# Understanding Trip Purposes

Every trip in SmartMiles has a purpose. The purpose determines which IRS mileage rate applies and whether the trip is included in your deduction totals.

## Purpose types

### Business

Trips related to your work or self-employment. Examples:

- Driving to a client meeting
- Running work errands (office supplies, post office)
- Traveling between job sites
- Driving for a rideshare or delivery service

**Not included:** Your regular commute from home to your primary office. The IRS does not consider commuting a deductible business expense.

### Personal

Any driving that is not for business, medical, charity, or moving purposes. Examples:

- Commuting to and from work
- Grocery shopping
- Social visits
- Vacation driving

Personal trips are tracked for your records but are not deductible.

### Medical

Driving to and from medical care. Examples:

- Doctor, dentist, or specialist appointments
- Hospital visits
- Picking up prescriptions
- Driving to physical therapy

The medical mileage rate is lower than the business rate.

### Charity

Driving while serving a qualified charitable organization. Examples:

- Delivering meals for a food bank
- Driving to volunteer at a nonprofit
- Transporting supplies for a charity event

The charity mileage rate is set by statute and is typically the lowest rate.

### Moving

Driving related to a work-related move. This deduction is currently limited to active-duty military members who move due to a military order.

The moving mileage rate is the same as the medical rate.

## How purposes affect your totals

Your trip summary and exports show totals per purpose. Only trips with a deductible purpose (Business, Medical, Charity, or Moving) contribute to your deduction amount. Unclassified trips are not included in any totals.

## Choosing the right purpose

If you are unsure, Business and Personal are the most common choices. Classify every trip — even personal ones — so your records are complete. The IRS values a thorough log that shows all driving, not just the deductible trips.