[1]
The IRS offers some relief from the pain at the pump.
It comes in the form of better mileage reimbursement rates.
Business drivers, those with medical expenses and people who move could benefit from the change.
Like most realtors, Keller Williams Charlotte Mabry spends a lot of time on the road.
Mabry, "We're in the car a lot driving a lot."
Even more so these days.
Mabry, "Houses are on the market longer and that increases the driving. There's maintenance, taking things to property showing buyers. The buyers want to see more houses now there are lots more available."
And as the miles add up so does the price paid at the pump.
Mabry, "Going from filling up your gas tank say once a week at $25 and changing it to $50 and sometimes two and three times a week if you're doing a lot of driving definitely cuts into the budget."
Especially for realtors just starting out.
Mabry, " For people who are new in this industry it really is difficult because you don't maybe have as much income coming in and spending what little you do have on gas, I guess defeats the purpose."
But now for realtors and anyone else who drives for business when the miles add up there's the potential to get a little more cash back.
The IRS raised the mileage re-imbursement rates for business drivers 8 cents per mile for the last six months of the year.
Mabry, "I think that's great. I mean tax advantages are important when you're self employed and most real estate agents are operating that way."
The rate for calculating deductible moving or medical expenses will also increase, from 19 to 27 cents per mile.
Mabry, "For those of us who do a lot of driving it should help."
She hopes enough to keep them on the road until the market turns around.
Mabry, "It is much better right now than it has been. Some folks say we're near the bottom. Other gurus out there are saying we might be another year but for our local market we're seeing a good amount of activity right now."
Relief could come for charitable groups too, but Congress must pass legislation to change that rate.
[2]