Originally Posted by
YourMom
Per diem is still deductible next year but most will not because the standard deduction will be $24000. Everyone is getting a tax break, not just companies. Even the "bonus" money will be taxed less with the new laws.
Not to make this a tax debate but you’re incorrect about the per diem expense difference not being deductible. They are not. Miscellaneous deductions that exceed 2% of your AGI to include unreimbursed employee expenses and unreimbursed travel expenses are no longer deductible.
The rest of your point depends on each persons individual tax situation. I will likely pay a little (negligible) more tax on the same money in 2018 than 2017. The rates are going down but I’m losing $16,000 in personal exemptions and another $5,000 in deductions over the new $24,000 standard deduction. So if I make the same exact money in 2018 my taxable income is $21000 higher in 2018. Hopefully the rates will make up for the taxes on that extra $21000.
But I digress,
$2.25/hr with $.02 increases is low. An airport salad is $15. A hot meal with vegetables is $20.