Introduction to Wisconsin Mileage Reimbursement Law
Wisconsin mileage reimbursement law requires employers to reimburse employees for work-related travel expenses, including mileage. The law aims to ensure that employees are not unfairly burdened with expenses incurred while performing their job duties. Employers must have a reimbursement policy in place, and employees must submit expense reports to receive reimbursement.
The Wisconsin mileage reimbursement rate is based on the federal mileage reimbursement rate, which is adjusted annually. For 2022, the standard mileage rate is 58.5 cents per mile for business use of a car. Employees can claim reimbursement for miles driven for work-related purposes, including travel to client meetings, conferences, and training sessions.
Eligibility for Mileage Reimbursement in Wisconsin
To be eligible for mileage reimbursement in Wisconsin, employees must use their personal vehicle for work-related travel. The vehicle can be a car, truck, or van, but not a motorcycle or other type of vehicle. Employees must also keep accurate records of their mileage, including the date, destination, and number of miles driven. These records will be used to calculate reimbursement.
Employees who use their personal vehicle for both work and personal purposes can only claim reimbursement for the miles driven for work-related purposes. For example, if an employee drives 100 miles to a client meeting and then drives 50 miles to a personal appointment, they can only claim reimbursement for the 100 miles driven for work-related purposes.
Calculating Mileage Reimbursement in Wisconsin
To calculate mileage reimbursement in Wisconsin, employees multiply the number of miles driven for work-related purposes by the applicable reimbursement rate. For example, if an employee drives 200 miles for work-related purposes and the reimbursement rate is 58.5 cents per mile, they would be eligible for reimbursement of $117.00.
Employers may also reimburse employees for other work-related expenses, such as tolls, parking fees, and fuel costs. However, these expenses must be documented and submitted with the mileage reimbursement claim. Employees should check with their employer to determine what expenses are eligible for reimbursement.
Submitting a Mileage Reimbursement Claim in Wisconsin
To submit a mileage reimbursement claim in Wisconsin, employees must complete an expense report and submit it to their employer. The expense report should include the date, destination, and number of miles driven, as well as any other eligible expenses. Employees should keep a copy of their expense report and supporting documentation, such as receipts and mileage logs.
Employers must reimburse employees for eligible expenses within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 30 days of receiving the expense report. Employees should check with their employer to determine the reimbursement process and timeframe.
Disputing a Mileage Reimbursement Claim in Wisconsin
If an employee disputes a mileage reimbursement claim in Wisconsin, they should first review their expense report and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy. If the employee believes their claim was incorrectly denied or underpaid, they should contact their employer to discuss the issue.
If the dispute cannot be resolved with the employer, the employee may file a complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. The department will investigate the complaint and determine whether the employer has violated Wisconsin mileage reimbursement law. Employees should be aware of their rights and the process for disputing a mileage reimbursement claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current mileage reimbursement rate in Wisconsin?
The current mileage reimbursement rate in Wisconsin is 58.5 cents per mile for business use of a car, based on the federal mileage reimbursement rate.
How do I calculate my mileage reimbursement in Wisconsin?
To calculate your mileage reimbursement in Wisconsin, multiply the number of miles driven for work-related purposes by the applicable reimbursement rate.
What expenses are eligible for reimbursement in Wisconsin?
Eligible expenses in Wisconsin include mileage, tolls, parking fees, and fuel costs, as long as they are documented and submitted with the mileage reimbursement claim.
How long does it take to receive mileage reimbursement in Wisconsin?
Employers must reimburse employees for eligible expenses within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 30 days of receiving the expense report.
Can I dispute a mileage reimbursement claim in Wisconsin?
Yes, if you believe your mileage reimbursement claim was incorrectly denied or underpaid, you can dispute it with your employer or file a complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
What records do I need to keep for mileage reimbursement in Wisconsin?
You should keep accurate records of your mileage, including the date, destination, and number of miles driven, as well as any other eligible expenses, such as receipts and mileage logs.