HMRC Mileage Claim Calculator
How much can you claim with the HMRC mileage calculator?
From 6 April 2026 HMRC's approved rate for cars and vans is 55p per mile for the first 10,000 business miles (up from 45p), then 25p. Motorcycles stay at 24p and bicycles at 20p. If your employer pays less, you get tax relief on the shortfall at your tax rate, not the whole amount. Earlier years use 45p.
Read more
Many employees don't realise they're entitled to claim tax relief on business mileage — especially if their employer reimburses at a lower rate or doesn't reimburse at all. The HMRC approved rates are designed to cover all running costs: fuel, insurance, servicing, and depreciation. If you're receiving less than the approved rate, you're leaving money on the table.
A common mistake is claiming for your daily commute. HMRC is clear: travel from home to your permanent workplace is never business mileage. But travel to a temporary workplace, client site, or meeting away from your normal base does qualify. Enter your details below to see your total allowance and potential tax relief.
Based on HMRC Approved Mileage Allowance Payment (AMAP) rates for 2022/23 to 2026/27. Reviewed 9 October 2026 against GOV.UK.
Want to check whether 55p a mile actually covers what you spend? The fuel cost calculator shows your real pence-per-mile at current UK pump prices.
Mileage Details
HMRC approved rates 2026/27 (car/van)
Cars and vans rose from 45p to 55p for the first 10,000 miles from 6 April 2026. Earlier years use 45p.
Rates checked against GOV.UK on 9 October 2026.
HMRC approved amount
Approved mileage amount (2026/27)
£4,400.00
for 8,000 business miles. This is the tax-free maximum, not a refund.
Mileage Allowance Relief
Estimated tax saving if all of the shortfall falls in one band:
Illustration only. If the shortfall straddles a tax band, the saving is split between the rates, and you can't get back more tax than you paid. Claim online through HMRC's employee expenses service or form P87, or on your Self Assessment return if you file one (required if expenses exceed £2,500).
How HMRC Mileage Allowance Works
Approved Mileage Rates
HMRC sets flat-rate mileage allowances to cover the cost of using your own vehicle for business. The rate covers fuel, insurance, road tax, servicing, and depreciation — you don't need to track individual costs. For cars, the first 10,000 business miles are paid at 55p in 2026/27 (45p before 6 April 2026); miles above that drop to 25p.
Claiming Tax Relief
If your employer pays less than the approved rate (or nothing at all), you can claim tax relief on the shortfall. A basic rate taxpayer saves 20% of the shortfall; a higher rate taxpayer saves 40%. Scottish taxpayers get relief at their own 2026/27 rates (21% intermediate, 42% higher, 45% advanced, 48% top). Claim online or with form P87, or on Self Assessment if you file a return or expenses exceed £2,500.
Self-Employed Mileage
Self-employed individuals can use the simplified mileage method on their tax return. Instead of tracking actual vehicle costs, claim the flat HMRC rate per mile. Once you choose a method for a vehicle, you must stick with it for that vehicle's lifetime.
What Doesn't Count
Your normal commute (home to permanent workplace) is not business mileage. Neither is personal driving, even if it's in a car you also use for work. Only journeys with a clear business purpose — client visits, temporary workplaces, conferences — qualify.
Common Mileage Claim Mistakes
- 1.
Claiming your daily commute
Travel from home to your regular permanent workplace is never deductible, no matter how far. Only journeys to temporary workplaces or client sites count.
- 2.
Not keeping a mileage log
HMRC can request evidence of every journey claimed. Without a log showing dates, destinations, and business purpose, your entire claim could be disallowed.
- 3.
Forgetting the 10,000-mile threshold
The car rate drops from 55p (45p before 2026/27) to 25p after 10,000 business miles. Some people apply the higher rate to all miles — this will be corrected by HMRC and could trigger a closer look.
- 4.
Not claiming when your employer underpays
Many employees don't realise they can claim tax relief on the difference if their employer reimburses less than the approved rate (55p/25p in 2026/27). Over a year of regular driving, this can be worth hundreds of pounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Next?
Fuel Cost Calculator
Compare your actual fuel costs against the flat-rate mileage claim.
Calculate nowWFH Tax Relief Calculator
Check past-year working from home claims (2025/26 and earlier).
Calculate nowNot sure which calculators you need?
Answer 7 quick questions and we'll show you exactly which UK costs apply to your situation. Takes under 60 seconds.