The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has set the standard business-mileage deduction at 56.5 cents a mile for 2013. The rate is one cent higher than in 2012. The mileage calculation includes the cost of fuel, along with other vehicle fixed and variable operating expenses, such as depreciation, insurance, tires, etc. Companies and individuals who use their automobiles (including vans, pickups and panel trucks) for business have the option of using the standard rate in lieu of keeping records of their actual expenses.

For more details, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has set the standard business-mileage deduction at 56.5 cents a mile for 2013. The rate is one cent higher than in 2012. The mileage calculation includes the cost of fuel, along with other vehicle fixed and variable operating expenses, such as depreciation, insurance, tires, etc. Companies and individuals who use their automobiles (including vans, pickups and panel trucks) for business have the option of using the standard rate in lieu of keeping records of their actual expenses.

For more details, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

SEMA is working with Wyoming lawmakers to oppose legislation pre-filed for consideration in 2013 that would increase vehicle registration fees by $10 for passenger vehicles and would double registration fees based on unladen vehicle weight for non-commercial trucks. For example, the registration fee for a vehicle weighing 6,001 lbs. or more would rise from $60 to $120. In addition, the bill increases the gasoline and diesel fuel taxes by $.10 per gallon. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

SEMA is working with Wyoming lawmakers to oppose legislation pre-filed for consideration in 2013 that would increase vehicle registration fees by $10 for passenger vehicles and would double registration fees based on unladen vehicle weight for non-commercial trucks. For example, the registration fee for a vehicle weighing 6,001 lbs. or more would rise from $60 to $120. In addition, the bill increases the gasoline and diesel fuel taxes by $.10 per gallon. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

California Senator Ted Lieu is dropping a plan to ask voters to triple the state’s vehicle license fee rates through a constitutional amendment. Under the plan, Lieu indicated that the 1.35% transportation system user fee increase would generate an estimated $3.5 to $4 billion annually for roads and public transit.

In scrapping the plan, he said in a statement that “over the last few weeks California’s political landscape has changed. I have listened carefully to those who have contacted my office or me. Additionally, more stakeholders weighed in on this important issue. As a result, I will not be introducing the proposal. Instead, I will work with transportation stakeholders and the public next year on alternative ways to mitigate the transportation infrastructure problem.” 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

California Senator Ted Lieu is dropping a plan to ask voters to triple the state’s vehicle license fee rates through a constitutional amendment. Under the plan, Lieu indicated that the 1.35% transportation system user fee increase would generate an estimated $3.5 to $4 billion annually for roads and public transit.

In scrapping the plan, he said in a statement that “over the last few weeks California’s political landscape has changed. I have listened carefully to those who have contacted my office or me. Additionally, more stakeholders weighed in on this important issue. As a result, I will not be introducing the proposal. Instead, I will work with transportation stakeholders and the public next year on alternative ways to mitigate the transportation infrastructure problem.” 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

While most of the national attention during last November’s election was devoted to the presidential race, an event critical to the state of California also created news. With all the votes counted, one party has garnered enough seats in both houses of California’s legislature to now govern the state with a supermajority that can overturn a governor’s veto.

Democrats now hold 54 seats of California’s 80-seat assembly and 25 of the 40 state senate seats. With a supermajority, Democrats will no longer need Republican support to pass tax increases. Article 13A of California’s constitution notes that “any change in state statute which results in any taxpayer paying a higher tax must be imposed by an act passed by not less than two-thirds of all members elected to each of the two houses of the Legislature.” 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

While most of the national attention during last November’s election was devoted to the presidential race, an event critical to the state of California also created news. With all the votes counted, one party has garnered enough seats in both houses of California’s legislature to now govern the state with a supermajority that can overturn a governor’s veto.

Democrats now hold 54 seats of California’s 80-seat assembly and 25 of the 40 state senate seats. With a supermajority, Democrats will no longer need Republican support to pass tax increases. Article 13A of California’s constitution notes that “any change in state statute which results in any taxpayer paying a higher tax must be imposed by an act passed by not less than two-thirds of all members elected to each of the two houses of the Legislature.” 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is opposing the sale of gasoline with 15% ethanol content (E15). A recent survey found that 95% of AAA members were not aware of E15 or that the fuel could damage their vehicles and void their warranties. With only 5% of vehicles currently approved by automakers to use the fuel, AAA has called for a suspension of E15 sales until motorists are better protected. AAA joins a growing list of opponents that includes SEMA and many other trade associations and businesses.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the sale of E15 for use in ’01 and newer vehicles. The EPA also made it illegal to fuel pre-’01 vehicles with E15. SEMA opposes E15 based on scientific evidence that it causes corrosion with incompatible parts. Ethanol increases water formation which can then create formic acid and corrode metals, plastics, and rubber. E15 can also burn hotter than E10 gasoline and cause damage to certain high-performance specialty parts.

SEMA continues to support federal legislation that would prevent E15 sales until the National Academies has issued a study on how the fuel impacts gas-powered vehicles. To date, only a handful of stations are selling E15. For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is opposing the sale of gasoline with 15% ethanol content (E15). A recent survey found that 95% of AAA members were not aware of E15 or that the fuel could damage their vehicles and void their warranties. With only 5% of vehicles currently approved by automakers to use the fuel, AAA has called for a suspension of E15 sales until motorists are better protected. AAA joins a growing list of opponents that includes SEMA and many other trade associations and businesses.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the sale of E15 for use in ’01 and newer vehicles. The EPA also made it illegal to fuel pre-’01 vehicles with E15. SEMA opposes E15 based on scientific evidence that it causes corrosion with incompatible parts. Ethanol increases water formation which can then create formic acid and corrode metals, plastics, and rubber. E15 can also burn hotter than E10 gasoline and cause damage to certain high-performance specialty parts.

SEMA continues to support federal legislation that would prevent E15 sales until the National Academies has issued a study on how the fuel impacts gas-powered vehicles. To date, only a handful of stations are selling E15. For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.