Number: RL34681
Title: Charitable Standard Mileage Rate: Considerations for Congress
Authors: Nonna A. Noto, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: In response to a sharp rise in gasoline prices, on June 23, 2008, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced an increase in the optional standard mileage rates for the second half of 2008, for the two rates it has the authority to set. The IRS raised the standard mileage rate for business use of a personal passenger automobile from 50.5 cents to 58.5 cents per mile, and the standard rate for medical or moving purposes from 19 cents to 27 cents per mile, effective July 1, 2008, through December 31, 2008.1 In contrast, the standard mileage rate for charitable activities is set by statute, in Internal Revenue Code Section 170(i). The charitable mileage rate has remained at 14 cents per mile since 1998. Table 1 shows the three standard mileage rates in effect for 2003 through 2008.
Pages: 34
Date: October 10, 2008