DLax85

I've heard alot of guys who fly internaionally, or routinely fly to more expensive cities, use private services (e.g. Pro Diem) to calculate the difference between the governament authorized per diem rates for those cities and the actual per diem paid by their airlines.

They then include this difference as an additional deduction when calculating their non-reimbursed business expenses.

My questions...

Do you have to "layover" on a trip to take this additional deduction?

Can you apply this deduction when flying AM or PM Out-N-Backs, which don't pay any per diem?

If so, I can see how it would also be very worthwhile for an AM or PM Out-N-Back flyer to take the time to calculate this additional deduction.

Is there anyone out there who has used a private service, like Pro Diem, who can check their printouts to see if their out-n-back trips also earned them any additional deductions?

Any/all inputs are greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Thedude

Yes

In a word, No.

Its right in the IRS Publication on Per diem. It basically states you can't take the deduction unless you are there long enough to require rest.

USMCFDX

FedEx provides all of the info needed in the per diem recap found in Vips. You just have to do a little math. The government approved rate and what you were paid are listed.

I can't see why you would pay someone to do it?

FDXLAG

Same reason I pay that guy between term A and B in memphis to shine my boots before a deadhead. Just trying to help the economy. And both are tax deductible.

FDXer

And it's silly to have a CPA or tax professional do your taxes too!

Falconjet

Can you outline the steps necessary to do the math?

Thanks,

FJ