Last updated: February 11, 2025
If you use a Google Sheets template for taxes, you’re not alone. Here’s the good news: we have templates in this article if that’s how you prefer to do things, and we also have an automatic mileage tracker app. We definitely recommend an app if you’re looking to save time. Nevertheless, we’ll be providing an overview for those who still prefer to track mileage logs on a mileage tracker spreadsheet.
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What is a Mileage Tracker Spereadsheet?
Simply put, it is how some people keep track of the miles they do with their vehicle for business or personal reasons. Generally speaking, there are three main situations when you need to track every mile for income tax purposes:
- You are self-employed (e.g you drive for Spark) and use your vehicle for business purposes
- You work for an employer, through which you use either a personal vehicle or a company car
- You are an employer who needs their employees to log mileage for mileage reimbursement purposes
Often when people talk about a logbook they are referring specifically to a mileage tracker spreadsheet, but for the purposes of this web page, we’re going to use the term to refer to any kind of vehicle mileage log.
Additionally, if you are already using or want to use a mileage sheet template, you should make sure it adheres to IRS mileage log requirements. We have included every information the IRS needs in our mileage log sample:
Mileage Log Template – Google Sheets Versions
One of the benefits of using our free Google Mileage Sheets is that ours also functions as a calculator, which is based on the current IRS mileage rate. If you choose our mileage lox Excel templates below, you will need to copy and paste these mileage tracker spreadsheets into your own Google Docs, as this one is publicly available and therefore cannot be edited.
From there, you can edit it as you choose, and when you are finished you can either print the file directly or download it into one of many formats, namely PDF versions, XLXS files (Excel), or even CSV files, all of which are accepted by the IRS. Since the IRS can request your documentation for up to three years after filing, we have templates available for previous years as well:
Free Google Sheets Template for 2021
Free Google Sheets Template for 2022
Free Google Sheets Template for 2023
Free Google Sheets Template for 2024
Free Google Sheets Template for 2025
How to Use this Mileage Log Book for Google Sheets
Once you’ve taken the steps mentioned above, i.e. you have copied our public template to your own Google Docs cloud, then you can edit things as you choose. From there it really becomes a simple matter of entering your trips on an individual basis. Just make sure that you are diligent enough to record every trip.
Personal trips are especially important when you consider the fact that the IRS views anything less than 10 percent of your total mileage as personal to be a red flag, and you don’t want to be on the bad side of an IRS audit. Additionally, including them will provide clarity for both yourself and the IRS since you need to separate your total business mileage, total personal mileage, and total commuting mileage for the year.
From Mileage Log Templates to Mileage Logging Software
Do you track your mileage manually in a template in Google Sheets or an Excel file, but find it way too time-consuming or not efficient enough? No need to worry as you can easily import your clients as well as 1000+ trips/month into MileageWise.
Click the picture below for the detailed, step-by-step process:
Also, if you have tracked your trips on Google Timeline, but you’re not able to transform the data from there into the form of an IRS-compliant document, MileageWise is here to help you throughout the entire process. Generate IRS-Proof mileage logs with our Google Maps Timeline Import function.
NOTICE
NEW GOOGLE MAPS TIMELINE INTEGRATION - IMPORT FROM MOBILES
Google has changed the storage of the Timeline Location History. It migrated from the cloud to mobile devices. Thus, most users are left without access to their Timelines on desktop platforms. MileageWise steps in with an exclusive solution!
Export your Timeline from your phone. MileageWise will transform it into Precise, IRS-Proof mileage logs!
Essential Mileage Tracking Tools and Templates
Maintaining accurate records of travel for business or personal purposes is crucial, and this is where mileage report forms come into play. These forms are essential tools for individuals and businesses to track distances traveled, ensuring precise reimbursement and claiming mileage on taxes. One popular option is the printable mileage log, a convenient format that can be easily printed and filled out manually. For those who prefer digital records, there are various apps available, offering the ease of logging trips on the go.
Another useful tool is the free mileage log template, an accessible and cost-effective solution for tracking travel. This template is often available in different formats, including daily and weekly mileage log template, catering to various tracking needs. Businesses, especially those involving frequent travel like trucking, can benefit from specialized forms like mileage sheets for truck drivers. For comprehensive record-keeping, combining these sheets with a gas mileage spreadsheet can provide a detailed view of fuel efficiency and expenses.
For individuals or businesses seeking a straightforward solution, a free trip log or travel mileage log sheet can be a great start. These logs typically include fields for date, purpose of the trip, and distance traveled, making them an efficient way to keep track of each journey. The business mileage sheet is tailored specifically for corporate use, ensuring that all business-related travel is accurately documented for reimbursement or tax purposes.
The Benefits Digital Records
What’s the best mileage log, you might ask. Using either our Google Sheets template or our Excel mileage log template file as a log for your mileage report is certainly a step up from using a cumbersome paper-based log, but above all else, we recommend that you use our mileage tracker app.
We offer tons of features, including the following:
- Three auto-tracking methods: Bluetooth, vehicle movement monitoring, and Plug’N’Go phone charging tracking
- Retrospective mileage reconstruction: perfect if you need to backtrack your mileage for a longer period and/or you are facing an audit from the IRS
- Mass distance calculation: our app calculates door-to-door distances without forcing you to constantly use GPS, maintaining both your battery and your privacy.
If you’re interested in what advantages MileageWise has that other mileage trackers don’t, check out our mileage tracker app comparison table.
We’d also like to highlight the fact that you can try out our software for free for 14 days, and you needn’t give us your credit card either. The free trial allows you to experience all the benefits our app and its accompanying web dashboard offer – that way you can make an educated decision when it comes to deciding if you want to take on a more long-term plan too.
FAQ
What is a mileage log form?
It is a document used to record the distance traveled by a vehicle for business, charitable, medical, or moving purposes.
Are there apps for mileage logging?
Absolutely, there are several apps available for smartphones that automate the process of tracking and recording mileage.
What is the importance of a mileage report log?
A mileage report log is crucial for accurately reporting travel distances for reimbursement and tax deduction purposes, particularly for businesses and self-employed individuals.
Is there a specific mileage sheet for truck drivers?
Yes, mileage sheets for truck drivers are tailored to meet the specific needs of the trucking industry, including tracking long-haul trips and fuel consumption.
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| MileageWise | Other Mileage Tracker Apps | Other GPS Based Trackers | Excel | Tax Professional | |
| Mobile App for Ongoing Tracking | |||||
| Web Dashboard to Manage Trips | |||||
| Imports Trips and Locations from Google Timeline | |||||
| Lifetime Deals Available | |||||
| Average Reported Business Mileage Deduction | $12,000 | $710-$8500 | $400-$5,700 | $200-$2,000 | |
| Average Time Creating Retrospective Mileage Log (Yearly) | 7 minutes | 180 minutes | 180 minutes | 180 minutes | N/A |
| AI Wizard Mileage Log Generator for Retroactive Mileage Recovery | |||||
| Produces IRS-Proof Mileage Logs | |||||
| Free Phone Support with Live Agent | |||||
| Mileage Log Preparation Service | |||||
| Data Accessible in the Cloud |
Google Maps Timeline is one of those features you might not think about often, but it’s probably been quietly tracking your steps for years. Have you ever used it to retrace your path on a vacation or remember where you parked your car? It’s pretty amazing, right? But how much do we really understand about what’s happening behind the scenes with all that data?
