Do you drive a car, truck or van for work? If so, it's important to note that as of July 1, you're able to get an additional 4.5 cents per mile.

• Businesses = 55.5 cents per mile driven (up from 51 cents through June)
• Medical or moving = 23.5 cents per mile driven (up from 19 cents through June)

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) increased the mileage rate in response to the recent high gas prices. These mileage rates are used to calculate deductible costs for driving an automobile for business, medical and moving purposes.

NOTE: The rate for driving that is related to charities remains unchanged at 14 cents per mile, since that rate is set by a statute.

Make Sure You Qualify
Before you calculate your deduction, make sure you qualify. The IRS reminds taxpayers that they cannot use the standard mileage rate for a vehicle after using any depreciation method under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) or after claiming a Section 179 deduction for that vehicle.

Additional Option
Although the IRS provides the standard mileage rate for ease and convenience, you're not required to use it. If you prefer, you can calculate the actual costs of using your vehicle instead of using the standard mileage rates.

Remember – if you have questions or concerns, talk to a tax consultant or accountant to discuss your options and unique situation. You can read the official release in the IRS' Announcement 2011-40.

The growing popularity and functionality of smart phones is presenting a tempting target for cybercrooks. Recently, an outbreak of malware (short for "malicious software") infected thousands of Android phones after users downloaded a seemingly innocuous app from the Android Market.

This time, Google, which developed the Android operating system, wiped the threat from infected phones. But don't expect hackers to back off. "They can access your contact list, e-mails, mobile-banking account login information," says John Sileo, author of Smartphone Survival Guide: Ten Critical Security Tips in Ten Minutes. "They can act on your behalf; they can become you."

Signs that your phone is infected may include decreased battery life and slow performance. Fishy calls and texts on your phone bill are a dead giveaway. To find trustworthy apps, experts recommend downloading from reliable sources, such as the Apple Store, Amazon and the Android Market – exceptions such as the infected application notwithstanding.

For extra coverage, download free mobile security software, such as Lookout Mobile Security, available for Android, Windows and BlackBerry phones.

Reprinted with permission. All Contents ©2011 The Kiplinger Washington Editors. www.kiplinger.com.