The IRS recently took the unusual step of announcing a mid-year increase in the standard deductible mileage rate for business, medical, and employee moving expenses. The main reason--no surprise--is the recent dramatic increase in oil prices. As of July 1, if you drive for business, you can deduct 58.5 cents per mile, up from 50.5 cents per mile. Folks who drive to and from medical providers, or move for a job, can deduct 27 cents per mile, up from 19 cents.

The IRS hasn't changed the deductible charitable mileage rate, however. It remains at 14 cents per mile. The IRS says it cannot alter that rate because it's set by statute.

That seems unfair to the millions of volunteers who contribute time (non-deductible) and energy (also non-deductible) to good works for charitable organizations. Especially as the economy sours and charitable organizations may be asked to do more with less, volunteers deserve the same break as folks who drive for business or medical needs. Congress should change the law to allow the IRS to make inflationary changes to deductible charitable mileage as often as it changes other deductible mileage rates. It's only fair.

What's your view? Should volunteers get the same break as businesses, folks going to the doctor, and individuals who move for a job?

--Tobie Stanger