Quote:
Originally Posted by jetlag7
Per Diem is NOT income. It should never be treated as such nor should it ever be included in serious discussions about wages.
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I get the argument that per diem isn't incomer per the IRS standards, rather a sum paid to cover travel, lodging, and meals. However, in the real world where logic and common sense seems to rule at least in most aspects of life, If money is coming in that requires you to GO TO WORK and do your job and spend NOTHING to get it, therefore that is income no matter which way you slice it. I rarely spend money on the road. Maybe 20 to 30 a cycle. I don't drink on the road. Just not what I choose to do. Secondly, If you don't go to work, you do not get PAID per diem. It doesn't magically show up, right? Just because the IRS says it's a non taxable item, it is still classified as non taxable event which translates to INCOME!!!!!!!!!! It doesn't qualify towards 'earned income' credits ot status and has zero liabilities or contingencies with regards to limits either.
NJA and FLX both provide 3 squares a day. 2 catered meals and one sit down or whichever order you choose at FLX. So long as you go to work, you get your 16 days a month per diem just for showing up. Work over 16, you get additional. It's that simple. If it isn't income, do you tell them you'd rather not have it as it's not 'real' income. I see both sides of the coin. At the end of the month, do you treat your money differently because it isn't 'real' income. Do they not spend the same?