New IRS Law Effective January 1, 2014
IRS Announced a New Mileage Reimbursement Rate Effective January 1, 2014
The IRS announced the 2014 optional standard mileage reimbursement rates. Beginning January 1, 2014, they decrease one-half cent from the current rates in effect, and are as follows:
• 56 cents per mile for business miles driven;
• 23.5 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes; and
• 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations (same as current rate in effect).
Employers using the standard IRS rates for mileage reimbursement purposes should adjust their expense reimbursement policies accordingly.
A Holiday Message!
In the spirit of the holiday party season, I offer the following as a “public service announcement” for employers and HR departments everywhere:
1. Host responsibly. An office holiday party is not the same as a college frat party.
2. Consider holding your party mid-week (or even mid-day), instead of a Friday or Saturday night.
3. Limiting the availability of alcohol will curb overconsumption. Making sure enough food is available will also keep people’s drinking in check.
4. Limiting consumption will help to limit employees’ misbehavior, legal risks, and potential liabilities (think drunk drivers, sexual and other harassment, fights, and other incivility better left to a Sunday tailgate)
5. When employees overindulge, don’t be afraid to cut them off. Make sure trained bartenders and designated sober management-team members are monitoring consumption.
6. Just in case, have cab vouchers, designated drivers, and hotel rooms available for those who cannot safely navigate their own way home.
Have a happy and safe holiday season.
