In Notice 2019-8 the IRS has set the maximum values for 2018 for employer provided vehicles under which the cents per mile method (Reg. §1.61-21(e)) or fleet-average valuation rule (Reg. §1.61-21(d)) may apply.

The IRS is making a significant increase in this number. The agency explains its reasoning as follows:

Consistent with the substantial increase in the dollar limitations on depreciation deductions under section 280F(a), as modified by section 13202(a)(1) of the Act, the IRS and the Treasury Department intend to amend Treas. Reg. § 1.61-21(d) and (e) to incorporate a higher base value of $50,000 as the maximum value for use of the vehicle cents-per-mile and fleet-average valuation rules effective for the 2018 calendar year. Further, the IRS and the Treasury Department intend that the regulations will be modified to provide that this $50,000 base value will be adjusted annually using section 280F(d)(7) for 2019 and subsequent years.

The maximum value of vehicles for which the cents per mile method may be used for 2018 is $50,000.

The maximum value of vehicles for the fleet valuation rule for 2018 is also set at $50,000.