Hey Deborah,

we use to giving our employeed abstractors a set amount for a monthly gas allowance, but we changed over to paying by the mile.  We had started out at $0.15 a mile but went up to $0.20 a mile when gas went over $2.00 a gallon.  We were talking about going higher if gas was going to stay over $3.00 a gallon, but it is down to $2.23.  Most cars get at least 20 miles to the gallon so we were not out to make their car payment, but to reimburse them on their gas expense and some of their maintaince and insurance.  Uncle Sam allows for 42.5 cents/mile (?) I believe this year.  So they can deduct what they didn't get reimbursed for off their taxes when they have an itemized return.  Check with your accountant to be sure.

Jay