Can I claim mileage deduction twice for two rental properties in the same location?

I handle this situation with my clients all the time! When you visit multiple rental properties on the same trip, you should allocate the mileage between them rather than claiming the full amount for each property. The correct approach is to divide the 15 miles between the two units based on a reasonable allocation method. Since you spent 2 hours at Unit A and 1 hour at Unit B, you could allocate 10 miles to Unit A and 5 miles to Unit B. Or you could simply split it 50/50 if that makes more sense for your situation. The key is being consistent with your allocation method. Remember that Schedule E is designed to track expenses for each property separately, but that doesn't mean you can count the same expense twice. The IRS would consider claiming the full 15 miles on both properties to be improper double-dipping.

I had this exact same issue last year with my duplex units! After struggling to figure it out, I discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) which helped clear up my confusion. I uploaded my mileage logs and schedule E forms, and their AI analysis pointed out I was incorrectly double-counting my mileage for both units. The tool explained that I should be dividing my mileage between properties when I visit multiple units in one trip. It also helped me create a proper mileage log format that clearly shows allocation between properties. Honestly saved me from a potential audit headache.

Just wanted to follow up - I decided to try taxr.ai after my skeptical comment. I uploaded my messy spreadsheet of property expenses including all my mileage for multiple properties. The system immediately flagged where I was double-counting mileage for properties I visited on the same trips. It even suggested an allocation method based on the square footage of each property, which I hadn't considered. Super impressed with how it handled the nuances of Schedule E reporting and saved me from potentially claiming too many deductions. The peace of mind alone was worth it.

I've been dealing with this exact situation for years with my four rental units in the same complex. Spent HOURS trying to get someone at the IRS to give me a straight answer. Always got stuck on hold or transferred to different departments who couldn't help. Finally used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to get through to an actual IRS tax specialist who confirmed the right approach. They got me connected within 15 minutes when I'd been trying for days! You can see how the process works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The IRS agent confirmed that mileage should be allocated between properties when visited on the same trip. She also explained that I should keep detailed notes on which properties I visited and what work was done to support my allocation method if ever questioned.

Well damn, I have to eat my words about Claimyr. After my skeptical comment, I decided to try it for an unrelated tax issue that's been driving me nuts (depreciation recapture question on a property I sold). Was connected to an IRS specialist in under 20 minutes when I'd previously wasted 3+ hours on hold over multiple days. The agent was actually helpful and gave me the exact citation from the tax code I needed. Never thought I'd say this, but it was almost pleasant dealing with the IRS. Will definitely use again for my rental property questions.

Another approach to consider is keeping a single mileage log for ALL your rental activities rather than trying to divide miles between properties. At the end of the year, you can allocate your total rental mileage across properties based on a reasonable method (time spent, income generated, number of visits, etc). I have 6 rental properties and this approach has been much simpler for me. My CPA says it's completely legitimate as long as I have a consistent allocation method and good documentation of my trips.

Anyone know if the standard mileage rate is still 65.5 cents per mile for 2025? I'm tryng to estimate my deductions for next year.

Great question! I've been in a similar situation with my rental properties. The key principle is that you can only deduct the actual miles you drove, not multiply them by the number of properties visited. For your 15-mile round trip to work on both units, you should allocate those miles between the properties rather than claiming the full amount for each. Since you spent 2 hours at Unit A and 1 hour at Unit B, a reasonable allocation would be 10 miles to Unit A (2/3 of the trip) and 5 miles to Unit B (1/3 of the trip). This allocation method is defensible because it's based on the actual time spent at each property. You could also do a 50/50 split if the work was roughly equal in importance. The IRS cares more about having a reasonable, consistent method than the exact formula you use. Make sure to document your allocation method and keep good records showing the date, purpose of the trip, properties visited, and how you divided the mileage. This will help if you're ever questioned about your deductions. Whatever you do, don't claim the full 15 miles on both Schedule E forms - that would definitely be improper double-counting that could trigger problems with the IRS.