The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently issued the 2009 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Effective January 1, the standard mileage rates for the use of cars (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) is:
* 55 cents per mile for business miles driven
* 24 cents per mile driven for medical or moving puposes
* 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organization

According to the IRS, the mileage rates for 2009 reflect generally higher transportation costs compared to a year ago, but the rates also factor in the recent reversal of rising gas prices.

A taxpayer may not use the business standard mileage rate for a vehicle after using a depreciation method under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) or after claiming a Section 179 deduction for the vehicle. In addition, the business standard mileage rate cannot be used for any vehicle used for hire or for more than four vehicles used simultaneously. Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.

Most businesses are required to display a workplace employment poster which employees may use as a reference to their rights as a worker. These posters are updated each year and this year's updates include several important additions :
* Equal Employment Opportunity is The Law (EEO-federal)
* Notice to Employees-from state Employment Development Department (EDD)
* Family and Medical Leave (FMLA-federal)

All employers must have the EEO and EDD notices in the workplace, which are featured on the 2009 California Employment Notices Poster. Employers with 50 or more employees must also display the FMLA notice. Keep in mind that your 2009 Employment Notices poster must be on display where applicants and employees can see them. Businesses with multiple facilities and/or buildings, may need more than one set of posters.

Your 2009 California Employment Notices Poster may be purchased through the Whittier Chamber for $35 (Chamber Members) or $45 (non-members). A complete Employment Notices Kit may also be purchased through the Whittier Chamber for $75 and includes all materials you will need to avoid hefty non-compliance fines. The kit includes: 2009 California Employment Notices Poster, updated Workers' Compensation pamphlets, State Disability Insurance pamphlets, Paid Family Leave pamphlets, and Unemployment Insurance pamphlets.

For more information or to order your poster or kit, please call the Whittier Chamber at (562) 698-9554.