2015 Standard Mileage Rates Are Issued

From the IRS

Optional standard mileage rates for use of a vehicle have changed little for 2015, the IRS announced, with the business use rate going up and the medical and moving rate going down (Notice 2014-79). Taxpayers can use the optional standard mileage rates to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile.

For business use of a car, van, pickup truck, or panel truck, the 2015 rate will be 57.5 cents per mile, slightly higher than the 56-cents-per-mile rate that applies for 2014. Driving for medical or moving purposes may be deducted at 23 cents per mile, which is one-half cent lower than for 2014. The rate for service to a charitable organization is unchanged, set by statute (Sec. 170(i)) at 14 cents a mile.

The portion of the business standard mileage rate that is treated as depreciation will be 24 cents per mile for 2015, up two cents from the 22-cent rate in effect for 2014.

For purposes of computing the allowance under a fixed- and variable-rate (FAVR) plan, the maximum standard automobile cost for 2015 is $28,200 for automobiles (not including trucks and vans) and $30,800 for trucks and vans, with no change for automobiles but an increase of $400 for trucks and vans, from 2014. Under a FAVR plan, a standard amount is deemed substantiated for an employer’s reimbursement to employees for expenses they incur in driving their vehicle in performing services as an employee for the employer.