Who this is for
Drivers with mileage logs, multiple vehicles, a rental or lease, a new vehicle, or mixed personal and business use.
What a useful engagement covers
Keep the story behind the numbers
Gather the trip records, dates and business context you already have. Flag missing information and changes in vehicles or driving patterns for your preparer.
Ask about the right vehicle method
The IRS describes standard-mileage and actual-expense methods, with eligibility and vehicle-history rules. The right treatment needs a review of your facts; a large mileage number alone does not decide it.
Make expenses reviewable
Group supporting documents by year and expense type. Keep enough context to explain the purchase and how it relates to the work.
Questions worth asking
- Which vehicle method is available for my circumstances?
- What records support the business use?
- How do vehicle changes or earlier tax choices affect this year?