Notice: Historical Content

This is an archival or historical document and may not reflect current law, policies or procedures.

Are any of my business travel expenses deductible?

If you are employed by someone else, your best bet, tax-wise, is to have your employer reimburse your travel expenses.

However, in general, deductible travel expenses are those expenses you incur while you’re away from your main place of business. They include the following:

  • Hotel, motel, and other lodging expenses.
  • 50% of the cost of your meals and business entertainment.
  • The cost of local transportation services while you’re at your travel destination.
  • The cost of getting to and from your travel destination.


Tax Home

It is important to note that according to the IRS, your expenses become "travel expenses" only when you’re traveling away from your "tax home." This means that you are traveling away from the area of your main place of business and you are away substantially longer than an ordinary day’s work. The idea is that you are away so long that you need to sleep or rest so you can do your job.

Transportation expenses

If you’re not traveling away from your tax home, your expenses aren’t travel expenses. If you’re driving from job to job, or traveling to meet clients or customers in your regular area of business, the IRS calls these kinds of travel expenses "transportation" expenses.

Lavish or extravagant

If your travel expenses are "lavish or extravagant," or beyond a reasonable amount, you won't be able to deduct some of your travel costs.