Dear Just Be: I'm starting my own small business- any tips about the mileage I use on my car?

For anyone running their own small business it is important to track all expenses and this is true of mileage on your personal car as well. The IRS typically issues each year, an "optional standard mileage rate used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving expenses."

The new lower rates for 2010 reflect lower transportation costs as compared to a year ago.

Beginning January 1, 2010 the standard mileage rates for cars, vans, pickups or panel trucks are as follows:

• 50 cents per mile for business miles driven
• 16.5 cents per mile for medical or moving purposes
• 14 cents per mile driven in service for charitable organizations

You can easily track the mileage you drive each day by using a "Vehicle Mileage" notebook, which can be found at most office supply stores.

Remember: Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.