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Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) has introduced H.R. 6675, a bill that would increase the standard charitable mileage rate tax deduction for volunteers who deliver meals to elderly, disabled, frail, or at risk individuals.  High gas prices have recently forced many home meal delivery programs to alter or reduce the amount of routes and meals they can provide. 

Currently, the standard mileage rate for charitable mileage is 14 cents per mile and, if passed, H.R. 6675 would bring the charitable rate up for those delivering meals to the current business rate of 58.5 cents per mile. 

“Every day, volunteers drive thousands of miles to deliver much-needed meals and support to our senior citizens and others who are in need.  With gas prices continuing to rise, it is important that volunteers delivering meals are able to document their mileage for their service for an increased tax deduction from the IRS,” Latta said. 

During the drafting of H.R. 6675, Congressman Latta worked with Denise Niese, Executive Director for the Wood County Committee on Aging, to gather data and information relating to programs that deliver meals to senior citizens throughout the Fifth Congressional District. 

“Our meal delivery programs rely heavily on volunteers who incur out of pocket expenses to provide this much needed service to our senior citizens.  These programs and volunteers are vital to senior citizens who want to maintain their independent living situation,” Niese said. 

“This legislation will retain and assist in recruitment of volunteers to carry out the mission and work of important programs that provide home delivered meals,” Latta added. 

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Congressman Robert Latta was elected in a special election in 2007 to serve the Ohio 5th District.  He is a member of the House Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.