Local transportation refers to travel in which you aren't away from your tax home (the city or general area in which your main place of business is located) long enough to require sleep or rest. Different rules apply if you are away from your tax home for significantly more than an ordinary work day and need sleep or rest in order to do your work.

The IRS standard mileage rate for 2009 will be 55.0 cents per mile for business miles driven.  This rate is higher than the first half of 2008, but lower than the second half of 2008 due to the spike in gasoline prices in 2008 that are now trending downward.  The rate for medical or moving expenses will be 24.0 cents per mile while the rate for providing services for a charity will remain at 14.0 cents per mile. [see Revenue Procedure 2008-72]

Before you know it, it will be time to start the year-end closing procedures for your business. Part of those procedures will be to file your annual W-2s, 1099s, and all other required payroll reports. It can be quite overwhelming. Here are a few helpful tips to make it a little smoother.