Set up a mileage reimbursement payroll item
Use the following steps to set up a payroll item that you can use to reimburse mileage.
Depending on the circumstances, a mileage reimbursement isn't taxable as long as it doesn’t exceed the IRS mileage rate (the 2020 rate is 57.5 cents per business mile). If the mileage rate exceeds the IRS rate, the difference is taxable income. Consult the IRS and state/local regulations for further taxable guidance. If a portion of the reimbursement is considered taxable, you’ll need to set up separate payroll items for them.
- SelectSetup, thenPayroll Items.
- Select the appropriate client and thenAdd.
- Enter a description for the item and selectPayin the Type box.
- Select the Hourly rate calculation type (this is used as the mileage rate).noteYou can enter the mileage reimbursement rate in the Default rate box if issuing the same rate for all employees.
- To exclude the pay item from the calculation of accruable benefits and workers' compensation amounts (which is appropriate in most cases), selectAllin the Accruable benefits and Workers' compensation dropdown in the Exclusions section.
- On the Tax Exemptions tab, select the checkboxes for any taxes from which the reimbursement amount should be excluded.
- SelectEnterto save the payroll item.
- On thePayroll Itemstab of theEmployeesscreen, turn on the reimbursement item for employees.