January 2010

New Business

Business mileage rate lowered for 2010

1/1/2010 -

Companies that don't want to keep track of the actual costs of using a vehicle for business purposes may use a standard mileage rate instead. An annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile is used to determine what the standard mileage rate will be for a given year. Due mainly to lower fuel costs, the mileage rate for business driving drops in 2010 to 50 cents a mile, down from the 2009 rate of 55 cents a mile. The rate can be used for cars, vans, pickups, and panel trucks. 

In addition to the mileage rate, a separate deduction may be claimed for parking fees, tolls, interest relating to the purchase of the automobile, and state and local personal property taxes. 

The standard business mileage rate can't be used for automobiles used for hire (e.g., taxicabs) or for fleets of automobiles used simultaneously by the taxpayer. Nor can the standard rate be used if the vehicle was previously depreciated by other than the straight-line method, including using bonus depreciation or the Section 179 deduction. 

When the business mileage rate is used, depreciation will be considered to have been allowed at a rate of 23 cents a mile. This depreciation reduces the taxpayer's cost basis in the vehicle. 

  

Before you invest in any business, it's always a good idea to discuss the proposed venture with your advisors. If you would like assistance with evaluating a business opportunity or with legitimate tax planning, please call our office.