Keep Track and Maximize the Business Mileage Log Template
                     Keep Track and Maximize the Business
Mileage Log Template
Most small businesses and sole proprietorships find it a challenge to keep
accurate records of their regular expenses, as well  as the expenses of
their employees. The easiest way to do this is to make an expense report
template that employees can fill out to record any expense that they pay
out. It does not matter if you reconcile and file these reports on a weekly
or monthly basis, or whenever you need to. The most important thing is
that every bit of expense is on record.
It is not enough to have an expense report template ready, though. This
can be easily done, as there are websites that you can download it from.
These downloadable templates will usually have all the details that you
need for your report.
Tracking business mileage can be a headache for business owners and
their employees. If you are not careful to stay on top of trips you make
for business then trying to recollect where you've been and the expenses
you incur can get out of control. Most people who can claim this deduction
either fail to do it accurately or let a huge amount of the write-off slip
through the cracks. Below is a list of resources that will help simplify the
tracking and recording process.
Manual Logs
For people who are not inclined to using technology there is always the
tried and true method of manual recording. Probably one of the simplest
systems  for  tracking  mileage  is  to  keep  a  mileage  logs  in  the  glove
compartment  of  your  vehicle.  That  way  you  can  enter  mileage  for
business trips throughout the day. You could also use a day planner to jot
down  trips  that  you  make  on  behalf  of  your  company.  Miles  can  be
calculated using online sites such as MapQuest or Google Maps.
As a side note one client even recommends this tip for vehicles that are
used 100% for business purposes. Use your cell phone's camera to take a
snapshot of the odometer at the beginning and end of year for each of
your company's vehicle. This way if you forget to record mileage along
the way, you will have proof to substantiate the deduction claimed.
Microsoft Office Templates
Microsoft  Office  offers  a  free  solution  with  templates  to  help  track
everything  related  to  automobile  deductions  including  mileage  log
template,  gas,  repairs,  and  maintenance.  Simply  type  in  mileage
templates in the search window. Users can download templates to use
with various versions of Microsoft Excel.
Software
Software  abounds  for  mileage  log  template.  Some  programs  like
TrackIt2.1 work with PDA devices and cell  phones.  Others  come as  a
standard feature in accounting programs. Software has come a long way
in  aiding businesses  with  accurate  reporting  of  financial  expenses  and
auto  expenses.  Programs  like  QuickBooks  Pro,  for  example,  include
feature  that  lets  you  see  mileage  and expenses  by  vehicle  and  helps
maximizes  the  auto  deduction.  It's  a  very  convenient  feature  that
simplifies reporting for company fleets at tax time.
Devices
There are several devices on the market for people who always forget to
write  down  trips  in  mileage  logs.  If  you  don't  mind  spending  a  few
hundred dollars for the peace of mind and added tax savings you might
like  the  Professional  MiniTracker  or  Car  Check  Up.  These  tools  make
keeping up with trips and reporting simple by putting mileage tracking on
autopilot.  Car  Checkup  even  syncs  with  your  computer  and  makes
reporting as easy as connecting and printing. These solutions are not free
but depending on mileage log template you rack up each year can be
well worth the investment.