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New Member
posted May 31, 2019 5:03:36 PM

I was given per diem from my company but was taxed on it. Is there any way to claim or get that taxed per diem back?

The taxed per diem was listed on line one with my regular pay in my W-2 making my earned income look bigger than it was.

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2 Replies
Expert Alumni
May 31, 2019 5:03:38 PM

Assuming the per diem was a reimbursement for work related travel, including meals. you may have a deduction for travel expenses that can be used to offset the income through itemized deductions.  Use Deductions & Credits for all itemized deductions.

In TurboTax for job related expenses specifically do the following:

  • In the search box type employee business expenses
  • Jump to employee business expenses
  • If you are a transportation worker be sure to check that box for special allowances
  • follow the prompts DO NOT enter any reimbursements that were included in box 1 of your W2.*

* I have included a screenshot showing you this section.

Level 15
Jun 18, 2019 6:53:34 AM

No. Starting in 2018 W-2 job related expenses are no longer deductible. So if the per diem was included in box 1 of your W-2, it's taxable income to you.

You may wish to talk with your employer about an "accountable" reimbursement plan. This is a plan where you provide the employer receipts for your qualified W-2 job related expenses and they reimburse you. Then the amount reimbursed is not included on your W-2 and you therefore don't get taxed on it.