Mileage Rules

It seems likely that Congress will eliminate the need for documenting mileage and expense for an automobile used on business.

When this ruling was issued by the Internal Revenue Service all of us grimaced at the thought of having to each and every day document where we went and how much we spent. But because this was the rule, most people adapted rather readily, and in the final analysis this proved to be a good tool in truly assessing some portion of the cost in doing business--a proven thing to do.

Lo and behold, we are told now that the IRS ruling will be reversed and the above will likely be no longer necessary. Our government again capitulates and on what can only be termed a tenuous basis--record keeping takes work.

During this economic period all taxpayers hear constantly about the massive federal deficit and the alternate plans being discussed to in some way reduce that obligation. Certainly at this juncture it is very difficult to imagine, because of the number of opposing forces and interest groups politicking for their favorite plan, which, if any, deficit-reduction plan will become reality.

The IRS was attempting by the rule on automobile usage to eliminate abuse and in so doing, perhaps derive revenue that could in a small way be used to reduce the deficit. Based on the imminent repeal of the IRS ruling as a result of the complaints from various groups, I can only wonder how our esteemed Congress can possibly deal with deficit reduction when reduction will involve several other larger, more significant and controversial issues, which no doubt affect more, larger and powerful interests.

RICHARD P. DRAKE

El Monte