How Much Can I Claim for Business Travel Expenses?

By Anna Duncan

When it comes to claiming business travel expenses, there is a lot to consider. Depending on the company’s tax situation, certain types of expenses are deductible and can be claimed as a business expense.

However, some types of travel costs may not be tax deductible. It is important to know what kind of expenses you can and cannot claim when it comes to business travel.

In general, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows businesses to deduct “ordinary and necessary” expenses for the operation of a trade or business. This includes costs related to travel for employees, such as airfare, car rentals, lodging, meals and entertainment. These items may be deductible if they are directly related to the performance of services for the company.

In order to claim these expenses, there must be records documenting them. For example, receipts must be kept that show the cost of airfare or car rentals. Additionally, any lodging receipts should include an itemized list of taxes or other fees that are part of the total cost.

When it comes to meals and entertainment expenses while traveling for business purposes, only 50 percent of these costs can be deducted from taxes. This includes meals with clients or potential clients in which business is discussed and entertainment activities that are related to conducting business.

Conclusion:

When claiming business travel expenses, it is important to know what kind of costs are deductible on taxes and which ones are not. Generally speaking, all ordinary and necessary costs associated with operating a trade or business can be claimed as a deduction. However, only 50 percent of meal and entertainment costs can be deducted from taxes when traveling for business purposes.