Originally Posted by
dontsurf
i can't think of how this is appropriate for anyone. i would assume you get per diem (and that doesn't matter, really...it just matters that you're eligible for per diem). because the deduction you'd already be taking off of the gsa numbers for per diem allowances include tips. there's no legitimate reason to deduct tips separately unless you're just not taking advantage of the real money to be had in deducting the difference between your per diem and the gsa numbers.
I have to disagree. PROVIDED you keep a log with your actual expenses, you may well document expenses far exceeding the government rates and your per diem. To do this you must keep a log of your actual meal and incidental expenses. This may include many expenses that we do not often think of, such as gym fees away from home, when they duplicate a gym membership that you have at home, haircuts, when your wife normally cuts your hair at home but you are away for too long, shoe shines that you would normally do yourself, and your employer requires, but you don't have the equipment to comply with away from home, taxi fare for pretty much anything, and ACTUAL meal expenses. NOTE: the IRS does not require receipts for meals under $75. NOTE: Please do not consider this liscence to deduct a $75 breakfast in Fargo, North Dakota. The only way you could manage that would to pay for five crew members, or to have ten shots of single malt scotch with breakfast. On the other hand, if you have a several day layover in LHR or NRT, it is extremely easy to spend way more than the government rate.