CRA Mileage Rate in Canada and CRA Mileage Calculator

Introduction

If you use a personal vehicle for work, you may be eligible for mileage rate benefits from your employer. These benefits help cover costs incurred from professional roles that require constant travel and the use of a personal vehicle.

FAQs

Understanding Mileage Rate Claims in Canada

Under Canadian tax laws, you can claim reimbursement benefits for work-related travel, which will be exempt from taxes. When making claims, your average distance covered will be calculated to determine the reimbursement per kilometer.

Due to the complexity of distance rate calculations, it's advisable to consult with a professional who understands the intricacies of these rates. They can help you make accurate calculations and present valid claims to your employer.

Employer Benefits of Understanding Mileage Rates

Employers who understand mileage rates can fairly reimburse employees, which aids in controlling business expenditures. These reimbursements can be included as tax deductions, potentially lowering the annual tax liability for the business.

Eligibility for CRA Mileage Rate Claims

Canadian tax provisions allow deductions for employees using various modes of transport for business purposes, including self-driving vehicles, trains, airplanes, and cabs, as long as they are used within the scope of employment.

To claim these benefits, employees must present their claims to their employer, who will then refer to the standard 2023 CRA guidelines. The CRA is responsible for setting the annual mileage rates in Canada.

It's important to note that business mileage compensation is generally limited to personal vehicle use. However, practical options like cabs, bicycles, or vans may also apply, provided the employer is aware of their use.

Mileage reimbursement does not cover expenses related to daily commutes to work, as these are not considered business-related travel.

Determining Business Mileage Rate

Establishing business mileage involves specific criteria:

1. Necessity of the Trip: The business trip must be essential for daily operations and approved by the employer.
2. Relevance to Business: The trip must strictly relate to business purposes. Detours for personal reasons during business hours are not included in the mileage calculation.

Examples of business-related activities include transporting company supplies, attending business meetings, and running company errands. Employers may approve additional activities for mileage calculations, but each kilometer is subject to review.

Mileage Rates for Self-Employed Parties

Working with independent contractors requires considering their distance range for reimbursement. Since they operate under specific contracts, determining claim amounts can be complex. Acceptable journeys for reimbursement include:

• Purchasing and Collecting Business Supplies: Contractors who also supply businesses can claim mileage for these trips.
• Traveling to Different Work Sites: Contractors traveling between multiple work sites for business purposes are eligible for reimbursement.
• Meeting with Clients: Contractors attending client meetings on behalf of the business can claim mileage based on standard CRA rates.

How to Calculate Mileage Rates in Canada

The CRA releases standard mileage rates annually, which may vary based on economic conditions. The 2026 business mileage rates allow employees to claim:

• 73 cents per kilometre for the first 5,000 kilometres.
• 67 cents per kilometre after the first 5,000 kilometres.

Employers are advised to reimburse these amounts as a lump sum to reduce transaction costs. These reimbursements can also be claimed as tax deductions by the employer.

CRA Automobile Rates by Year

In the Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut, there is an additional 0.04 CAD per kilometer allowed for travel.

• Mileage rates for 2026:

• • 0.73 CAD per kilometre for the first 5,000 kilometres driven.
  • 0.67 CAD per kilometre driven after that.

• Mileage rates for 2025:

• • 0.72 CAD per kilometre for the first 5,000 kilometres driven.
  • 0.66 CAD per kilometre driven after that.

• Mileage rates for 2024:

• • 0.70 CAD per kilometer for the first 5,000 kilometers driven.
  • 0.64 CAD per kilometer driven after that.

• Mileage rates for 2023:

• • 0.68 CAD per kilometer for the first 5,000 kilometers driven.
  • 0.62 CAD per kilometer driven after that.

• Mileage rates for 2022:

• • 0.61 CAD per kilometer for the first 5,000 kilometers driven.
  • 0.55 CAD per kilometer driven after that.

• Mileage rates for 2021:

• • 0.59 CAD per kilometer for the first 5,000 kilometers driven.
  • 0.53 CAD per kilometer driven after that.

• Mileage rates for 2020:

• • 0.59 CAD per kilometer for the first 5,000 kilometers driven.
  • 0.53 CAD per kilometer driven after that.

• Mileage rates for 2019:

• • 0.58 CAD per kilometer for the first 5,000 kilometers driven.
  • 0.52 CAD per kilometer driven after that.

Conclusion

Determining business mileage rates in Canada requires professional assistance to ensure accurate claims. Employers and employees can benefit from understanding and correctly applying these rates for reimbursement and tax deductions.

Does an Employer Have to Reimburse their Employees for CRA Mileage?

No official law mandates mileage reimbursement, but it is a common practice.

What Are the CRA Mileage Rates in Canada for 2026?

The rates are 73 cents for the first 5,000 kilometres and 67 cents for any kilometres after that. In the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut a further 4 cents per kilometre applies, making it 77 cents and 71 cents.

Are Mileage Reimbursements Submitted Through Payroll?

No, mileage reimbursements do not have to be processed through payroll unless they exceed the standard limit.

Claiming kilometres is one side of vehicle tax. Buying the vehicle is the other, and in B.C. an expensive one carries PST of up to 20% plus a federal luxury tax. See the real cost of buying an expensive car in B.C..