The Internal Revenue Service has increased the optional standard mileage rate for the use of a car for business purposes from 55.5 cents to 56.5 cents, effective Jan. 1, 2013.

The standard mileage rate for business is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile.

Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.

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) or after claiming a Section 179 deduction for that vehicle. In addition, the business standard mileage rate cannot be used for more than four vehicles used simultaneously.

These and other requirements for a taxpayer to use a standard mileage rate to calculate the amount of a deductible business, moving, medical, or charitable expense are in Rev. Proc. 2010-51. Notice 2012-72 contains the standard mileage rates, the amount a taxpayer must use in calculating reductions to basis for depreciation taken under the business standard mileage rate, and the maximum standard automobile cost that a taxpayer may use in computing the allowance under a fixed and variable rate plan.

Doeren Mayhew’s Troy, Houston and Ft. Lauderdale CPAs can help you understand pending tax changes in the upcoming year. Contact us for more information.