On September 1st, the mileage reimbursement rate for employees using their personal vehicles for University travel was reduced. The current IRS rate of 53.5 cents per mile was reduced to 25 cents per mile, which represents the cost to operate a University-owned vehicle. Suggested alternatives for travel include renting from UNL Transportation Services or using Enterprise Rent-A-Car. The new rate of 25 cents still applies even if the source of funds for reimbursement is something other than state-aided dollars. Employees who travel before September 1st and submit a reimbursement after this date will still be reimbursed at the IRS rate.
This new rate does apply to non-university personnel unless there is a contract or agreement with the outside party that states reimbursement will be at the IRS rate. Departments are encouraged to make travel arrangements on behalf of non-university personnel to avoid unnecessary expenses.
This reimbursement rate decrease will save the university system as much as $550,000 per year. Other public universities and private companies have done this in the past. This practice does comply with state statutes and state accounting policies. Unreimbursed business expenses can be deducted on your income taxes (subject to certain limits).
It is possible that UNL Transportation Services rental car availability may be impacted by this new policy. Please send your car reservations to Stacie or Chris as soon as you know you will be needing one with the following information:
Name of Driver
Cost Object #
Vehicle Pick Up (City or East Campus)
Pick Up Date and Time
Return Date and Time
Project/Program Name
Destination
For more information on this new policy, visit http://news.unl.edu/newsrooms/today/article/new-mileage-reimbursement-rate-takes-effect-sept-1/