The IRS said the optional standard rate for business use of a car is 51.0 cents a mile for for January thru June 2011. This rate is used to figure tax deductions for business travel as an alternative to deducting your actual costs. The rate increased to 55.0 cents per business mile from July thru December 2011.

The standard rate for use of your car for medical reasons, or when computing deductible moving expenses, will be 19 cents a mile for January thru June 2011. The standard mileage rates are based on an annual study by an independent contractor of automobile operating costs. From July thru December 2011 the rate is 23.5 cents.

The standard rate for use of a car to provide services to charities will be 14 cents a mile.

If you have additional questions regarding business use of autos including proper documentation requirements, please call us at 225-292-7434 in Baton Rouge or 985-674-9092 in Mandeville.   Email .