Pay At The Pump - Get Tax Break
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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.
Under the tax code, many taxpayers can deduct mileage accrued for business purposes. The deduction is represented as a numerical figure per miles. A taxpayer simply multiplies their total business mileage by this figure to get their deduction for the year.
The cost of fuel would seem to be a major factor considered when the IRS sets the figure and it is. There are others however. They include things such as insurance, vehicle depreciation and other issues.
The agency notifies the public of the business mileage deduction figure a few months before the beginning of the calendar year. 50.5 cents was the magic figure set for 2008.
Although the milege deduction rate is usually not changed, there is precedent for doing so. When prices are serious effected, the IRS can act on its own as it did during Katrina when gas prices shot up do to gas shortages in the South.
Whether it is profiteering, a weak dollar, peak oil or some other reason, oil prices have shot up in 2008. In San Diego, we are closing in on $5 a gallon. This is in comparison to 2002 when we were paying only $1.75 for the same gas.
To its credit, the IRS has voluntarily stepped forward in reaction to the fuel price spikes. It has announced that it has the discretion to change the business mileage deduction rate and has set itat 58.5 cents for the last six months of 2008.
How do I come up with a total deduction if there are two rate amounts? Split your mileage for the year into before and after June 30th figures. Multiply by the corresponding rate. Add the totals together and you have the deduction.
There are two other mileage deductions you may be aware of. If you must move because of a new job, you can deduct your mileage as well. That rate for 2008 was 19 cents a mile. It has been bumped for the final six months to 27 cents.
The tax code also contains a provision for a deduction for mileage incurred while helping a charity. The IRS does not control this deduction. Only Congress can modify it. As such, there is no change for fuel prices.
The spike in gas prices is certain having an effect on everyone. The new deduction figures set by the IRS aren’t the answer to high prices, but at least the higher deductions will help take some of the bite out of the cost when tax time comes.
Keep Your Money To Yourself!