Back to Basics on Business Mileage

Ask anyone who either uses their vehicle for business reasons, or puts fuel in a company car, and you will soon realise business mileage can be a confusing topic.

It’s important to know that if you fall into either of these two categories, you might be able to claim tax relief for business mileage.

HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC) business mileage rates have stayed the same for the past 12 years, and currently stand at:

• 45p for the first 10,000 miles
• 25p for each business mile above the 10,000-mile threshold.

What’s more, being clear on what HMRC defines as business mileage will save you time when you claim back what you are entitled to.

HMRC currently defines business mileage as any travel that you do whilst doing your job. This can also be extended to cover travel made to a temporary workplace.

There are, however, certain caveats to this definition where relief isn’t available. These include:

• Normal travel between your home and permanent place of work
• Any travelling you conduct privately.

Even though the business mileage rates outlined above are HMRC’s standard, employers do not need to use these rates when paying business mileage and they could choose to set their own rates.

There is a provision for employees to claim the difference at the end of each tax year where a company mileage rate is lower than HMRC’s. However, if your employer pays a higher rate of mileage than the HMRC standard, this will be subject to tax.

You must keep accurate records of all the mileage, dates, and details of your business travel, as you will need this information if you want to claim Mileage Allowance Relief.