The IRS has released the optional standard mileage rates for 2025, providing important updates for businesses, medical care, and charitable activities. Here’s what you need to know about the new rates and vehicle value limits.
2025 Standard Mileage Rates
Business Use: The standard mileage rate for business use of an automobile has increased to 70 cents per mile, up from 67 cents in 2024. This rate can be used instead of calculating actual expenses like depreciation, lease payments, and fuel costs.
Medical and Moving Use: The rate for using an automobile to obtain medical care or for moving expenses remains unchanged at 21 cents per mile. This rate applies to variable expenses only, such as gas and oil, and does not include fixed costs like depreciation and insurance.
Charitable Use: The rate for charitable use of an automobile remains at 14 cents per mile.
Understanding the Rates
The standard mileage rates offer a simplified method for taxpayers to deduct automobile expenses. For business use, the rate covers both fixed and variable costs, while for medical and moving purposes, only variable costs are deductible. Parking fees and tolls related to medical or moving expenses can be deducted separately.
Vehicle Value Limits
The IRS has also set the maximum vehicle values for 2025, which determine the applicability of certain valuation rules for employer-provided vehicles:
Cents-Per-Mile Rule: This rule values personal use of an employer-provided vehicle by multiplying the business standard mileage rate by the number of personal miles driven.
Fleet-Average Valuation Rule: Employers with a fleet of 20 or more vehicles can use an average annual lease value for each vehicle in the fleet.
For vehicles first made available for personal use in 2025, the maximum vehicle value under both rules is $61,200, down from $62,000 in 2024. This value also sets the maximum standard automobile cost for reimbursement allowances under a fixed and variable rate (FAVR) plan.
These updates from the IRS provide clarity and consistency for taxpayers planning their 2025 automobile expenses. By understanding and utilizing the new standard mileage rates and vehicle value limits, individuals and businesses can better manage their tax deductions and compliance.
Employee benefits often include a lot of acronyms. What do these and other acronyms mean? They are primarily used in Cafeteria Plans, Consumer-Driven Health Care, ERISA Compliance, COBRA, HIPAA, and Group Health Plan Mandates manuals. The list below provides a comprehensive collection of all the acronyms used.
AD&D Plan – Accidental Death and Dismemberment Plan
ADA – Americans with Disabilities Act
ASG – Affiliated Service Group
ASO – Administrative-Services-Only
ATIN – Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number
CE – Covered Entity
CMS – Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services
COB – Coordination of Benefits
COBRA – Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
COLA – Cost-of-Living Adjustment
CONUS – Continental United States
DCAP – Dependent Care Assistance Program
DCTC – Dependent Care Tax Credit
DFVC Program – Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance Program
DOL – Department of Labor
EAP – Employee Assistance Plan
EBHRA – Excepted Benefit HRA
EBSA – Employee Benefits Security Administration
EDI – Electronic Data Interchange
EFAST2 – ERISA Filing Acceptance System II (electronic submission of Form 5500s)
The IRS has released the 2025 Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (PCORI) fee amounts for health insurers and self-insured health plan sponsors. The PCORI fee is due on July 31, 2025. For plan and policy years ending between October 1, 2024, and October 1, 2025, the PCORI fee is $3.47 per covered life, up from $3.22 for the previous year. This is a $.25 increase from the amount in effect for plan and policy years ending on or after October 1, 2023, and before October 1, 2024.
PCORI fees are calculated by multiplying the applicable dollar amount for the year by the plans or policy’s average number of covered lives. These fees, established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), fund clinical effectiveness research.
Below is the fee amount per plan year.
For more information on the upcoming PCORI fee deadline please refer to the IRS’ PCORI fee FAQ
The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it can also bring its share of stress—especially when it comes to travel. To help you stay healthy and prepared, here are the top five FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) eligible items you should pack for your holiday adventures.
A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler. Look for kits that include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and other basic supplies. Many first aid kits are FSA/HSA eligible, ensuring you’re ready for minor injuries or ailments while on the road.
Protecting your skin is crucial, even in winter. Sunscreen is often FSA/HSA eligible and perfect for those sunny holiday destinations. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF to shield your skin from harmful UV rays, whether you’re skiing or lounging by the beach.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are must-haves for any trip. These items are typically FSA/HSA eligible and can help you manage headaches, muscle aches, or any discomfort that might arise during your travels, ensuring you can enjoy your holiday without interruptions.
A digital thermometer is a handy tool to have, especially during flu season. Keeping track of your health is easier with this essential item. Many thermometers qualify for FSA/HSA reimbursement, making it a smart addition to your travel kit.
If you suffer from allergies, packing your allergy medications is essential. Antihistamines and nasal sprays are often FSA/HSA eligible and can help you manage symptoms while traveling. Whether it’s pollen, pet dander, or dust, having your allergy meds on hand will keep you comfortable and ready to enjoy the festivities.
Traveling during the holiday season doesn’t have to be stressful, especially when you’re prepared. By packing these five FSA/HSA eligible items, you can ensure a healthier, more enjoyable trip. Remember, taking care of your health is the best gift you can give yourself this holiday season. Safe travels!
For a full list of FSA/HSA eligible items, click here.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are not just for covering medical expenses—they can also be a powerful tool for long-term investment. Recently named as one of the Top HSA providers in 2024 by Morningstar, NueSynergy offers unique investment opportunities that can help you grow your savings while enjoying significant tax benefits. In this blog, we’ll explore how NueSynergy’s HSAs can be leveraged for investment purposes, providing a dual benefit of healthcare savings and wealth accumulation.
Tax Advantages of HSAs
One of the most compelling features of HSAs is their triple tax advantage:
Tax-deductible contributions: Contributions to an HSA are made with pre-tax dollars, reducing your taxable income.
Tax-free growth: Earnings from interest, dividends, and capital gains within the HSA are not taxed.
Tax-free withdrawals: Withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free.
These benefits make HSAs more advantageous than traditional retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs.
Investing with NueSynergy’s HSAs
NueSynergy stands out for its investment-friendly features. Here are some key points to consider:
1. High-Quality Investment Options
NueSynergy offers an all-ETF lineup, which is the cheapest among its peers, with an average expense ratio of just 0.05%. This low-cost structure allows you to maximize your investment returns. Additionally, as stated in Morningstar, NueSynergy’s investment offerings include no Neutral- or Negative-rated funds, and 64% of its menu was Gold-rated as of August 2024. This high-quality selection ensures that your investments are in reliable and well-performing funds.
2. No Minimum Balance Requirements
NueSynergy does not require a minimum balance to start investing, making it accessible for all account holders. This flexibility allows you to begin investing as soon as you open your HSA, without having to wait until you accumulate a certain balance.
Strategies for Maximizing Investments with NueSynergy
To make the most of your HSA as an investment tool with NueSynergy, consider the following strategies:
1. Maximize Contributions
For 2025, the maximum HSA contribution is $4,300 for individuals and $8,550 for families. If you’re 55 or older, you can contribute an additional $1,000. Maximize your contributions each year to take full advantage of the tax benefits and growth potential.
2. Invest Aggressively Early On
If you’re young and healthy, consider investing aggressively in your HSA. With a longer time horizon, you can afford to take on more risk, which can lead to higher returns.
3. Use Other Funds for Medical Expenses
To allow your HSA investments to grow, try to cover current medical expenses out-of-pocket if possible. This way, your HSA can continue to grow tax-free, providing a larger nest egg for future healthcare costs or retirement.
NueSynergy’s Health Savings Accounts offer a unique opportunity to combine healthcare savings with robust investment potential. By understanding the tax advantages and investment opportunities NueSynergy provides, you can maximize your financial health and secure a more prosperous future.
