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HMRC Mileage Rates 2026/27: How to Claim Business Mileage Allowance

Complete guide to HMRC approved mileage rates for 2026/27. Learn the rates for cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, plus step-by-step instructions on how to claim mileage allowance for business travel.

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Written by Waqas Sagar
Verified by ICAEW, ACCA & AAT
15 May 2026
10 min read

HMRC Mileage Allowance Rates 2026/27

If you use your own vehicle for business travel, you can claim tax relief using HMRC's Approved Mileage Allowance Payments (AMAPs). This guide explains the current rates and how to claim.

Approved Mileage Rates 2026/27

Vehicle TypeFirst 10,000 milesOver 10,000 miles
Cars45p per mile25p per mile
Motorcycles24p per mile24p per mile
Bicycles20p per mile20p per mile

Passenger Payments

If you carry a colleague as a passenger for business travel, you can claim an additional 5p per mile per passenger.

What Counts as Business Mileage?

You CAN claim for:

  • Travel between different work locations
  • Travel to client meetings
  • Travel to temporary workplaces
  • Travel to training courses
  • Travel to conferences or events

You CANNOT claim for:

  • Regular commuting (home to permanent workplace)
  • Private travel
  • Travel that is primarily for private purposes

How Employees Can Claim

Step 1: Keep Accurate Records For each business journey, record:

  • Date of travel
  • Start and end locations
  • Purpose of the journey
  • Miles travelled

Step 2: Calculate Your Claim Multiply your business miles by the appropriate rate:

  • First 10,000 miles: 45p per mile
  • Above 10,000 miles: 25p per mile

Step 3: Claim from Your Employer If your employer pays less than the HMRC rate (or nothing), you can claim Mileage Allowance Relief (MAR).

Step 4: Claim Tax Relief If your employer doesn't reimburse the full amount, claim the difference through:

  • Self Assessment tax return, or
  • Form P87 for claims under £2,500

Example Calculation

12,000 business miles in a year:

  • First 10,000 miles × 45p = £4,500
  • Remaining 2,000 miles × 25p = £500
  • Total claimable: £5,000

If your employer pays 20p per mile (£2,400), you can claim tax relief on the difference of £2,600.

Tax relief for basic rate taxpayer: £2,600 × 20% = £520 tax refund

Tax relief for higher rate taxpayer: £2,600 × 40% = £1,040 tax refund

Self-Employed Mileage Claims

Self-employed individuals have two options:

Option 1: Simplified Expenses (AMAP Rates) Use the same 45p/25p rates as employees. This is simpler but you cannot claim any other vehicle costs.

Option 2: Actual Costs Claim a proportion of actual vehicle costs based on business use percentage:

  • Fuel
  • Insurance
  • Road tax
  • MOT and servicing
  • Repairs
  • Finance interest
  • Depreciation

Company Car Advisory Fuel Rates

If you have a company car and pay for fuel for business travel, different rates apply (updated quarterly by HMRC):

Engine SizePetrolDieselLPG
Up to 1400cc14p13p11p
1401-2000cc17p15p13p
Over 2000cc26p20p21p

Electric vehicles: 9p per mile

Tips for Maximising Your Claim

  1. Keep a mileage log - Record every journey with date, purpose, and distance
  2. Use a mileage tracking app - Automates record-keeping
  3. Don't forget passengers - Claim the extra 5p per passenger
  4. Review annually - Ensure you're claiming all eligible miles

Calculate Your Mileage Tax Relief

Use our Mileage Tax Relief Calculator to see exactly how much you could claim back.

Related Topics

mileage ratesHMRCbusiness mileagemileage allowancetax relief
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Waqas Sagar

ACA, FCCA, FMAAT - Chartered Accountant

Waqas is a Chartered Accountant regulated by ICAEW, ACCA and AAT with 18+ years of UK tax experience. He is the founder of Accotax, a London-based accountancy firm serving over 1,200 clients.

Accuracy Note

This information is for guidance only and is based on 2026/27 tax year rates. Tax rules are complex and your circumstances may differ. For personal advice, consult a qualified accountant or tax adviser.