Effective July 1, 2008, the standard mileage rate for the use of a car (including vans, pickups, or panel trucks) is 58.5 cents per mile. The rate for January 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008 was 50.5 cents per mile. For 2007, it was 48.5 cents per mile. The increase for the second half of 2008 was due to recent increases in the price of fuel.
Self-employed people can deduct their business miles driven using the standard mileage rate, but to qualify, you must use this method the first year you use a car in your business. You can't use the standard mileage rate if you have claimed accelerated depreciation deductions in prior years, or have taken a Section 179 deduction for the vehicle.
Injured workers who are receiving workers' compensation benefits from the State of California also use the IRS mileage rate when they request reimbursement for miles driven to and from medical appointments, pharmacies, and the like.
Effective date:
Jul. 01, 2008
This update affects these Nolo products:
