Best Mileage Tracker Apps for Taxes & Deductions (2025)

Tracking mileage is one of those seemingly small tasks that can yield big rewards come tax time. Whether you’re a solopreneur, a small business owner, or someone who drives for work regularly, you’ve probably experienced how cumbersome mileage tracking can get. Receipts end up in random boxes, mileage logs get lost, and that last-minute scramble for records can leave you stressed when filing taxes—or worse, missing out on legitimate deductions.

The good news is that in our tech-driven world, a better way to handle all this is to use a mileage tracker app. These apps leverage your phone’s GPS to log each trip automatically, categorize trips as business or personal, and even let you generate year-end or monthly reports. By automating this process, you’ll free up mental bandwidth, reduce paperwork, and ensure you take full advantage of the deductions the IRS offers for business driving.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through:

Why automating your mileage tracking matters for both compliance and convenience.
The key features to look for in the best mileage tracking app—things like auto-detection, data synchronization, and cloud-based backups.
An in-depth look at the best mileage tracker apps available today, including MileIQ, Everlance, TripLog, Hurdlr, Driversnote, Zoho Expense, and the QuickBooks mileage tracker.
A step-by-step guide on how to track mileage for taxes to ensure you’re always ready with accurate documentation.
A comparison of simple mileage tracker cost vs. the expense of doing it all manually (in terms of time and accuracy).
An FAQ section addresses people’s common questions about mileage tracker apps, free options, best practices, and more.
Finally, a conclusion that ties it all together, helping you feel confident in choosing the right mobile app for tracking mileage for your business or work needs.

Along the way, we’ll also reference the current IRS mileage rate for anyone who needs more details about how much the tax deduction is per mile. By the end of this article—well over 5,000 words—our goal is to give you an exhaustive but easy-to-understand resource on mileage tracker apps so you can pick the perfect solution and never worry about missing out on potential tax savings again.

If you value simplicity, efficiency, and compliance, the apps highlighted here can transform the way you handle mileage tracking. So, let’s dive into the specifics of automated mileage tracking and show you how to keep your records pristine, your tax filing stress-free, and your business or freelance hustle on the right path.

Published: February 20, 2024

Table Of Contents

Why Automating Your Mileage Tracking Matters
Key Features to Look For in the Best Mileage Tracking App
The Best Mileage Tracker Apps (Overview)
How to Track Mileage for Taxes
Comparing Simple Mileage Tracker Cost vs. Manual Methods
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion

Why Automating Your Mileage Tracking Matters

Mileage tracking might not be the glamorous aspect of running a business or working as an independent contractor, but it’s critically important. The IRS has strict guidelines on what qualifies for a deduction, and improper or incomplete records can result in penalties or lost deductions. Here’s why automating this process with a mileage tracker app can be an absolute game-changer:

1. Time-Saving Benefits

Less Manual Data Entry
- Traditional mileage tracking often means scribbling down your car’s odometer readings in a logbook or trying to recall your exact route. Automation removes this guesswork.
Faster Categorization
- Apps allow you to mark each trip as personal or business with a simple swipe, tap, or click. Instead of writing notes in a log, you confirm the trip category.
Set It and Forget It
- Automatic GPS detection starts tracking the moment you begin driving, saving you from remembering to press “start” or “stop.”

2. Compliance and Accuracy

IRS-Ready Logs
- Automated trackers often generate reports that meet IRS guidelines for mileage logs. This documentation helps you avoid any disputes with tax authorities.
Reduced Human Error
- Manual logs can be riddled with estimation errors. GPS-based mileage logs ensure near-perfect accuracy.
Real-Time Tracking
- Automatic detection records the trip in real-time, ensuring precise start and end points, dates, and total miles are driven.

3. Year-End Readiness

Instant Reporting
- No more rummaging through boxes of receipts or flipping through logbooks. Most apps let you download or export a tax-ready report.
CPA Handoff
- By having clean, digitally generated data, you can easily forward it to your CPA, which minimizes confusion and the potential for mistakes.
Data Backup
- Cloud-based apps ensure you can’t “lose” your mileage logs. Even if you change phones, your data is accessible anytime.

By implementing a mobile app for tracking mileage, you ensure that each drive for business is counted, categorized, and filed neatly. It’s the difference between spending hours in frustration vs. literally spending minutes reviewing an automatically generated list of trips. That’s why so many business owners, freelancers, and gig workers opt to automate this process.

Key Features to Look For in the Best Mileage Tracking App

Plenty of mileage tracker apps are in the market, but not all are created equal. Some specialize in specific industries, while others are designed to integrate tightly with specific accounting platforms. Before diving into our top picks, let’s discuss some crucial features you’ll want to look for in any app tracking mileage.

Automatic Trip Detection

GPS-Enabled: The app uses your smartphone’s GPS to detect when you start and stop driving.
Auto-Start: No more forgetting to tap “start.” This ensures every trip is accounted for, not just the ones you remember.

Easy Categorization

Personal vs. Business: A quick swipe or tap to classify.
Custom Categories: Some apps allow additional tags, such as client names or project codes.
Bulk Editing: If you drive a lot, being able to categorize multiple trips in one action saves time.

Cloud Backup and Sync

Data Security: Your mileage logs are stored in the cloud, protecting them from phone loss or damage.
Multi-Device Access: If you use a phone and a tablet, you want your data synced.

Integration with Accounting Software

QuickBooks Mileage Tracker or Zoho**: Many apps integrate with popular accounting platforms.
Automatic Import/Export: Reduces double-data entry and unifies your financial records.

User-Friendly Interface

Intuitive Design: Clear menus and settings, easy on/off toggles for auto-tracking, and a simple method to view logs.
Reports: Ability to generate monthly, quarterly, or annual reports with a few clicks.

Expense Management & Spend Management Integrations

Spend Management: Many of these tools are built into spend management tools; the fewer tools you have, the better.
Expense Management: If the tools integrate with expense management tools, you can make reimbursements seamless.

Additional Expense Tracking

Fuel/Repair Logging: Some apps go beyond mileage and help you track other business-related auto expenses.
Receipt Scanning: Take pictures of receipts to store alongside your mileage.

In short, the best mileage tracking app automates as many steps as possible, so you only need to step in to validate or categorize data. This can save you countless hours over a year—and help maximize your tax deductions accurately.

The Best Mileage Tracker Apps (Overview)

Now that we know what features to look for, let’s discuss some of the top mileage-tracking apps available. Each solution has unique selling points, pricing, and integrations. Whether you’re an independent contractor, a small business owner, or manage a fleet of vehicles, one of these apps can likely meet your needs.

Below, we break down each popular choice—MileIQ, Everlance, TripLog, Hurdlr, Driversnote, Zoho Expense, and the QuickBooks mileage tracker—so you can pinpoint which best suits your workflow and budget.

MileIQ

MileIQ is one of the most well-known names in the mileage-tracking space. It’s often lauded for its simplicity and seamless integration with Microsoft 365 products.

Key Features:
- Automatic drive detection that classifies each trip as personal or business.
- Simple swiping interface to quickly categorize past trips.
- Cloud backup to secure your trip data.
Pricing (as of today):
- Free Plan: Offers 40 drives per month at no cost.
- Premium Plan: $5.99/month (billed annually) for unlimited drives. If you prefer month-to-month, it’s typically around $9.99/month.
How to Get MileIQ:
- Visit the official MileIQ website to sign up.
- Download the MileIQ mobile app to track mileage on iOS or Android.
- Connect to your Microsoft 365 account if you prefer integrated business tools.

Why Choose It: MileIQ’s user-friendly interface makes it a favorite among freelancers and small business owners. If you want hassle-free, automatic mileage logging with minimal manual oversight, MileIQ could be your go-to.

Everlance

Everlance markets itself as an all-in-one app that manages both mileage and expenses. It’s particularly popular among freelancers, gig workers, and self-employed professionals looking for a free mileage tracker app option that can be upgraded as their needs grow.

Key Features:
- Automatic Mileage & Expense Tracking: Track drives via GPS and link bank accounts to categorize expenses.
- Mileage Classification: Swipe to label each trip as business or personal.
- Expense Scanning: Photograph receipts and store them alongside your trip data.
Pricing (as of today):
- Free Plan: Limited to a certain number of monthly automatic trip logs, with manual logging still available.
- Premium Plan: $8/month, includes unlimited auto-tracking and advanced reporting features. Annual plans may offer discounts.
How to Get Everlance:
- Download it from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store.
- Create an account and sync your bank or credit card for expense tracking.
- Start driving—Everlance captures your trips automatically.

Why Choose It: Everlance is an excellent free mileage tracker app for testing the waters of automated tracking. Its built-in expense features make managing more than mileage easy, which can be a huge benefit during tax season.

TripLog

TripLog is often hailed as one of the most feature-rich mileage tracking solutions, with options catering to individual drivers and larger fleets. From real-time GPS tracking to integration with multiple accounting systems, TripLog covers a broad range of needs.

Key Features:
- Auto Start/Stop: GPS-based or Bluetooth-based detection to initiate tracking.
- Fleet Management: Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses with multiple vehicles.
- Comprehensive Expense Tracking: Includes the ability to record fuel, tolls, parking fees, and more.
Pricing (as of today):
- Free Starter Plan: Basic mileage tracking with some limitations.
- Premium (Individual): Starts around $4.99/month for advanced features, including auto-tracking and advanced reports.
- Team/Fleet Plans: $10+/month per user, depending on specific needs.
How to Get TripLog:
- Create an account on the TripLog website.
- Download the app from the iOS or Android stores.
- Sync with popular accounting services like QuickBooks or Xero, if desired.

Why Choose It: TripLog’s strength lies in its versatility. It offers everything from individual plans for the solopreneur to robust fleet-tracking features. It’s one of the best mileage tracker apps for businesses with multiple drivers and needing centralized oversight.

Hurdlr

Hurdlr isn’t just a mileage tracker—it’s a broader financial management tool that tracks income, expenses, taxes, and,, of course, mileage. This all-in-one approach helps entrepreneurs monitor their profit in real-time.

Key Features:
- Automatic Mileage, Income, and Expense Tracking: Sync bank accounts, credit cards, and other income streams.
- Real-Time Tax Estimates: Calculates your tax obligations based on your expenses and revenue.
- Smart Notifications: Alerts you when potential tax savings arise or significant changes in your driving patterns appear.
Pricing (as of today):
- Free Version: Basic income/expense tracking and manual mileage logging.
- Premium Plan: $10/month or $100/year, which includes auto-tracking of mileage, detailed reporting, and tax estimates.
How to Get Hurdlr:
- Visit Hurdlr’s website or find the app in your device’s app store.
- Sign up and connect your financial accounts.
- Enable GPS permissions so it can detect your drives automatically.

Why Choose It: If you prefer an app that doesn’t just track miles but also gives you a complete financial snapshot (including taxes owed), Hurdlr may be the best mileage-tracking app for you. It integrates all the essential parts of managing a self-employed or small-business lifestyle.

Driversnote

Driversnote focuses on offering a sleek, intuitive experience for logging trips. It offers web and mobile functionalities, ensuring you can manage your logs from any device.

Key Features:
- Automatic Bluetooth Tracking: Connects to your car’s Bluetooth so it starts logging the moment you power on the vehicle.
- Multi-Platform Access: Switch between your phone and the web dashboard to review or categorize trips.
- Detailed Reporting: Creates IRS-compliant reports for taxes or reimbursements.
Pricing (as of today):
- Free Version: Allows a limited number of monthly trips with manual logging.
- Premium: $9.50/month with unlimited automatic trip logging, advanced features, and priority support.
How to Get Driversnote:
- Head to their website to create an account.
- Download the Driversnote app for iOS or Android.
- Enable auto-tracking via your vehicle’s Bluetooth system.

Why Choose It: Driversnote excels in simplicity and reliability, offering a straightforward platform without overwhelming you with unnecessary features. If you want an app that does mileage—and does it exceptionally well—Driversnote is a solid pick.

Zoho Expense

Zoho Expense is part of Zoho’s more extensive suite of business tools. If you’re already using Zoho Books or other Zoho apps for CRM or project management, you’ll likely find Zoho Expense a seamless add-on.

Key Features:
- Mileage and Expense Management: Log miles alongside other business expenses, such as travel or client lunches.
- Policy Automation: Configure approval workflows and company policies for business expenses, making it suitable for small teams.
- Multi-Currency: Useful if you travel internationally, as it handles currency conversions automatically.
Pricing (as of today):
- Free Plan: This is for up to 3 users and has basic features.
- Standard: $3/user/month, adds more reporting capabilities and streamlined approval flows.
- Premium: $5 to $8/user/month, depending on the package and advanced features like multi-currency and extensive automation.
How to Get Zoho Expense:
- Sign up through the Zoho website.
- Download the Zoho Expense app from your phone’s app store.
- Integrate with Zoho Books or other Zoho suite apps if you want an all-in-one ecosystem.

Why Choose It: Zoho Expense is ideal for those already in the Zoho ecosystem or teams that require robust expense workflows with managerial approvals. Its mileage tracking feature is integrated into a broader expense-management system, making it a good multi-purpose tool.

QuickBooks Mileage Tracker

QuickBooks Online has a built-in mileage tracker that lets you log all your driving without leaving the QuickBooks environment. It’s incredibly convenient for existing QuickBooks Online users.

Key Features:
- Integrated with QuickBooks: Directly ties mileage data to your accounting so that you can see deductions and costs in one place.
- Automatic GPS Tracking: Detects real-time trips for all vehicles you use.
- Easy Reporting: Generate monthly, quarterly, or annual mileage reports within QuickBooks.
Pricing (as of today):
- Included with QuickBooks Online: QuickBooks Online starts at around $30/month for the Simple Start plan, $55/month for Essentials, $85/month for Plus, and $200/month for Advanced (promo deals may vary).
- No Extra Fee for Mileage Tracking: It’s built into the software, so if you already have QuickBooks Online, you can use the mileage tracker at no additional cost.
How to Get QuickBooks Mileage Tracker:
- Sign up for a QuickBooks Online subscription if you don’t already have one.
- Install the QuickBooks Online mobile app.
- Enable mileage tracking in the settings and allow the app to use location services.

Why Choose It: If you rely on QuickBooks for your accounting, payroll, or invoicing, the QuickBooks mileage tracker is a no-brainer. It centralizes all financial data in one system, simplifying your end-of-year tax prep and monthly or quarterly reporting.

How to Track Mileage for Taxes

Using a mileage tracker app is straightforward, but outline the step-by-step best practices to ensure your records are always accurate and IRS-compliant.

Choose the Best Mileage Tracking App
- Consider your budget, whether a free mileage tracker app meets your needs or if you need advanced features like expense tracking.
Enable Auto-Tracking
- Make sure your GPS permissions are on so every trip is automatically recorded. This is key to preventing missed miles.
Categorize Trips Regularly
- At least once a week, open your app and ensure each trip is labeled “Business” or “Personal.”
- If needed, add notes about the purpose of the trip (e.g., meeting a client or delivering goods).
Review Your Mileage Monthly or Quarterly
- Generate a quick report to check for anomalies or trips logged incorrectly.
- This prevents a significant backlog at the end of the year.
Maintain Additional Documentation
- Save fuel receipts or maintenance records if you opt for the actual expense method in specific contexts.
- Reference the current IRS mileage rate to stay updated on how much per mile you can deduct.
Download Your Finalized Report
- At year-end (or tax time), export a full mileage report.
- Hand it off to your small business CPA or use it directly if you do your taxes.

By following these steps, you’ll never have to scramble for last-minute mileage records again. And because it’s automated, the process becomes virtually hands-off—just a quick review here and there to confirm the app is tracking correctly.

Comparing Simple Mileage Tracker Cost vs. Manual Methods

Is it worth paying for a mileage tracker app? This is a common question for many business owners or contractors who are used to pen-and-paper logs or Excel spreadsheets. Below, we compare some factors that can help you decide.

Manual Methods

Pros:
1. No Direct Cost: A notebook or spreadsheet is essentially free.
2. Complete Control: You manually oversee every trip entry.
Cons:
1. Time-Consuming: Entering data by hand for each trip adds up.
2. Prone to Error: A missing odometer reading or misplaced decimal can skew your mileage total.
3. No Real-Time Tracking: You must remember to log everything daily or weekly.

Paid Mileage Tracker Apps

Pros:
1. Automation: GPS-based logging ensures accuracy.
2. Integration: Syncs with accounting software for easy financial management.
3. Time Savings: You only need a few minutes a week to categorize or review.
Cons:
1. Monthly or Annual Fees: Ranging from $5.99 to $10 monthly for most apps.
2. Overkill for Infrequent Drivers?: If you rarely drive for business, a paid plan might not be necessary.

Return on Investment (ROI)

For frequent drivers, the simple mileage tracker cost often pays for itself many times over through:

Accurate and Maximized Deductions: Every mile counts. Missing 500 miles at the standard IRS rate can mean losing a significant tax deduction.
Time Freed for Other Tasks: Tracking can take hours over a tax year. This time can be better spent on revenue-generating or business-building activities.
Peace of Mind: Avoid guesswork and potential IRS issues by having accurate records readily available.

If you only drive once in a while for business, you might do fine with a free mileage tracker app with limited automatic detection or manual entry. But investing in a paid plan usually makes sense for anyone driving daily or weekly for clients, deliveries, or site visits, mainly if it spares you from potential IRS hassles or missing out on hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dollars in deductions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best mileage-tracking app for small businesses?

Choosing the best mileage tracking app depends on your budget, preferred integrations, and how many drivers or vehicles you manage. Some top contenders include:

MileIQ for its simplicity and Microsoft integrations.
Everlance is an all-in-one platform that tracks both mileage and expenses.
TripLog for advanced features and fleet management.
QuickBooks Mileage Tracker if you’re already using QuickBooks Online.

If you’re unsure, sign up for free trials. Most mileage tracker apps offer some limited version that lets you test out key features.

Is there a free mileage tracker app?

Yes, multiple apps offer a free mileage tracker app tier:

MileIQ: Allows up to 40 free drives per month.
Everlance: Offers a free plan with limited automatic trip logging.
Driversnote: Has a free version with manual logging.

Remember that free tiers usually come with constraints, such as a cap on automatic trip detections per month or fewer reporting options. Evaluate how many miles you drive monthly to see if these free plans are sufficient.

How do you track mileage for taxes accurately?

Here’s a quick rundown:

Use an App: Choose a reliable mobile app for tracking mileage that fits your needs.
Enable GPS: Ensure automatic trip detection is active so you don’t miss any drives.
Categorize Regularly: Mark each trip as business or personal soon after it appears in the app.
Keep Receipts: Although mileage is often claimed separately if you decide to use the actual expense method for specific vehicles or want to track fuel, keep those receipts.
Refer to the Current IRS Mileage Rate: Stay updated on how many cents per mile you can deduct.
Generate Reports: At tax time, download a summary of your drives to your CPA for startups.

Do I need a mobile app to track mileage, or can I keep a logbook?

While a paper logbook is acceptable in the eyes of the IRS, a mobile app for tracking mileage offers:

Automatic GPS Logging: Removes guesswork and forgetting to record a drive.
Time Savings: Categorizing hundreds of trips is more manageable with digital tools.
Backup and Synchronization: Digital records are securely stored, while a paper log can be lost or damaged.

A paper log might be manageable if you only take a handful of business trips per year. But if you drive frequently, an app is almost always a better long-term solution.

Can mileage tracker apps integrate with accounting software?

Yes, integration is a significant selling point for many mileage tracker apps. For instance:

QuickBooks Mileage Tracker is built into QuickBooks Online, eliminating the need for a separate tool.
Zoho Expense integrates with Zoho Books and other Zoho tools.
MileIQ can export data to spreadsheets or sync with tools like FreshBooks, Concur, and Microsoft 365.

If seamless accounting integration is a priority, pick an app that ties in nicely with your existing systems.

Which mileage tracker app has the most straightforward interface?

Many find MileIQ particularly easy to use. It detects your trips automatically, and then you swipe left or right to categorize each trip as personal or business. Hurdlr is also known for its intuitive user experience, pairing an attractive dashboard with guided setup steps.

How often should I download or review my mileage reports?

A monthly or quarterly review is recommended. Doing so ensures you catch any incorrectly logged trips quickly. You can then download a comprehensive annual report right before tax season. This approach keeps everything accurate while minimizing the end-of-year crunch.

What if I drive for multiple gigs or have multiple vehicles?

TripLog offers fleet management features that are useful for multiple vehicles. You can also set up custom labels within many other apps to differentiate which vehicle or job your miles are associated with.

Conclusion

Automating your mileage tracking is more than a convenience—it can translate into hundreds or thousands of dollars in potential tax deductions. Using a mileage tracker app that automatically logs your drives, categorizes your mileage, and generates simple, easy-to-read reports save time, reduce errors, and stay fully compliant with IRS rules.

Each of the apps mentioned—MileIQ, Everlance, TripLog, Hurdlr, Driversnote, Zoho Expense, and QuickBooks Mileage Tracker—has strengths suited to different needs. If you’re already using QuickBooks for accounting, the choice is straightforward. If you want an all-in-one approach with financial dashboards and real-time tax estimates, Hurdlr is excellent. If you’re a rideshare driver working across multiple platforms, TripLog might be your best bet. For those who want a free mileage tracker app that can scale up later, Everlance and MileIQ have popular free tiers.

Whichever option you pick, the key is to remain consistent. Enable auto-tracking, review your logs monthly or quarterly, and you’ll always be prepared to download a finalized list of your drives when tax season arrives. To learn more about the IRS rules surrounding mileage deductions, check the current IRS mileage rate, so you’re up to date on exactly how much you can deduct per mile.

Need more tips on business record-keeping? Check out our other related articles on:

By solidifying your mileage-tracking strategy with the right tool, you’ll eliminate uncertainty, capture every possible deduction, and focus on what matters: growing your business.

Ready to hand off your perfectly tracked mileage data to a professional? Contact our CPA firm for seamless tax filing and expert guidance. We’ll help ensure you maximize your deductions while complying with the latest tax regulations.

The Best Mileage Tracker Apps: Simplify Your Mileage Tracking and Tax Deductions