Standard Mileage Rate May Actually be Better

You have the option of deducting your vehicle costs using the standard mileage rate or the actual vehicle expenses.

The standard rate may be more beneficial for individuals who have high mileage rates and low vehicle costs.

The standard mileage rate is used to figure the deductible cost of a vehicle that is owned or leased, and is written-off at a rate of 55 cents per mile driven (for 2009).

Using the standard mileage expense, you can deduct the cost of travel related to your rental activity, like trips to the hardware store, property inspections, tenant interviews, and rent collection.

Whether using the standard mileage or actual expense deduction, be sure to track mileage and expenses related to your rental activity. You usually won’t know which method to use until the end of the tax year, so it’s best to just keep a good record of all vehicle activities.

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