On April 28, 2023, Representatives Pete Stauber (R-MN-8) and Angie Craig (D-MN-2) introduced the Volunteer Driver Tax Appreciation Act of 2023 on the House floor. The legislation would increase the federal tax deduction mileage rate for volunteers from $0.14 to $0.655 to match the current business rate.
In a press release, Representative Stauber noted, “Volunteer drivers are crucial to our rural Minnesota communities and to our seniors, as they help deliver meals and provide transportation for healthcare services. It’s critical that we support our volunteer drivers while they provide these invaluable services.”
“This legislation seeks to strengthen a lifeline for older adults, particularly in rural areas,” says Dawn Simonson, Trellis president and CEO and Volunteer Driver Coalition co-chair. “Volunteer drivers should not be penalized for helping members of their communities.”
In 2018, volunteer drivers in Minnesota provided more than 168,000 rides for older adults and other non-drivers, giving them access to healthcare and other essential community services and products. Organizations with volunteer driver programs served 77,000+ people in 2018 and drivers covered more than 9.5 million miles. Increasing the charitable mileage reimbursement rate will more accurately reflect the actual costs of owning and driving a personal vehicle for charitable purposes.
The Volunteer Driver Coalition is grateful to Representatives Stauber and Craig for their support of volunteer drivers.