High mileage.

With the new year comes an increase in the federal mileage reimbursement guidelines.

This year, for the first time, the federal mileage reimbursement guideline tops 50 cents per mile as higher gas, vehicle insurance and vehicle maintenance prices are accounted for. The new rate published by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service is 50.5 cents per mile, up from 2007's 48.5 cents.

The increase is the result of an annual study of vehicle operation and maintenance costs conducted by Runzbeimer International for the IRS.

While the standard was initially set for tax filers who claimed tax deductions for operating a vehicle for business purposes, it has also become the de-facto standard for employers who choose to reimburse their employees for vehicle miles traveled while on company-related business. It is an optional standard.

Staff reporter Howard Fine can be reached at [phone], ext. 227 or at [e-mail]