You'll need to sign in or create an account to connect with an expert.
Then yes, you can enter it as a "Job Expense" in TurboTax. You can use the Standard Meal Per Diem, and your ACTUAL cost of Lodging. TurboTax should walk you through it. Without receipts, you will need to reconstruct what your Lodging expenses are. You usually use 3/4 of the Meal Per Diem amount on the day that you leave and the day that you arrive.
You can look up the amounts on these links. Be sure to only use the Meal amount ("M&IE").
https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates
https://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp
However, that is in a category that is an Itemized Deduction that is limited to the amount OVER 2% of your income, which will reduce your deduction. If you usually use the Standard Deduction because it is larger than your Itemized Deductions, your deduction will further be reduced or eliminated.
Another note: This deduction will be eliminated for 2018 (tax returns filed in 2019). You may consider negotiating with your employer about this. If the employer pays you tax-free under an Accountable Plan, and in exchange you are willing to receive a lower 'base pay', then it is likely that BOTH you and your employer will save some money.
Then yes, you can enter it as a "Job Expense" in TurboTax. You can use the Standard Meal Per Diem, and your ACTUAL cost of Lodging. TurboTax should walk you through it. Without receipts, you will need to reconstruct what your Lodging expenses are. You usually use 3/4 of the Meal Per Diem amount on the day that you leave and the day that you arrive.
You can look up the amounts on these links. Be sure to only use the Meal amount ("M&IE").
https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates
https://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp
However, that is in a category that is an Itemized Deduction that is limited to the amount OVER 2% of your income, which will reduce your deduction. If you usually use the Standard Deduction because it is larger than your Itemized Deductions, your deduction will further be reduced or eliminated.
Another note: This deduction will be eliminated for 2018 (tax returns filed in 2019). You may consider negotiating with your employer about this. If the employer pays you tax-free under an Accountable Plan, and in exchange you are willing to receive a lower 'base pay', then it is likely that BOTH you and your employer will save some money.
Still have questions?
Make a postAsk questions and learn more about your taxes and finances.
doug1953cp
New Member
MattZwolinski
New Member
richardm75
New Member
ahelmers1411
New Member
ngrav4
New Member
Did the information on this page answer your question?
You have clicked a link to a site outside of the TurboTax Community. By clicking "Continue", you will leave the Community and be taken to that site instead.