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The MileTracker blog
Practical, IRS-aware writing on automatic mileage tracking, vehicle deductions, Schedule C, and the realities of being self-employed. 50 articles and counting.
Featured · Mileage tracking
Automatic mileage tracking for 1099 contractors: a complete 2026 guide
Why solo 1099 contractors should use an automatic mileage tracker, how it works on iOS, and how to keep an IRS-ready mileage log without lifting a finger.
Apr 22, 2026 · 9 min read
Taxes
IRS mileage log requirements: exactly what your record needs to include
A plain-English breakdown of what the IRS requires in a mileage log under Reg. §1.274-5T, with examples of compliant and non-compliant entries.
Apr 21, 2026 · 8 min
Comparisons
MileTracker vs MileIQ: which mileage app is right for you in 2026?
An honest comparison between MileTracker and MileIQ for solo 1099 contractors. Pricing, features, exports, privacy, and which one wins for your use case.
Apr 20, 2026 · 7 min
Comparisons
The best mileage tracker app for iPhone in 2026
We tested the top automatic mileage tracker apps for iPhone. Here's how MileTracker, MileIQ, Stride, Everlance, and TripLog compare in 2026.
Apr 19, 2026 · 10 min
Taxes
How to deduct vehicle expenses on Schedule C (2026)
Step-by-step: how a 1099 contractor reports vehicle expenses on Schedule C, including the standard mileage rate, actual expense method, and Part IV.
Apr 18, 2026 · 9 min
Taxes
IRS standard mileage rate 2026: what changed and what it means for you
The IRS standard mileage rate for 2026 is $0.67 per mile. Here's what that means for your deduction, how it compares to past years, and how to maximize it.
Apr 17, 2026 · 5 min
App guides
Does automatic mileage tracking drain my iPhone battery?
How much battery a background mileage tracker uses on iOS, what affects it, and how MileTracker keeps battery impact under 2% per day.
Apr 16, 2026 · 6 min
App guides
Why MileTracker isn't detecting my trips (and how to fix it)
Troubleshooting guide for trip detection issues in MileTracker — permissions, background refresh, low power mode, and Apple's location settings.
Apr 15, 2026 · 7 min
Self-employed
Tax deductions for Uber and Lyft drivers in 2026
A complete list of deductible expenses for rideshare drivers in 2026, including mileage, phone, snacks, tolls, and the QBI deduction.
Apr 14, 2026 · 9 min
Self-employed
Tax deductions for real estate agents in 2026
Mileage, marketing, MLS fees, staging, and home office — the top deductions every real estate agent should be claiming as a 1099 contractor.
Apr 13, 2026 · 9 min
Self-employed
Mileage tracking for DoorDash drivers: how to claim every mile
DoorDash gives you only a fraction of your real mileage on a 1099. Here's how to track all of it and unlock the deduction.
Apr 12, 2026 · 7 min
Taxes
The 12 best tax write-offs for self-employed people in 2026
Mileage, home office, health insurance, retirement, equipment — the most valuable deductions for solo self-employed workers in 2026.
Apr 11, 2026 · 11 min
Taxes
Commuting vs business miles: what counts (and what doesn't)
The IRS does not let you deduct your commute. Here's the line between non-deductible commuting and deductible business miles for 1099 contractors.
Apr 10, 2026 · 6 min
App guides
How to export an IRS-ready PDF mileage log from MileTracker
Step-by-step instructions for exporting a clean, IRS-ready PDF mileage log from MileTracker — and what to do with it at tax time.
Apr 9, 2026 · 5 min
App guides
Importing your MileTracker CSV into QuickBooks Self-Employed
How to export a CSV mileage log from MileTracker and import it into QuickBooks Self-Employed for clean book-keeping.
Apr 8, 2026 · 6 min
Taxes
Actual expense method vs standard mileage: which saves more?
When the actual expense method beats the standard mileage rate — and when it doesn't. A practical comparison for 1099 contractors.
Apr 7, 2026 · 8 min
App guides
How MileTracker syncs your trips with Supabase
An honest look at how MileTracker's SQLite-first architecture syncs to Supabase, what's encrypted, and why your trips are always available offline.
Apr 6, 2026 · 7 min
Self-employed
Choosing a vehicle to maximize your 1099 mileage deduction
Standard mileage vs actual expenses, EV credits, Section 179, and the surprisingly good math on cheap reliable cars for 1099 work.
Apr 5, 2026 · 8 min
Taxes
10 Schedule C mistakes that cost 1099 contractors thousands
From skipping the mileage deduction to mixing personal expenses, these are the most common Schedule C mistakes — and how to avoid them.
Apr 4, 2026 · 9 min
Taxes
Audit-proof your mileage deduction in 7 steps
How to make your mileage deduction bulletproof in case the IRS asks for documentation. Real-world advice for 1099 contractors.
Apr 3, 2026 · 8 min
Comparisons
MileTracker vs Stride: which is better in 2026?
Stride is free and MileTracker is paid for full features. Here's an honest comparison for 1099 contractors deciding between them.
Apr 2, 2026 · 6 min
Comparisons
MileTracker vs Everlance: which is right for solo contractors?
Everlance bundles mileage with expense tracking. MileTracker is focused. Here's how to choose between them.
Apr 1, 2026 · 6 min
Comparisons
MileTracker vs TripLog: a 2026 comparison
TripLog is built for fleets. MileTracker is built for solo contractors. Here's how the two compare and which is right for you.
Mar 31, 2026 · 6 min
Mileage tracking
Can you track mileage without an app? (Yes, but you probably shouldn't)
Manual mileage tracking with a notebook or spreadsheet is still allowed by the IRS — here's why almost no contractors do it well.
Mar 30, 2026 · 6 min
Self-employed
What is a 1099 contractor? A plain-English explanation
If you're new to self-employment, here's exactly what 'being 1099' means, how it differs from W-2 employment, and what taxes you'll owe.
Mar 29, 2026 · 7 min
Taxes
Estimated quarterly taxes for 1099 contractors: a simple guide
How quarterly estimated tax payments work, when they're due, how to calculate them, and what happens if you skip one.
Mar 28, 2026 · 8 min
Taxes
The QBI deduction explained for 1099 contractors
The Qualified Business Income deduction lets self-employed people deduct up to 20% of their business income. Here's how it works in 2026.
Mar 27, 2026 · 7 min
Taxes
The home office deduction in 2026: how much is it worth?
Simplified method vs actual expense method, what qualifies as a home office, and how to combine the deduction with the mileage deduction.
Mar 26, 2026 · 7 min
Mileage tracking
How to track mileage for multiple businesses or side hustles
If you do 1099 work for more than one business, here's how to keep mileage clean for each — and why MileTracker's classification model fits.
Mar 25, 2026 · 6 min
Self-employed
Tracking mileage for self-employed photographers
Drives to shoots, scouting trips, gear runs, and weddings — the deductible mileage for photographers and how to track it.
Mar 24, 2026 · 7 min
Self-employed
Mileage tracking for handymen, plumbers, and electricians
Service trades drive constantly — between job sites, supply runs, and emergency calls. Here's how to track it all and never miss a deduction.
Mar 23, 2026 · 7 min
Self-employed
Mileage tracking for therapists, coaches, and consultants
Driving between offices, conferences, and client meetings adds up. Here's how knowledge-work 1099 contractors should track mileage.
Mar 22, 2026 · 6 min
App guides
Why MileTracker uses Supabase (and what that means for you)
A look behind the scenes at MileTracker's Supabase backend — auth, row-level security, and what 'opportunistic sync' really means.
Mar 21, 2026 · 7 min
App guides
Why MileTracker uses Sign In with Apple
Apple Sign In gives you a privacy-respecting login with no email harvesting. Here's how MileTracker uses it and what we never see.
Mar 20, 2026 · 5 min
App guides
How MileTracker Pro subscriptions work (RevenueCat + Apple)
MileTracker Pro is sold through Apple via RevenueCat. Here's exactly how subscriptions, upgrades, restores, and refunds work.
Mar 19, 2026 · 6 min
App guides
How home and work addresses help MileTracker classify smarter
Setting your home and work addresses in MileTracker makes trip classification dramatically faster. Here's why and how.
Mar 18, 2026 · 5 min
App guides
When to add a manual trip in MileTracker
Most trips are detected automatically — but sometimes you need to add one by hand. Here's when and how.
Mar 17, 2026 · 5 min
App guides
How to delete or merge trips in MileTracker
Sometimes a trip gets split or recorded by accident. Here's how to delete or clean up your MileTracker history.
Mar 16, 2026 · 4 min
App guides
What's inside a MileTracker IRS-ready PDF export
We walk through every section of the MileTracker PDF mileage log so you know exactly what your CPA is going to see.
Mar 15, 2026 · 6 min
Industry
How MileTracker writes for ChatGPT, Claude, and Google
We write our blog so that AI search assistants like ChatGPT and Claude can quote it. Here's the philosophy and structure we use.
Mar 14, 2026 · 6 min
Industry
What is GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)?
Generative Engine Optimization is the practice of writing for AI search engines like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity. Here's the playbook.
Mar 13, 2026 · 7 min
Self-employed
Mileage tracking for traveling nurses and per-diem clinicians
Traveling nurses, per-diem clinicians, and visiting therapists drive constantly between assignments. Here's the mileage playbook.
Mar 12, 2026 · 7 min
Self-employed
Small business mileage tracking: the owner's guide
If you own a small business and put miles on a personal vehicle for work, here's how to track and reimburse correctly.
Mar 11, 2026 · 7 min
Taxes
What actually happens in an IRS audit (and how mileage fits in)
The truth about IRS audits — they're rarer than people think, and a clean mileage log makes them much easier to survive.
Mar 10, 2026 · 8 min
Taxes
How LLC owners should track mileage for taxes
Single-member LLC, multi-member LLC, or LLC taxed as an S-corp — here's how each should handle vehicle mileage.
Mar 9, 2026 · 8 min
Self-employed
Should you form an LLC or S-corp as a 1099 contractor?
When forming an LLC or S-corp helps a 1099 contractor, when it doesn't, and how mileage tracking fits into either structure.
Mar 8, 2026 · 8 min
Mileage tracking
Year-end mileage checklist: 7 things to do before December 31
A short checklist for 1099 contractors to close out the year cleanly with a complete, IRS-ready mileage log.
Mar 7, 2026 · 5 min
Self-employed
Best business bank accounts for 1099 contractors in 2026
A separate business bank account is the #1 thing 1099 contractors should set up first. Here are the best options for solo contractors in 2026.
Mar 6, 2026 · 8 min
Mileage tracking
Mileage tracking FAQ: 25 quick answers
Quick answers to the 25 most common questions about mileage tracking, the IRS standard rate, and using a mileage tracker app like MileTracker.
Mar 5, 2026 · 9 min
App guides
What's coming next in MileTracker
A look at the MileTracker roadmap: more vehicles, smarter classification, Apple Watch support, and Android.
Mar 4, 2026 · 5 min