What’s the Difference Between Commuting and Business Travel for Mileage Tax Relief?
One of the most common mistakes people make when claiming mileage tax relief is misunderstanding what counts as business travel, and what doesn't. In this guide, we’ll break down the difference between commuting and business journeys, so you know exactly when you can claim tax back from HMRC.
Can you claim tax relief for commuting to work?
No. Travel from your home to your permanent workplace is classed as commuting, and HMRC does not allow tax relief for these journeys. This rule applies even if you use your own car or travel a long distance.
What counts as a business journey?
You can claim mileage tax relief for:
Driving between multiple job sites in a single day
Travelling to a temporary workplace
Visiting clients, patients, or suppliers
Attending off-site training or meetings
If your employer doesn’t reimburse you, or reimburses you at less than 45p per mile, you may be able to claim tax relief on the difference.
What is a temporary workplace?
A temporary workplace is a location where you expect to work for less than 24 months. For example:
Construction workers moving between sites
NHS staff visiting different clinics or homes
Retail managers covering multiple stores
How does this affect your mileage claim?
If all your mileage is regular commuting, you won’t be eligible for a rebate. But if you regularly travel between temporary sites or clients, you could claim back hundreds — especially if you’ve never claimed before.
Can you claim if your employer pays you something per mile?
Yes. If they pay you less than 45p per mile, you can claim tax relief on the shortfall.
Final takeaway
Understanding the difference between commuting and business mileage is key to claiming correctly. TaxBax can help you work it out and file the right claim.
