Client Alerts

Mileage Rates to Increase

Just this morning the IRS issued Announcement 2011-40 releasing news that the business standard mileage rate will increase to 55.5 cents a mile for all business miles from July 1, 2011, through December 31, 2011. This is an increase of 4.5 cents a mile from the 51 cents rate for the first six months of 2011.

The medical and moving mileage rates will also increase by 4.5 cents to 23.5 cents a mile, up from 19 cents for the first six months of 2011. The rate for providing services for charitable organizations is set by statute and remains at 14 cents a mile.

IRS Begins Accepting Taxpayer Records in Electronic Format

The IRS has recently completed training for revenue agents on QuickBooks® Premier Accountant Edition 2010 software. Approximately 1,100 agents were trained and are now being encouraged to request and accept taxpayers’ QuickBooks files, as appropriate. The IRS is also able to accept electronic records from Peachtree® accounting software. Electronic files should be provided on a CD, DVD, or flash/jump drive to ensure security of the files. E-mail should not be used to transmit the electronic records.

Electronic information management has become the standard in business and will now be used to enhance the examination process. The ability to conduct audits using these software options will be available on an increasing basis as revenue agents begin to work with the new software. It is anticipated that this new audit tool will increase the speed and efficiency of field examinations, reduce taxpayer burden, and be a positive development for taxpayers, their representatives and the IRS.