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New Member
posted Mar 22, 2020 6:22:06 PM

I work for the rail road and I have to stay over night away from home. How do I deduct my meals? Isn't there a daily allowance?

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2 Best answers
Expert Alumni
Mar 22, 2020 6:50:06 PM

Because of the Tax Cuts and job Act of 2017, employee business expenses, including meal expense are no longer tax deductible in your federal return. However, you may be able to claim these in your state return if you are allowed to claim itemized deductions in your federal and state returns.

  1. To enter, go to federal>deductions and credits>employment expenses>job related expenses 
  2. As you scroll through the entries, you will reach a screen that says meals.  Here is where you will make the entry.
  3. Only a handful of states allow this so don't be surprised if your state return does not change.

Expert Alumni
Mar 26, 2020 4:00:46 PM

No for the same reason above.

3 Replies
Expert Alumni
Mar 22, 2020 6:50:06 PM

Because of the Tax Cuts and job Act of 2017, employee business expenses, including meal expense are no longer tax deductible in your federal return. However, you may be able to claim these in your state return if you are allowed to claim itemized deductions in your federal and state returns.

  1. To enter, go to federal>deductions and credits>employment expenses>job related expenses 
  2. As you scroll through the entries, you will reach a screen that says meals.  Here is where you will make the entry.
  3. Only a handful of states allow this so don't be surprised if your state return does not change.

New Member
Mar 26, 2020 3:46:18 PM

Can truckers claim their meals?

Expert Alumni
Mar 26, 2020 4:00:46 PM

No for the same reason above.