North Carolina Tax Laws for Mileage Deductions

If you keep track of your mileage while working in North Carolina, you can take deductions on your tax returns. Mileage deductions are assigned a standard rate you can apply to your year-end taxes. The mileage deduction does not include separately listed tolls and parking fees. You must itemize your deductions on Form 1040 Schedule A to claim mileage on your taxes.

Types

The miles claimed on your income tax return must not be for personal use and must meet certain other requirements. Mileage can be deducted if you are using your car for business purposes or are self-employed. Commuting mileage cannot be deducted from your income tax. Mileage related to job seeking, medical care, moving, educational purposes or for charity can be deducted.

Amounts

Keep track of mileage rate increases throughout the year. The Internal Revenue Service can decide to increase mileage deduction depending on the cost of gas. For instance, for 2011, North Carolina residents can claim 51 cents per mile for the first six months of the year and 55 cents per mile for the last six months of the year when using their car for business purposes. Medical mileage deductions increased from 19 cents per mile to 23 cents per mile. Charitable mileage deductions remain the same for the year at 14 cents per mile.

Significance

You are required to track mileage to claim any deductions when filing taxes in North Carolina. You must record the total number of miles used on the vehicle during the year. Also, keep a list of miles used for each purpose: moving, business, education and charity. If you are audited, you may be required to submit a log that details mileage for these purposes.

Warning

If you want to claim a deduction on your North Carolina vehicle for mileage, you cannot claim the depreciation of your vehicle. The IRS does not permit a depreciation deduction using the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System and a mileage deduction. You also cannot claim Section 179 on your Form 1040 to qualify for the standard mileage deduction.