When using the standard meal deduction for Alaska (I was a fisherman), do you use the full per diem amount as the deduction, or 50% of the per diem amount?

I was a fisherman in Alaska this past summer and I've been looking into deductions for fishermen. For the meals deduction, do you use the full per diem amount or 50% of it as your total deduction?

741

Expert Alumni

May 31, 2019 6:46:19 PM

Yes, you should enter the full amount you spent on allowable meals, less any reimbursement. TurboTax will calculate the 50% deduction for you.

For instance, if you received a per diem to cover your meals, you should deduct only the amount that exceeded your per diem reimbursement.

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When using the standard meal deduction for Alaska (I was a fisherman), do you use the full per diem amount as the deduction, or 50% of the per diem amount?