How to Claim Business Mileage in Ireland
A complete guide to claiming business mileage expenses from your employer in Ireland. Covers what qualifies as business travel, how rates are calculated, record-keeping requirements, and how to submit claims.
1. What Qualifies as Business Mileage?
Business mileage is travel you undertake as part of your employment duties. This includes travel to client meetings, site visits, training courses, travel between your employer\u2019s offices, airport travel for business trips, and any other journey required by your job.
Your normal commute (home to your regular place of work) is not business mileage and cannot be claimed. Personal errands during a business trip are also excluded.
2. How Are Mileage Rates Calculated?
Most Irish employers use the civil service mileage rates published by the Department of Finance. These rates vary by engine size and decrease as your cumulative annual distance increases across three tiers. See the full 2026 rate table.
Reimbursement at or below these rates is exempt from income tax, PRSI, and USC. If your employer pays above these rates, the excess is taxable.
3. What Records Do You Need?
For each journey you claim, record the date, start and end locations, business purpose, and distance in kilometres. Keep these records for at least 6 years. Read our guide to mileage record-keeping.
4. How to Submit a Mileage Claim
Most employers have a standard expense claim form or system. You submit your mileage log showing each business trip, the distance, and the calculated amount. Your employer or payroll department processes the reimbursement through payroll, tax-free up to the civil service rates.
With Trackable, you can generate a complete claim report with one tap, ready to send to your employer or upload to their expense system.
5. Common Questions
Can I claim for my commute?
No. Travel between home and your normal place of work is a personal commute and cannot be claimed.
What if I use a company car?
If you drive a company car, mileage rates may differ and there may be Benefit-in-Kind implications. Check with your employer or tax advisor.
Can I claim if I am self-employed?
Self-employed individuals can claim actual motor expenses rather than civil service rates. This includes fuel, insurance, road tax, and depreciation, apportioned for business use.
Do I need to track every single trip?
Yes. Revenue requires records for each individual business journey. Estimates or lump-sum claims are not acceptable.
Simplify your mileage claims
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