IR-2011-116, Dec. 9, 2011

 

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) today issued the 2012 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical, or moving purposes.

 

Beginning on January 1, 2012, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups, or panel trucks) will be:

 

The rate for business miles driven is unchanged from the midyear adjustment that became effective on July 1, 2011. The medical and moving rate has been reduced by 0.5 cents per mile.

 

The standard mileage rate for business is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs as determined by the same study. Independent contractor Runzheimer International conducted the study.

 

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 2012-01 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.