e-Alert: IRS Announce 2021 Standard Mileage Rates

Background

While there is no federal law requiring businesses to reimburse employees for their milage some states like California do have reimbursement requirements for employee mileage. Mileage reimbursement can be a good way to attract and retain workers. As the COVID-19 vaccine becomes more widely available, employers should start to revisit how their operation will look in 2021 and if they will resume mileage reimbursement.

Summary

On December 22, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued the 2021 standard mileage rates, which are used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile (also van, pickup, or panel truck) for business, charitable, medical, or moving purposes. The new standard mileage rates began on January 1, 2021. The table below compares the 2020 and 2021 rates.

Standard Mileage Rates

Note that the rate for “charitable” purposes is set by statute and therefore remains unchanged from 2020.

Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, taxpayers cannot claim a miscellaneous itemized deduction for unreimbursed employee travel expenses. Taxpayers also cannot claim a deduction for moving expenses, unless they are members of the Armed Forces on active duty moving under orders to a permanent change of station.

Employers Next Steps

• Continue to stay up to date with the most recent guidance from the IRS, and update your travel and expense policies accordingly.
• If you are a Full-Service or Virtual HR client and have questions regarding this e-Alert, please email us.

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This content is provided with the understanding that HR Knowledge is not rendering legal advice. While every effort is made to provide current information, the law changes regularly and laws may vary depending on the state or municipality. The material is made available for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice or your professional judgment. You should review applicable laws in your jurisdiction and consult experienced counsel for legal advice. If you have any questions regarding this content, please contact HR Knowledge at 508.339.1300 or email us.