The Ups & Downs of Mileage Rates

February 29, 2012

The standard mileage rate is used to calculate the amount a person may deduct for the use of a personal vehicle for business purposes.  This rate applies to a car or light duty truck for each mile of business use.

For 2011 tax returns, the standard mileage rate is:

  • 51 cents per mile from January 1st to June 30th
  • 55.5 cents per mile from July 1st to December 31st

On an interesting note, many taxpayers don’t realize that they may also use the standard mileage rate for business use of a car for hire, such as a taxi.  Reminder:  Proper records are a must.  You can find an interactive auto mileage log on the McRuer CPAs’ website under Tools and Downloads.