topic Re: DOT Meal expense in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

DOT Meal expense

psdeckers — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 06:20:15 GMT

I am in the transportation industry and was entering expenses under the category 'Job related expenses'. I understand that this does not affect my Fed tax, but entering for state. When I enter an amount into the DOT meal expense, that amount does not get added into the totals that show up on the page titled "Job Related Expenses Summary." I have some reimbursement but not enough to negate the expense. Does anyone know why the DOT meal expense is not adding into the total of all job related expenses?

Re: DOT Meal expense

HelenC12 — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 18:48:50 GMT

Please clarify the state that you're referring to and we'll try and answer your question. Thank you.

Re: DOT Meal expense

psdeckers — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 23:12:39 GMT

California

Re: DOT Meal expense

psdeckers — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 00:25:11 GMT

I may have answered my own question. Form 2106 is the form for job related expenses. On that form, column B, for meal expenses, is grayed out. The meal expense box below columns A and B says meal expense is state only. I presume I will not see the meal expense added to the other expenses until I open the TurboTax state product, which I haven't gotten to yet.

Re: DOT Meal expense

ErnieS0 — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 03:06:23 GMT

Yes. You will not see meal expenses until you get to state. TurboTax will transfer those expenses to the California return and will figure whether the California standard deduction or itemized deductions is right for you.