Businesses can use the federal per diem rates, including meals and incidental expenses to reimburse employees for business travel expenses.
Rates have been in effect since October 1, 2018 and will remain in effect until September 30, 2019.
| Incidental expenses only | $5/day |
| High-cost locales | $287/day which includes meals & incidental expenses |
| Other locales | $195/day which includes meals & incidental expenses |
| High-cost locales meals & incidental expenses | $71 |
| Other locales meals & incidental expenses | $60 |
Tips for porters, baggage carriers, hotel and ship staff are Incidental Expenses. Not in included in per diem incidental expenses are transportation between places of lodging or business and places where meals are taken, the cost of mailing in travel vouchers, employer-sponsored charge card billings. These costs can be reimbursed with receipts.
If you live in a high cost city this list can help you with their rates High Cost Cities.