This week, the IRS issued the 2007 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning Jan. 1, 2007, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (including vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

  • 48.5 cents per mile for business miles driven;
  • 20 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes; and
  • 14 cents per mile driven in service to a charitable organization.

The new rate for business miles compares to a rate of 44.5 cents per mile for 2006. The new rate for medical and moving purposes compares to 18 cents in 2006.

Why did the mileage reimbursement go up? Higher gas prices and higher car costs. The mileage rate for charitable miles is set by statute. Runzheimer International (www.runzheimer.com) conducted the study to determine the costs.

A taxpayer may not use the business standard mileage rate for a vehicle after using any depreciation method under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS), after claiming a Section 179 deduction for that vehicle, for any vehicle used for hire or for more than four vehicles used simultaneously. Revenue Procedure 2006-49 contains additional information on these standard mileage rates.

See Revenue Procedure 2006-49 for further details.

Read the release: www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=163828,00.html.