Tax Planning
The Mileage Shift: What the Uprated Tax-free Mileage Rates Mean for You
Starting April 2026, tax-free mileage rates in the UK have increased by 10p per mile—here’s how to maximise claims whether you’re self-employed or an employee.
By NomadicTax Research Team • 5-8 min read • May 31, 2026
## What’s Changed in Mileage Rates
In one of the most significant changes in recent years, the UK government **uprated mileage rates** by **10 pence per mile** for tax purposes, backdated to **April 2026**. Specifically, the rate for the first **10,000 business miles** driven using your own vehicle increased from **45p to 55p** per mile. This affects **employees and the self-employed**, saving around **£120 annually** for a worker doing 6,000 business miles. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/millions-to-benefit-from-lower-travel-and-food-costs?utm_source=openai))
## Who is Affected
- **Self-employed individuals and sole traders** using personal vehicle for business purposes.
- **Employees** claiming mileage expenses from employers under HMRC’s approved mileage allowance payments (AMAPs).
- Workers in industries with high travel: tradespeople, haulage, sales, care workers, etc.
## How to Claim & Compliance
- Keep accurate **mileage logs**: date, destination, purpose, miles driven. Use apps or paper records—just ensure they’re clear and auditable.
- If employed, make sure employer uses the updated rate when reimbursing, or if reimbursed less, you may claim via a **tax relief claim**.
- Self-employed people should include mileage and maintain records in their profit & loss statements for Self Assessment.
## Example Calculations
| Scenario | Miles driven | Old rate saving vs. no reimbursement | New rate saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| John, self-employed plumber: 5,000 business miles/year | 5,000 × 55p = £2,750 | Under old 45p, £2,250, so •£500 increase |
| Sarah, employee driving 8,000 miles reimbursed by employer | Employer paying 55p: £4,400; if employer pays less, she claims relief on difference |
| Mixed use (say half business miles) | Only business portion counts; ensure apportionment is clear |
## Potential Pitfalls & Caveats
- **Record keeping**: HMRC may request evidence; poor documentation can lead to denied claims.
- **Employer reimbursements vs. tax reliefs**: If employers don’t adjust rates, employees may need to claim via Self Assessment or employment expenses rules.
- **Mixed usage & private use:** Only business miles qualify. If the vehicle has mixed business/private usage, apportionment is essential.
## Practical Steps to Maximise Benefit
- Review your current travel patterns to estimate how much increase you will receive under the new rate.
- Update your accounting or expense software to reflect 55p per mile for first 10,000 business miles as of 6 April 2026.
- Discuss with your employer to ensure they adopt the new rate, reducing need for relief claims.
- Self-employed workers: include mileage in profit calculations, keeping precise logs and receipts for fuel where needed for substantiation.
## Broader Impact
This change is part of the government’s measures to ease the cost of living and support transport-intensive businesses. Along with the **extension of the fuel duty freeze** and relief to red diesel users, it helps shield workers, hauliers and businesses from rising costs. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-protects-drivers-and-businesses-from-rising-fuel-costs?utm_source=openai))