New to the Stride app? Don’t worry — even if you haven’t logged your drives in real time, you can still import mileage from the previous year to track your car usage for tax time.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for adding your past work mileage into the app to know exactly how much you’re actually earning this year. 

How to Add Past Mileage

Make sure you’re using the latest version of the Stride app (download the latest version here) and that you have your documentation ready (see below for what counts as documentation, or proof of past mileage).

Not Reading This on Your Mobile Device?

Here's how to add mileage from the app:

1. Go to the “Reports” tab in the Stride app

 Load the app and go to the “Reports” tab. 

2. Click the icon to Export Your Stride tax report

In the upper right hand corner, tap on the export arrow to begin the “export mileage” process. 

3. Tap the button to add past mileage

Among the choices for next steps, you’ll see an option to “Add Past Mileage.” Go ahead and click on it. 

4. Enter the previous amount of miles you’ve driven for work

From there you’ll be prompted to enter the mileage you’ve previously driven to maximize your deduction. To be prepared in the case of an audit, the IRS requires documented proof of mileage, which is why we ask you to check a box that you have proof of this mileage. Please see the FAQ below to see what counts as documentation. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Most mileage tracking apps are paid or are switching to paid. Is the Stride app really free?

Yes, the Stride app is currently free and will always remain that way. 

How will the Stride app always be free?

Stride is a registered third-party health insurance broker in all 50 states and earns a commission when members enroll in health insurance plans through our recommendation engine. The commissions earned from helping members find the best health insurance coverage funds the free services and products we provide to members, including the Stride app. We will never charge Stride members for use of the app. 

Why do I need documentation for past mileage and what counts as documentation from past mileage?

In the case of an audit, the IRS will require proof of mileage. Just to make sure you’re prepared, here are the types of documentation that you’ll need to provide in an audit:

• Trip summary data from the platform you work for (like Uber or Lyft) or data and logs from other mileage tracking apps

• A paper-and-pen mileage log

• Photographs of past odometer readings for work-related mileage

• Exported mileage data from the Stride app or other mileage-tracking apps

How do I calculate my previous mileage if I haven’t been actively tracking?

Uber, Lyft and many other services provide summaries of miles driven for the app. You can use this information to tally total mileage driven. 

Can I include more miles than what’s on my Uber or Lyft dashboard?

Yes, in a lot of cases you can deduct mileage driven to or from where you begin your rideshare work. For example, if you live in Berkeley but commute to San Francisco to drive for Uber, then you can deduct the mileage you drive to get to the city and to return home. 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is not offered as legal or tax advice.  The U.S. federal income tax discussion included in this Guide is for general information purposes only and is not a complete analysis or discussion of all potential tax consequences that may be relevant to a particular individual. In light of the foregoing, each individual should consult with and seek advice from such individual’s own tax advisor with respect to the tax consequences discussed herein.  Any information contained in this Guide is not intended to be used, and cannot be used, for purposes of avoiding penalties imposed under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.