Starting Your Business/Keeping Records
What are Business Expenses
Car & Truck Expenses

You may be able to use the standard mileage rate to figure thedeductible costs of operating your car, van, pickup, or panel truck for business purposes.For 1999, the standard mileage rate is 32 1 / 2 cents a mile for all business miles drivenbefore April 1. The rate is 31 cents a mile after March 31.

Caution: If you choose to use the standard mileage rate for a year,you cannot deduct your actual ex-penses for that year except for business-relatedparking fees and tolls.

Actual Car Expenses

Caution: You cannot deduct the costs of driving yourcar between your home and your main or regular workplace. These costs are personalcommuting expenses.

Important References

Publication 334                Tax Guide for Small Business
Publication 463                Travel, Entertainment, Gift, and Car Expenses
Form 1040 Schedule C    Profit or Loss From Business
Form 4562                         Depreciation and Amortization
Instructions for 4562