IRS announces 2013 optional standard mileage rates

By on Jan 31, 2013 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

The IRS has issued the 2013
optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of
operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical, or job-related moving
purposes. Effective January 1, 2013, the various standard mileage rates for the
operation of a car, van, pickup, or panel truck are as follows:

  • 56.5 cents per mile for each business mile
    driven (up from 55.5 cents in 2012). This rate is based on an annual study of
    the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile.
  • 24 cents per mile driven for medical or moving
    purposes (up from 23 cents in 2012) — based on variable costs.
  • 14 cents per mile driven in service of a
    charitable organization (unchanged from 2012).

Taxpayers have the option of
calculating the actual costs of using their vehicles rather than using the
standard mileage rates. Certain expenses — such as eligible parking fees — may
be deducted separately from the standard rate.

However, a taxpayer may not
use the business standard mileage rate for a vehicle after claiming a
depreciation deduction under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System or
after electing to claim a tax law Section 179 expensing deduction for that
vehicle. Furthermore, the business standard mileage rate cannot be used for
more than four vehicles simultaneously.

Contact us for more information about claiming
deductions for vehicles used in your business or for charitable, medical, or
moving purposes. We’re here to help.