The number of apps that track and report mileage is staggering but only a few are worth your time. Thus, with tax day bearing down, we decided to have a look a number of mileage tracking apps to help get the most out of this critical business expense.

  • Mileage apps and expense tracking software solutions are important tools for the modern real estate agent.
  • You can deduct 55.5 cents for each mile driven for business (and include car wash and tire expenses).
  • Most automated mileage trackers come with the detriment of your GPS draining device battery life. The Mileage Ace uses a separate in-car unit to map your business trips.

Have suggestions for products that you’d like to see reviewed by our real estate technology expert? Email Craig Rowe.

When I started in commercial real estate, I often overheard senior brokers talking about “client cars.”

At the time, it sounded to me like an excuse to spend a lot of money on a car. Why didn’t they just admit they wanted everyone to know they could afford an S-Class?

Eventually, though, I got it.

Real estate agents spend a great deal of time in their cars. Why not make it as comfortable and as positive a customer experience as possible?

I also understand how quickly the work-related miles add up. It’s not rare to cover 100 in a day. Often more.

Thus, with tax day bearing down, we decided to have a look a number of mileage tracking apps to help get the most out of this critical business expense.

TripLog

OS: iOS and Android; browsers
Cost: $15 for personal; $40/driver/year for business accounts

Highlights

  • Includes receipt recording via photo
  • Syncs with FreshBooks and QuickBooks
  • GPS tracking starts automatically
  • Stops tracking after 10 minutes of inactivity
  • IRS-compliant reporting

Concerns

  • Clunky web interface
  • Best suited for commercial fleet tracking
  • In-app purchases required for optimum benefits

Mileage Ace

OS: Browser-based
Cost: $129 for in-car unit; $57.49/year ongoing

Highlights

  • Separate GPS unit placed in car
  • Fully automated, no phone app
  • IRS-compliant reporting
  • Sharp, clean web interface
  • Naming/saving of common business destinations

Concerns

  • Having separate physical component in car
  • More expensive than competing products
  • Another device in your car that requires charging

Milebug

OS: iOS and Android; Windows
Cost: $2.99

Highlights

  • Available for Windows phone
  • Manual or GPS-tracking trip input
  • Adjust rates for business, charity, medical, etc.
  • Multiple vehicles within app

Concerns

  • Trip edit interface requires map pin dragging
  • Steeper learning curve than most

Everlance

OS: iOS and Android
Cost: Free

Highlights

  • Free
  • Offers multiple types of expense tracking
  • Modern, engaging user interface
  • Swipe to categorize trips

Everlance

Concerns

  • Auto tracking GPS drains battery
  • Lack of syncing with other financial tools

Deductr Pro

OS: iOS and Android; browsers
Cost: $199.00/year

Highlights

  • All-around business expense solution
  • Connects with bank accounts to classify spending
  • Tracks ongoing tax savings

Concerns

  • More expensive than other business accounting tools
  • Learning curve
  • Security risks of bank account connectivity

MileIQ

MileageTrackers_MileIQ

OS: iOS and Android
Cost: Free; in-app purchases

Highlights

  • Swipe to categorize trips
  • Total monthly mileage calculator
  • Number of free features
  • One-touch monthly report sends

Concerns

  • GPS battery drain
  • Records stops along single trip as multiple trips
  • Users will quickly need to upgrade to paid version

MileZip

OS: iOS and Android
Cost:
Free for basic plan (one vehicle and limited printing); $89.95 for multiple businesses/vehicles and expert review/advice; plans range in between 

Highlights

  • Uses MLS activity (FlexMLS), lockbox activity (SentriLock/Supralock), smartphone GPS tagging, select CRMs and populated office activity to create mileage logs
  • Also creates logs for previous years in case of IRS audit
  • Logs are created automatically, without agents needing to remember to open a phone app

Concerns

  • Users must pay for full reign to print their mileage logs
  • May not be approved by every Realtor board/MLS
  • May not integrate with every CRM

Have a technology product you would like to discuss? Email Craig Rowe.

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