The rate will increase to 58.5 cents a mile for all business miles driven from July 1, 2008, through Dec. 31, 2008. This is an increase of eight (8) cents from the 50.5 cent rate in effect for the first six months of 2008, as set forth in Rev. Proc. 2007-70.

In recognition of recent gasoline price increases, the IRS made this special adjustment for the final months of 2008. The IRS normally updates the mileage rates once a year in the fall for the next calendar year.

“Rising gas prices are having a major impact on individual Americans. Given the increase in prices, the IRS is adjusting the standard mileage rates to better reflect the real cost of operating an automobile,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “We want the reimbursement rate to be fair to taxpayers.”

While gasoline is a significant factor in the mileage figure, other items enter into the calculation of mileage rates, such as depreciation and insurance and other fixed and variable costs.

The optional business standard mileage rate is used to compute the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business use in lieu of tracking actual costs. This rate is also used as a benchmark by the federal government and many businesses to reimburse their employees for mileage.

The new six-month rate for computing deductible medical or moving expenses will also increase by eight (8) cents to 27 cents a mile, up from 19 cents for the first six months of 2008. The rate for providing services for charitable organizations is set by statute, not the IRS, and remains at 14 cents a mile.

The new rates are contained in Announcement 2008-63 on the optional standard mileage rates.

Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.

Mileage Rate Changes

Purpose
Rates 1/1 through 6/30/08
Rates 7/1 through 12/31/08

Business
50.5
58.5

Medical/Moving
19
27

Charitable
14
14

http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc510.html

You do not want to use cruise control in the rain.

Why?

The tires cannot grip properly, the engine reesponds by constantly accellerating.  This negates the typical fuel economy savings of cruise control.

thank you flickr!

Photo Uploaded on November 22, 2008 by paololivorno

Is it REALLY possible to drive cross country in a FREE RV?

Look for this story on Monday.

image courtesy of: http://flickr.com/photos/altus/2618281854

You do not have to own a boat to participate in water-based operations."

If you are interested in joining the USCG auxiliary, the volunteer branch of the USCG, please visit their Web site and click on “Flotilla Finder” and then “Join the Auxiliary.” The Auxiliary provides educational opportunities and a chance to make a difference by serving your community.

Hertz Get a Free Tank of Gas

Alamo $20 Off Weekly Rentals

Dollar Rent an SUV for $37.99 a day

Europcar Save 15% off your rental

Alamo Compacts from $16.95/day

Avis Midsize Cars from $14.00/day

National Fullsize cars from $19.95/day 

Go to

http://www.travelocity.com/Cars/0,,TRAVELOCITY,00.html

for these and more.

The award for the cleverest of the clever package/promotion names goes to:

“Bend Over Backwards, But Don’t Pass Gas”

Hence the name “Personality Hotels”. My congrats to their ad agency! I’d love to know who they are!

Many hotel chains around the U.S. are offering enticements such as gas rebates, $10-$50 gas card or credits off the final bill equal to10 to 20 cents per mile traveled.

Destination Hotels Specials

Branson Tourism Center

Expedia

One inn in Maine offers a free tune-up with air filter change, air-pressure check, tire gauge ($55) and an add-on fuel injection cleaning service for $139 to improve fuel efficiency (25% discount).

“No Fueling Package”

Other discounts are room credits good toward golf, spa visits and dining or can include free valet parking, $15 toward in-room movies, breakfast daily or drink coupons. Frequently gas rebates and room credits are bundled together in packages.

“Gas & Go Package”

17,000 resort home rentals

“Gas Up & Go”

“Tanks a lot!”

Gas code GAS50

Tip: When making any reservations, be sure to inquire about available gas rebates and room discounts or room credits. Watch for minimum stay requirements/expiration dates/promo codes/gas receipt reimbursement requirements.

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AAA has a terrific program called AAA’s tipsy tow program offered on nine different holidays and special events. They offer a free five-mile tow home for drinking drivers and their vehicles.

The tipsy tow program is open to everyone. You do not need to be a AAA member to take advantage of this service to the community.

AAA typically offers a service to drinking drivers from 6 p.m.on the holiday to 6 a.m. the following days in Northern California, Nevada and Utah.

Drivers, potential passengers, party hosts, bartenders and restaurant managers can call 800-222-4357 (AAA-HELP) for a free towl home of up to 5 miles. You tell the AAA operator, “I need at Tipsy Tow and a tow truck will be on its way.

The service will provide a one-way ride for the driver and vehicle to the drivers home. If there are additional passengers who need a ride, they will be taken to the drivers home as long as there is sufficient room for them to be transported safely in the tow truck. You cannot make a reservation.

Some of the holidays this is available on New Year’s Eve, Super Bowl, St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, Independence Day (Fourth of July), Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.

AAA estimates that a first-time DUI conviction can cost up to $12,000 in fines and penalties, restitution, legal fees and added insurance expense. And then of course you can’t put a price on a crash that causes an injury or death. If you’ve been celebrating by drinking alcohol, don’t get behind the wheel. Give AAA at call and to make sure you get home safely.

Click here to learn about how to get a “tipsy tow”!