Minimum hours for per diem for meals

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I frequently travel, but it is mostly long days. I would like to use a per diem, or per meal for my meal expenses. I just read that $71/day is the per diem for meals. If I leave at 6:30 am and don't return until 7 pm, does that count for a whole day?

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SweetieJeanAnswer

Alumni - Champ

Meal expenses are deductible if your business trip is overnight, or long enough that you need to stop for substantial sleep or rest to properly perform your duties.

Many commuters have days that are 12 hours or longer, but that in itself does not make the meals deductible.

.https://www.irs.gov/help-resources/tools-faqs/faqs-for-individuals/frequently-asked-tax-questions-an...

SweetieJean

Answer

Alumni - Champ

Meal expenses are deductible if your business trip is overnight, or long enough that you need to stop for substantial sleep or rest to properly perform your duties.

Many commuters have days that are 12 hours or longer, but that in itself does not make the meals deductible.

.https://www.irs.gov/help-resources/tools-faqs/faqs-for-individuals/frequently-asked-tax-questions-an...