Due to recent increases in the price of fuel, the IRS has increased the optional standard mileage rates for computing the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, medical, and moving expense purposes for the second half of . The standard mileage rate for computing the deductible costs of operating an automobile for charitable purposes is set by statute and remains unchanged.

For July 1, , to December 31, , the standard mileage rates are as follows:

• Business use of auto : Our Aflac clients may find this particularly beneficial. 62.5 cents per mile (up from 58.5 cents for January 1, , to June 30, ) may be deducted if an auto is used for business purposes. As a Aflac employee, your employer from Aflac may reimburse you for your business travel expenses using the standard mileage rate. However, if Aflac does not reimburse you for your business travel expenses, you cannot currently deduct your unreimbursed travel expenses as miscellaneous itemized deductions.
  
  

As you plan your financial future, understanding the full scope of Aflac's retirement benefits gives you the strongest foundation. Aflac maintains a defined benefit pension plan that has been frozen to new benefit accruals -- meaning the plan no longer accumulates future benefits for most employees, but those who were already vested may still be entitled to receive the pension benefit they accrued prior to the freeze, subject to the vesting requirements described in their plan documents, so the plan no longer accumulates future benefits for most employees, but those who were already vested may still be entitled to receive the pension benefit they accrued prior to the freeze, subject to the vesting requirements described in their plan documents, meaning the plan no longer accumulates future benefits for most employees, but those who were already vested may still be entitled to receive the pension benefit they accrued prior to the freeze, subject to the vesting requirements described in their plan documents, so the plan no longer accumulates future benefits for most employees, but those who were already vested may still be entitled to receive the pension benefit they accrued prior to the freeze, subject to the vesting requirements described in their plan documents. Aflac also offers retiree healthcare benefits to eligible employees, which can provide meaningful coverage for those who retire before reaching Medicare eligibility at age 65. Connecting your specific Aflac benefits situation to a comprehensive retirement income plan - and understanding how each component interacts - gives you the most complete picture of what retirement will look like.

The IRS normally updates the standard mileage rates once a year in the fall for the next calendar year. Mid-year increases in the standard mileage rates are rare — the last time the IRS made such an increase was in .