It’s quite surprising, but a lot of people still decide to use an Excel spreadsheet to track their mileage. The most common reason for this is that it’s free to use, but people who use Excel usually pay a much bigger price than the cost of a program. So, the question remains:
Is having an Excel Mileage Log really worth it?
There are plenty more factors to consider when choosing a method for Mileage Logging. Just a few to mention:
- How much time does it take?
- How much extra energy do I need to put in it?
- How much can I claim in my tax deduction?
- Will it surely pass an IRS audit?
- What do I do if the numbers don’t add up?
- Are there any reliable sources I can turn to for help?
As you can see, Excel being cheap is not the only deciding factor to have in mind if you want to get the most out of your Business Mileage Tax Deduction. If cheapness was all that matters, everyone would still use the pen & paper method on a printed mileage log template, which is really the worst you can do.
Besides Excel, there are several other spreadsheet management programs out there (like a Google Sheets template), but they don’t really change anything about the main issue.
What is the biggest problem with using Excel for creating a mileage log?
Excel has many disadvantages, compared to using mileage logging software. It is difficult to manage, not to forget that a spreadsheet is extremely vulnerable, and most definitely is susceptible to human error.
Not to mention the time and effort needed to calculate the distance between the clients and summarize a whole month of mileage logs.
Besides that, there are other important questions regarding the quality of your mileage log:
- “Is it even IRS-proof?”
- “Have I made any errors?”
- “Is there a way to check?”
For many people, these questions lead to a final one:
Is there a better way to track my mileage?
The app stores are filled with expense tracker applications, which have mileage tracking features as a side gig, but if you’re looking for a professional App + Web combination that specializes in mileage logging, there is one I’d like to point out.
MileageWise is here to meet all your expectations, as a solution that fits your needs. With the combination of MileageWise Mobile App and Web Dashboard, you’ll definitely feel at ease. You can track your trips in the app (which works on both iOS & Android phones), and finalize your entire month’s IRS-proof mileage log in just 7 minutes per month on the Web Dashboard.
On top of that, this is the only software on the market with which you can save an average of $12,000 a year per car, and even has a built-in IRS Auditor on your side.
How does it make sure that I’ve got a 100% IRS-Proof Mileage Log?
This “auditor” checks and corrects 70 logical conflicts before allowing you to print out your mileage log. It calculates your mileage, your potential cost deduction, and gives your recommendation on how to increase your business mileage percentage to your liking, thanks to its one-of-a-kind AI-based AdWise technology.
Again, it’s important to emphasize that NO other software does this.
Let’s take a look at the Top 10 logical contradictions that MileageWise checks and corrects that makes sure your Mileage Log is 100% IRS-Proof:
Our Top 10 Pick of Logical Conflicts MileageWise checks and corrects in your Mileage Log (in no particular order):
- Applicable legislation for the period of the Mileage Log
- Driven miles in relation with odometer readings between refuelings
- The vehicle’s fuel consumption, based on the fuel consumption rate
- The car’s daily departure location is always the same as the previous day’s location of the last trip
- The recorded odometer readings in your mileage log are equal to the odometer readings recorded at the mechanic
- Setting of maintenance costs in the tax year according to the law
- Valid monthly odometer readings
- Realistic distances between clients
- Realistic daily average speed
- The actual/required odometer readings between refuelings at the end of the month
So, is your current process of tracking your mileage on Excel holding you back from that $12,000/year savings? It shouldn’t be a problem anymore.
If you are really serious about taking control, if you want guaranteed IRS-proof mileage logs, then you need to use a Mileage Logging software that meets all expectations. MileageWise is an excellent example of that.