Short version: keep your miles, not your gas receipts. Here’s why.
The mileage rate already pays you for gas
The IRS gives you a set amount for every work mile you drive. In 2026 it’s 72.5¢ a mile through June and 76¢ a mile from July on.
That amount is meant to cover everything it costs to run your truck:
- Gas
- Oil changes
- Tires
- Repairs
- Insurance
- Wear and tear
So when you count your miles, your gas is already counted.
Why you can’t count both
If you count your miles and your gas receipts, you’re counting the same gas twice. The IRS doesn’t allow that. If it ever looks at your return, it takes the gas back out and you owe the difference plus a penalty.
Work miles this month: 1,500
1,500 × 76¢ = $1,140 off your income
Gas you bought for those miles: about $280. That’s already inside the $1,140.
Why miles usually come out ahead
For most techs, the mileage rate is worth more than gas and repairs added up. A truck that gets 17 miles a gallon burns about 19¢ of gas a mile. The rate pays you 72.5¢ to 76¢. You come out ahead, and you only have to keep two odometer pictures a month instead of a pile of gas receipts.
What you still keep receipts for
- Parking on a job
- Tolls on a job
- Tools and gear you carry, like ladders, clamps and ratchet straps. These are work purchases, not truck running costs.
- Things bolted to the truck, like a ladder rack or a toolbox. When you use miles, these are a gray area: some preparers count them on their own, some say the mileage rate covers them. Save the receipt and let your preparer decide.
Is there ever a time to keep gas receipts?
Only if you pick the other way of writing off your truck: adding up what it really costs to run. That way takes a lot more paperwork, and you have to choose one way or the other for that truck. Miles or actual costs: which one fits your truck.
How Tech Tax Helper does it: it uses your miles. Take an odometer picture on the first and last day of each month, and it works out your work miles at the right rate. You don’t need to save gas receipts.
This is general information about U.S. federal taxes, not advice for your situation. If something here doesn't match your paperwork, ask a tax preparer.