Here Are The IRS 2017 Standard Business, Medical and Moving Mileage Rates

 

The Internal Revenue Service has recently issued the 2017 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2017, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

• 53.5 cents per mile for business miles driven, down from 54 cents for 2016
• 17 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes, down from 19 cents for 2016
• 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations

The business mileage rate decreased half a cent per mile and the medical and moving expense rates each dropped 2 cents per mile from 2016.

The charitable rate is set by statute and remains unchanged.

The standard mileage rate for business is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs.

Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle

IRS Installment Agreements: 2017 User Fee Schedule and Options

Starting in 2017, the IRS has revised its user fee schedule for installment agreements. The new fee schedule applies to installment agreements entered into, restructured or reinstated on or after January 2, 2017.

The final regulations increase the existing user fees (except for low-income taxpayers) and create two new types of online installment agreements, each subject to a separate fee. Five of these rates are based on the full cost of establishing and monitoring installment agreements, while the sixth rate is for low-income taxpayers.

Here are the new fees effective starting in 2017:

(1) A top rate of $225, up from the current rate of $120, applies to taxpayers who enter into installment agreements in person, over the phone, by mail, or by filing Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request, with the IRS.

Note: This includes taxpayers requesting installment agreements with their e-filed returns.

(2) A reduced rate of $107, up from $52, applies to a direct debit agreement.

(3) A taxpayer who sets up an installment agreement through IRS.gov and agrees to make payments either by mailing a check or through the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) will pay $149.

Do You Want To Know About Your IRS Account Balance? IRS Launches New Online Tool to Assist Taxpayers with Basic Tax Account Information

The Internal Revenue Service announced on December 1, 2016 (IR-2016-155) the launch of an online application that will assist taxpayers with straightforward balance inquiries in a safe, easy and convenient way.

This new and secure tool, available on IRS.gov allows taxpayers to view their IRS account balance, which will include the amount they owe for tax, penalties and interest.

It also should be pointed out that taxpayers may also continue to take advantage of the