The IRS is an agency that has a reputation that is somewhere between Attila the Hun and baby seal hunters. While deserved, the agency actually is very responsive to current events that impact taxpayers. This includes the increase in gas prices.
One of the great deductions available in the tax code is the business mileage deduction. If you drive on business matters, you can deduct the mileage at the end of the year by multiplying your total miles by a figure set by the IRS.
There are many factors that go into the business mileage deduction. They include vehicle depreciation, insurance and other variable costs. One of these is, obviously, the cost of fuel to get around.
The IRS sets the numerical figure that can be used for the tax deduction at the beginning of each year. For 2008, the figure declared was 50.5 cents a business mile. If you drive 1,000 miles in 2008 for business, you would be able to deduct $505.00.
Every so often something happens that makes the IRS review the business mileage deduction. A classic case was Hurricane Katrina. Damage to refineries results in a jump in gas prices. The IRS reacted by raising the business mileage deduction.
2008 has not seen a major hurricane, but fuel prices have exploded. One needs to only be reminded that in 2000, we were paying roughly $1.50 a gallon for gasoline on average across the country.
To say that gas prices have spiked this year is a slight understatement. The IRS has recognized as much and is adjusting the business mileage deduction according. For miles incurred in the last six months of 2008, the deduction figure is now 58.5 cents.
So, how do you calculate all of this? Well, it is actually pretty simple. Any business mileage you undertake from January 1 through June 30 is deductable using the 50.5 figure. Mileage after that is done at the 58.5 percent rate. Just add the two totals for your deduction.
Business miles are not the only transportation deduction getting a bump. You can deduct mileage incurred for moving for a job. The rate for the first six months of 2008 is 19 cents, but the final six months now have a rate of 27 cents.
There is one other deduction we need to mention. You can deduct certain mileage incurred while working with a charity. This is set by Congress and cannot by adjusted by the IRS, so there is no change.
Gas prices are rising to the point where people's conduct is being modified. A bigger tax deduction will not save you, but it certainly helps. Make sure to keep records of your mileage in case the IRS takes a closer look.
