Question

Can I use lodging per diem rates from gsa.gov for job related travel expenses at temp work locations (union carpenter)? Or is it actual receipts only? I'm finding conflicting answers in turbotax. I know I can use meal per diem but just need to kno

Forum|Forum|6 years ago
June 3, 2019
1 reply
0 views

No text available

TurboTax Premier Online

Employee

You can use either. This link taken from IRS Pub 463: https://www.irs.gov/publications/p463/ch06.html#en_US_2016_publink1000283280, allows you to use the GSA.gov per diem amounts for both lodging and meals and incidentals for approved travel expenses. The GSA.gov website for these tables can be seen clicking on this link: Per Diem Rates - GSA

You may claim actual expenses if they are not considered lavish or extravagant, but, having said that, the per diem amounts are actually quite generous numbers. (I recommend familiarizing yourself with Pub 463 some as it is the authority for all of these types of questions on deductible business travel).

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

F

fostenaAuthor

Can you use the lodging per diem rates if you stay with a relative or friend instead of at a hotel when on business travel? If so, what documentation is needed since there is no receipt.