Originally Posted by
rickair7777
OK, thanks.
So let's say I take the standard rate daily rate ($52) do I now have to calculate the exact amount of per diem paid for each day and subtract that from $52? That would be a real PITA...
Or perhaps I can take all of my per diem for the year and subtract it from the total of my government standard entitlement?
My tax guy has been screwing this up for years, I'm almost sorry I decided to try to get it straight
The method I use is to total the amount of full overnights (not first or last day of trip) and multiply that by $52. Then total the amount of partial overnights (first or last day) and multiply that by $39 (75% of $52). Add those together and subtract the amount the company reimbursed you. That number is your deduction amount. Remember not to use day trips because that per diem is taxable.