel to Temporary Work Locations: Going to a temporary workplace (not your usual place) for a set period? That’s permitted.
- Travel to training courses or work-related events: Attending training, conferences, or job-related events? That’s included.
- Business travel during the working day: if you’re travelling for work after your day starts and before it ends, that journey is usually claimable.
Journeys That Do Not Qualify
Now, here are the trips you can’t claim:
- Commuting from home to your regular workplace
- Personal trips or journeys without a clear business purpose
- School runs, shopping trips, or any social travel
In short, if it’s not purely for business, you can’t claim it.
Keeping Records for HMRC
HMRC expects you to keep clear records for every claim. That includes:
- Date of travel
- Purpose of the journey
- Start and end locations
- Miles travelled
- Vehicle type used
No need to keep every fuel receipt. Just maintain a solid mileage log to make your claim more credible and easier to justify if HMRC requests evidence.
How to Calculate and Claim Mileage Allowance in the UK
How you work out and claim mileage allowance really depends on whether you’re claiming tax relief from HMRC or receiving payment from your employer.
How to Calculate Mileage Allowance Relief from HMRC
Mileage Allowance Relief (MAR) is a tax benefit for people who use their own car for work. If your employer doesn’t pay you back the full approved amount, or if you’re self-employed, you can claim the difference.
The main things that matter are how many business miles you’ve driven in the tax year and what kind of vehicle you used. Just add up your business miles, multiply by the correct mileage rate, and that’s the amount you can claim.
It’s easiest to just use our miles expense calculator. Enter your miles and it tells you exactly what you can claim, using the HMRC approved and latest mileage rates.
How to Calculate Mileage Allowance Payments from Your Employer
If your employer pays you for using your own car for work trips, those payments are called Mileage Allowance Payments (MAPs). They help cover your travel expenses.
If your employer uses HMRC’s standard mileage rates, you can use the above calculator. Just put in your business miles and vehicle type, and you’ll see what you should get.
If your employer pays a different rate, you’ll have to work it out yourself. The calculator only works with HMRC rates, so check your company’s mileage rules before making a claim.
How to Claim Mileage Allowance Through Your Employer
If you’re an employee, you normally claim mileage directly with your employer.
- Fill out the company’s mileage claim form.
- List each work trip, including dates, reason for travel, miles driven, and what vehicle you used.
- Attach a mileage log or any documents they require.
- Submit it and wait for approval and payment.
If your employer pays less than HMRC’s approved rate, you can claim the difference as tax relief. You do this through your Self Assessment tax return, or by using form P87 if you don’t file a full return.
How to Claim Mileage Reimbursement Through Your Tax Return
If you’re self-employed, you claim mileage as a business expense.
- Total all your business miles for the year
- Multiply by HMRC’s rates
- Report that amount in the expenses section of your Self Assessment tax return.
- Keep a clear mileage log with dates, destinations, and miles travelled. HMRC might want to see proof, so keep your records neat.
Why Use Our Mileage Expenses Calculator?
Our business mileage calculator offers several key features that make it the best tool for accurately calculating your mileage claims. Here’s why you should use it:
- Fast and Accurate: No more manual calculations or guessing the rates.
- HMRC Compliant: It uses HMRC approved mileage rates for each vehicle.
- Maximise Your Claim: Avoid underclaiming and make sure you get the full relief you’re entitled to.
- User-Friendly: It works anywhere. Whether you’re on desktop or mobile, you’re sorted.
Start Calculating Your Mileage Allowance Now!
Ready to maximize your tax deductions? Input your data into our mileage tax calculator today to calculate your mileage allowance. Whether you're an employee or self-employed, using this calculator can help you ensure that every mile is accounted for, maximizing your tax relief. Start using the calculator today to see how much you can claim and make sure you’re not leaving any money on the table. It’s quick, accurate, and designed to make your life easier.
If you need more help with your mileage claims or have other accounting questions, we’re here to support you. At GoForma, we offer a free consultation to discuss your specific needs. Whether you’re unsure about the rules or need advice on how to get the most from your claims, our expert accountants for self-employed are ready to help. Book your free consultation today and let us assist you in handling the complexities of mileage claims and other financial matters. We’re just a click away, ready to provide the guidance you need.
Disclaimer: Even though our mileage reimbursement calculator estimates your mileage allowance based on current HMRC rules, don’t count on it to match your precise tax situation. Your actual claim can vary based on several things: your employment status, the nature of your work, how you record your journeys, and more.
If your situation is more complex including both business and personal travel, using multiple vehicles, handling limited company expenses, or receiving payments at unusual rates, it’s wise to consult a self-employed accountant. They can help you claim everything you’re eligible for and avoid errors that could cause problems later.
FAQs on Mileage Allowance Calculator
What is a Mileage Reimbursement Calculator?
A Mileage Reimbursement Calculator is a tool that helps you work out how much you can claim for business travel using your own vehicle. It applies HMRC approved mileage rates to your business miles to show your allowable claim or tax relief.
Can I claim mileage for personal trips?
No, you cannot claim mileage for personal trips. HMRC only allows mileage claims for journeys made wholly for business purposes, such as client visits or travel between work locations.
Can companies reimburse a higher amount than the standard mileage rates?
Yes, companies can pay more than the standard HMRC mileage rates if they choose. Any amount paid above the approved rates may be treated as a taxable benefit and could result in extra tax or National Insurance.
How far back can I claim for a mileage tax refund?
You can usually claim a mileage tax refund from HMRC for the past four tax years. This applies where you were eligible for Mileage Allowance Relief and did not claim it at the time.
Can I claim mileage tax relief if my employer pays me an allowance?
Yes, you can claim mileage tax relief if your employer pays less than the HMRC approved mileage rates. You may claim tax relief on the difference between what you received and the approved amount through self assessment.
Is mileage reimbursement mandatory for companies?
Mileage reimbursement is not a legal requirement for companies in the UK. Many employers choose to offer it as a workplace benefit when staff use their own vehicle for business travel, excluding normal commuting. However, if an employer does not repay business mileage, employees may claim tax relief from HMRC using approved mileage rates.
How much mileage can I claim back from HMRC?
The amount you can claim from HMRC depends on your business miles and vehicle type. HMRC pays up to 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles in a tax year and 25p per mile after that for cars and vans.
What is the 45p per mile rule?
The 45p per mile rule is an HMRC approved rate for business travel using your own car or van. It applies to the first 10,000 business miles in a tax year, with a lower rate used after this limit.
Can you claim mileage without receipts?
Yes, you can claim mileage without fuel receipts. HMRC requires a clear mileage log showing dates, journey purpose, and miles travelled to support your claim.
How do I record business mileage?
You should record business mileage in a clear log that shows the date, journey purpose, start and end points, and miles travelled. You can record mileage manually or using a mileage tracker app.
Can I include my commute when I calculate mileage?
No, you cannot include your commute when calculating mileage. HMRC does not allow claims for travel between home and your normal place of work, as this is classed as personal travel.
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