IRS PUBLISHES RATES AND TERMINAL CHARGE FOR NONCOMMERCIAL FLIGHTS.

Rev. Rul. 98-40

[1] For purposes of the taxation of fringe benefits under section 61 of the Internal Revenue Code, section 1.61-21(g) of the Income Tax Regulations provides a rule for valuing noncommercial flights on employer-provided aircraft. Section 1.61-21(g)(5) provides an aircraft valuation formula to determine the value of such flights. The value of a flight is determined under the base aircraft valuation formula (also known as the Standard Industry Fare Level formula or SIFL) by multiplying the SIFL cents-per-mile rates applicable for the period during which the flight was taken by the appropriate aircraft multiple provided in section 1.61-21(g)(7) and then adding the applicable terminal charge. The SIFL cents-per-mile rates in the formula and the terminal charge are calculated by the Department of Transportation and are reviewed semi-annually.

[2] The following chart sets forth the terminal charges and SIFL mileage rates:

      Period During Which      Terminal            SIFL Mileage

[3] The principal author of this revenue ruling is Felicia Daniels Smith of the Office of the Associate Chief Counsel (Employee Benefits and Exempt Organizations). For further information regarding this revenue ruling contact, Ms. Smith on (202) 622-6050 (not a toll- free call).