IRS Increases Standard Mileage Rates for Last Half of For The Southern Company Employees

New Update: Rising Oil Costs are Affecting Retirement Plans. Will you be impacted?

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IRS Increases Standard Mileage Rates for Last Half of For The Southern Company Employees

March 20, 2026

Company Name	For plan years beginning in	Year	Month	First Segment	Second Segment	Third Segment	Plan Type
The Southern Company	All	2025	January	4.74%	5.55%	5.92%
The Southern Company	All	2024	January	4.89%	5.14%	5.29%

How Oil Volatility Affects Your Southern Company Retirement

Oil market turbulence continues to ripple through the broader economy, with crude swinging between $50 and $120 per barrel and annualized volatility near 80%. Fleet diesel costs and inflation-driven rate case pressures create indirect but meaningful exposure to sustained crude price swings. For The Southern Company employees focused on long-term financial health, periods of oil-driven economic volatility reinforce the value of diversified strategies that account for how energy markets influence the broader investment landscape. Consulting with a financial advisor can help you understand how energy conditions affect your specific situation and build a plan that adapts accordingly.

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 The Southern Company 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 The Southern Company employee, your employer from The Southern Company may reimburse you for your business travel expenses using the standard mileage rate. However, if The Southern Company does not reimburse you for your business travel expenses, you cannot currently deduct your unreimbursed travel expenses as miscellaneous itemized deductions.

Charitable use of auto : 14 cents per mile (the same as for January 1, , to June 30, ) may be deducted if an auto is used to provide services to a charitable organization if you itemize deductions on your income tax return. We'd like our clients from The Southern Company to note that your charitable deduction may be limited to certain percentages of your adjusted gross income, depending on the type of charity.

Medical use of auto : 22 cents per mile (up from 18 cents for January 1, , to June 30, ) may be deducted if an auto is used to obtain medical care (or for other deductible medical reasons) if you itemize deductions on your income tax return. It's also important that our The Southern Company clients note that you can deduct only the part of your medical and dental expenses that exceed 7.5% of the amount of your adjusted gross income.

As you plan your financial future, understanding the full scope of The Southern Company's retirement benefits gives you the strongest foundation. According to publicly available information, The Southern Company maintains an active defined benefit pension plan, which provides retirement income based on factors such as years of service and compensation history. The Southern Company 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 The Southern Company 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.

Moving expense : 22 cents per mile (up from 18 cents for January 1, , to June 30, ) may be deducted if an auto is used by a member of the Armed Forces on active duty to move, pursuant to a military order, to a permanent change of station (unless such expenses are reimbursed). The deduction for moving expenses is not currently available for other taxpayers.

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 â€” the last time the IRS made such an increase was in .

What is the 401(k) plan offered by The Southern Company?

The Southern Company offers a 401(k) plan that allows employees to save for retirement through pre-tax contributions, which can grow tax-deferred until withdrawal.

How can I enroll in The Southern Company's 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in The Southern Company's 401(k) plan through the online benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does The Southern Company match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, The Southern Company provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) accounts, which helps enhance retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for The Southern Company's 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for The Southern Company's 401(k) plan is subject to IRS limits, which are updated annually. Employees should refer to the latest IRS guidelines for specific amounts.

Can I change my contribution percentage to The Southern Company's 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to The Southern Company's 401(k) plan at any time through the online benefits portal.

What investment options are available in The Southern Company's 401(k) plan?

The Southern Company's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles tailored to different risk tolerances.

When can I access my funds from The Southern Company's 401(k) plan?

Employees can access their funds from The Southern Company's 401(k) plan upon reaching retirement age, or under certain circumstances such as financial hardship or termination of employment.

Does The Southern Company offer financial education regarding the 401(k) plan?

Yes, The Southern Company provides financial education resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.

What happens to my 401(k) plan if I leave The Southern Company?

If you leave The Southern Company, you have several options for your 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, leaving it with The Southern Company, or cashing it out (subject to taxes and penalties).

Are there any fees associated with The Southern Company's 401(k) plan?

Yes, The Southern Company’s 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related expenses, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

The Southern Company offers a traditional defined benefit pension plan and a cash balance pension plan. The cash balance plan credits a percentage of the employee's salary annually to an account that grows with interest. Additionally, the company provides a defined contribution 401(k) plan with company matching contributions. The plan includes various investment options such as target-date funds and mutual funds. Financial planning resources and tools are available to help employees manage their retirement savings.

Operational Restructuring: The Southern Company has not announced major layoffs recently but continues to focus on strategic initiatives to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. The company has been investing in clean energy projects and expanding its income-qualified discount programs to assist more customers. These efforts are part of Southern Company's commitment to sustainability and operational excellence (Sources: Intellizence, Southern Company).

The Southern Company offers RSUs as part of its equity compensation plan. These RSUs vest over a specified period, providing shares upon vesting. Stock options are also available, allowing employees to purchase shares at a fixed price and benefit from potential stock price appreciation.

Southern Company has been actively enhancing its employee healthcare benefits to meet the demands of the current economic, investment, tax, and political environment. In 2022, Southern Company focused on providing comprehensive healthcare plans that include medical, dental, vision, and various wellness programs. These initiatives are designed to support the overall well-being of employees, ensuring they have access to necessary resources to maintain their health. The company also emphasized the importance of mental health by integrating mental health support into their Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), reflecting a broader commitment to holistic employee care. In 2023, Southern Company continued to expand its healthcare offerings by implementing advanced digital health solutions and increasing access to telemedicine services. These enhancements are part of the company's broader strategy to support a flexible and resilient workforce. Additionally, Southern Company has placed a strong emphasis on sustainability and community engagement, which includes initiatives aimed at promoting environmental stewardship and supporting local communities. By investing in robust healthcare and wellness programs, Southern Company aims to attract and retain top talent, ensuring long-term business success and resilience amid economic uncertainties.

Full Interest Rate update table for The Southern Company employees

Company Name	For plan years beginning in	Year	Month	First Segment	Second Segment	Third Segment	Plan Name

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for The Southern Company at 1932 wynnton road Columbus, GA 31999; or by calling them at 800-227-4756.

https://www.southerncompany.com/documents/pension-plan-2022.pdf - Page 5, https://www.southerncompany.com/documents/pension-plan-2023.pdf - Page 12, https://www.southerncompany.com/documents/pension-plan-2024.pdf - Page 15, https://www.southerncompany.com/documents/401k-plan-2022.pdf - Page 8, https://www.southerncompany.com/documents/401k-plan-2023.pdf - Page 22, https://www.southerncompany.com/documents/401k-plan-2024.pdf - Page 28, https://www.southerncompany.com/documents/rsu-plan-2022.pdf - Page 20, https://www.southerncompany.com/documents/rsu-plan-2023.pdf - Page 14, https://www.southerncompany.com/documents/rsu-plan-2024.pdf - Page 17, https://www.southerncompany.com/documents/healthcare-plan-2022.pdf - Page 23

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