Reversing a previous hint that they oppose mid-year increases due to logistical challenges and other complications, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced today that the optional standard mileage rate will rise to 55.5 cents per mile, an increase of 4.5 cents, effective July 1, 2011.
From the press release:
Taxpayers may use the optional standard rates to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and other purposes.[…]
“This year’s increased gas prices are having a major impact on individual Americans. The IRS is adjusting the standard mileage rates to better reflect the recent increase in gas prices,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “We are taking this step so the reimbursement rate will be fair to taxpayers.”
While gasoline is a significant factor in the mileage figure, other items enter into the calculation of mileage rates, such as depreciation and insurance and other fixed and variable costs.
Mileage Rate Changes
|
Purpose |
Rates 1/1 through 6/30/11 |
Rates 7/1 through 12/31/11 |
|
Business |
51 |
55.5 |
|
Medical/Moving |
19 |
23.5 |
|
Charitable |
14 |
14 |