Resolution EC18to22FIN 056

Resolved, That the revised official Travel Guidelines for the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society are adopted, effective 1/1/2020.

The Travel Guidelines and T&E forms work well and reflect one change to conform with IRS guidelines and decisions of the Audit Committee.

IRS rules limit charitable mileage reimbursement at 14 cents per mile even though the business mileage allowance is 58 cents per mile.

The excess 44 cents is considered taxable income and must be reported of a Form 1099 once the excess exceeds $600

After thorough discussion with tax counsel and the DFMS Audit Committee, effective 1/1/2020 we will

• Reimburse volunteers at the 14 cents per mile rate for personal automobile use
• Reimburse employees at the statutory business rate (currently 58 cents per mile)
• Create one expense report for employees and consultants; and one for volunteers (primarily members of Interim Bodies)

If a volunteer incurs more than 14 cents per mile in costs, the volunteer may document it and claim a deduction on his/her tax return.

This is an unfortunate discrepancy (one of many) in the US Tax Code but one which the DFMS must observe. (The volunteer rate has not changes since the 1980s. Modifications are regularly put forward in Congress but receive no attention.)