Effective on January 1, 2019, the International Revenue Service (IRS) issued new, optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical, or moving purposes. The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs, while the standard mileage rate for business use is based off an annual study of the fixed variable costs of operating a vehicle.

The Facts and Figures

The business mileage rate is now 58 cents per mile driven for business use, a 3.5-cent increase from 2018.

It is 20-cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes, a 2-cent increase from 2018.

No change in the rate for miles driven for service charitable organizations (remains at 14-cents).

The Notice made by the IRS also reminds of the changes made by the Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA). Taxpayers cannot claim a miscellaneous itemized deduction for unreimbursed employee travel expenses, and the only members that can claim a deduction for moving expenses include members of the Armed Forces on active duty moving under orders to a permanent change of station.

Who is Impacted and How

Organizations with business travelers who are incurring unreimbursed travel costs, such as automobile use, will need to determine whether to supplement tax assistance to take account of those costs that are no longer deductible. Persons who are self-employed can still claim a tax deduction for their mileage as a business expense; they can do this by adding up their business miles for the year, then multiplying that by the standard mileage rate. The IRS does require that self-employed people utilize a mileage-tracking app or use a mileage log if they deduct their business miles. Taxpayers cannot use the standard mileage rate for a vehicle after using any depreciation method under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System or after claiming a Section 179 deduction for that vehicle, and the standard rate cannot be used for more than four vehicles in operation simultaneously.

In relation to mobility, companies will need to adjust their reimbursement policies and decide whether to use the standard rate or not. In alignment, unreimbursed travelers will no longer be able to deduct automobile expenses, and companies may want to re-examine their current reimbursement policies.

You can read the full announcement from the IRS within Announcement IR-2018-251.

2018 was a year full of change and growth for WHR Group. We welcomed more employees to the WHR family, completed our 2018 Mobility + Culture benchmark study, and developed and implemented numerous technology innovations. We were also able to cover a slew of topics within our blog. Subjects ranged from the housing market in Canada to the importance of creating the perfect playlist for making a stressful relocation more enjoyable. As we look back on 2018, we’re highlighting a few of our most popular blogs.

Blog #1: The Best Types of Expat Assignments for your Mobility Program

This blog outlines a selection of the pros and cons of long-term and short-term expatriate assignments. Selecting the right type of expat assignment for your mobility program can be a hard decision, but it is critical to do so to ensure company productivity and employee satisfaction. The specifics of each assignment vary greatly depending on industry and location, and each company defines time periods differently. Every company needs to determine what is optimal for their workforce and the business need requiring these assignments.

Blog #2: But We’ve Always Done it This Way

Change is hard for a lot of people, especially in an organization setting where change affects large groups of people at a time. However, as explained in the article, it is important to welcome change and new opportunities in order to grow, to stay competitive, and to remain relevant in the business world. In the relocation industry, change usually comes in the form of innovative technology advancements. This blog discusses efficiencies (or lack thereof) among household good carriers and the advancements that have been made by WHR to correct related issues.

Blog #3: Survey Fatigue: It’s Real and It’s Here

With almost every consumer-based or customer-support experience, there is a survey. It can be hard not to wonder what the point of these surveys is and what (if anything) is being done with the results. At WHR Group, we utilize a strategic, dual survey approach. The first survey is sent shortly after the relocation has begun and the second is sent immediately after the relocation has concluded. Questions are asked to gather valuable data and measure service, vendors, and overall satisfaction. This short read outlines the importance that WHR places on the results of surveys and how we utilize them to proactively overcome any issues in the relocation process.

As we wave goodbye to 2018, we welcome an exciting new year full of goals and opportunities. We look forward to continuing our ten-year 100% client retention rate and for new clients and supplier partners to join the WHR Group network.

One of the largest obstacles in relocation is preparing for a new way of life in a different destination. Relocating employees can struggle with issues ranging from selecting a school for their children to finding their new favorite grocery store. A complication that many face is moving to a new climate, specifically a colder one. Being that we’re located in Wisconsin, we know all too well what the cold weather can bring and the importance of being proactive in this demanding climate. For those who didn’t grow up in a town that experiences snow, it might be hard to know where to begin in the planning process.

When it comes to prepping for the move itself, here are some elements to keep in mind that often go overlooked:

1. Watch the forecast: This might seem like a no brainier, but it’s easy to breeze over this in the midst of relocating. Consider checking once a week in the lead up to the move, then checking every day the week prior. This can provide an idea of the pattern of weather and what to expect when you arrive.

2. Check the snowplow schedule: Everything may have been carefully planned out; deadlines were met and movers arrived on time. What may have been forgotten was to plan for was last night’s snow plows. The snow is now on the side of the streets, blocking ways to enter the property safely. Make sure to check your community’s snow plow schedule ahead of time and check for updates upon arriving.

3. Bring a warm beverage: Warm up from the inside out with a hot chocolate (check out a WHR favorite ) or maybe a hot apple cider. Bring it along, then keep extra warm on the stove top. Hint: offering some to the movers might help them to keep a strong spirit while doing heavy lifting.

The move has been successful, and everyone is settling in. Here are a few things to be aware of:

1. A change in clothing: One layer of clothing may not be enough anymore. An additional sweater under your jacket goes a long way. A new jacket might be in order but try to purchase a jacket after the move. Jackets sold in warmer climates may not have the right gear for your new cold climate. Don’t forget to add gloves to the shopping list; hands and feet get colder than most think.

2. Practice driving in the snow: Find a nearby lot and see how the car operates in the snow. Once comfortable, practice on side streets or slower roads to be around other cars. Having a 4-wheel drive car will also go a long way! Also, consider contacting your local auto shop to discuss snow tires.

3. The winter blues are real: It’s important to be aware of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or more commonly known as seasonal depression. The Mayo Clinic describes SAD as a type of depression that is related to changes in the season. Some individuals feel a change in attitude and habits such as oversleeping, changes in appetite, and a feeling of low energy. Being conscious of this can help to bounce back and appreciate the winter, rather than dread it.

Don’t let this intimidate you. While living in the cold is a difficult transition, there’s also plenty to appreciate; from building a snowman, to snowboarding, to being able to witness the changing seasons. Don’t be afraid to get out there and experience the snow in your new community.