Employee Mileage Reimbursement in Georgia (GA)

With the high cost of gas and insurance today,and many of us having to travel for work I was curious to see how employers were compensating for the increased travel expenses. I was surprised to learn that there is no law in Georgia that requires employers to pay a certain mileage rate. In my research I found that the only laws governing reimbursement for mileage are with regard to employees of the state, and Workers Compensation claimants.

Most employers do however reimburse their employees for their travels and will usually reflect the rates and polices set forth by the state. If you travel frequently for work you are probably already aware of your company policy on travel and reimbursable expenses. If you don’t regularly travel it would be a good idea to ask your employer what their policies are and how you will be compensated for your travels. By law your employer is required to pay you for your travel time.

The General Assembly of Georgia requires that the officers, officials and employees of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state government shall be reimbursed for mileage at the same rate established by the US GSA for federal employees. The GSA amount is the IRS maximum allowable amount. Currently that rate is set at $.445 per mile.

Employers are also required to pay the medical expenses of injured employees. Medical expenses are not limited to, but shall include the reasonable cost of travel between the employee’s home and the place of exam or treatment, or physical therapy, or the pharmacy. If traveling by private vehicle the rate of mileage is $.40. The employee should also be reimbursed for meals if the place of treatment is outside of their home city or if the time of the trip lasts more than four hours.

In the unlikely event that your employer does not reimburse you for expenses, keep in mind that most travel expenses are tax deductible.