Mileage rate increase: what SMEs need to know

For the first time in 15 years, the government has increased the approved mileage rate — rising from 45p to 55p per mile from 6 April 2026. This applies to the first 10,000 business miles for cars and vans and is designed to better reflect today’s running costs.

For SMEs, this change isn’t just a tax update — it’s a chance to tidy up processes and support your team. Whether you reimburse staff for business travel or claim mileage yourself as a director, the new rate could affect:

  • Payroll and expense policies
  • How you record and approve mileage
  • Tax relief claims for directors and employees
  • Budgeting for travel costs across the business

At Galloways, we know SMEs don’t have time to get lost in the detail. We’re here to help you understand what this means for your business and make any adjustments smoothly and confidently.

If you’d like us to review your mileage processes or check you’re claiming correctly, just give us a shout — we’re always happy to help.

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