The IRS issued the 2013 optional standard mileage rates (Notice 2012-72) used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. In lieu of using the optional standard rates, taxpayers have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle.
Beginning on Jan. 1, 2013, the standard mileage rates for the use of an automobile will be:
- 56.5 cents per mile for business miles driven (up from 55.5 cents, which was in effect for 2012),
- 24 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes (up from 23 cents, which was in effect for 2012), and
- 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations (no change from prior years).
The standard mileage rates are based on an annual study of the costs of operating an automobile and are slightly higher than the rates for 2012. Rev. Proc. 2010-51 provides additional details regarding the use of standard mileage rates.
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