If I am reimbursed for travel expenses, do I have to report that as income?

Question

Mileage, hotel, meal allowance....I pay out of pocket, submit an expense report, and my boss cuts me a check. Does the IRS consider that income?

Answer 1

The fact that your employer reimburses you for the expenses is NOT considered income. You do not have to report that as income but check your W2's to make sure.

Typicaly, you can report your unreimbursed employee business expenses if your employer specifially states that you are required to incur these expenses and the expenses are considered "ordinary and necessary" for your job. Your employer must specifically state that they do NOT reimburse you for those expenses. Remember to keep all your receipts. If you file a Schedule A (itemized deductions), you can put the amounts on Line 20.

Answer 2

Not its a business related expense. It's not money you are making - its them paying you back for something they were responsible to pay for in the first place. (mileage, hotel, airfare, etc.)

However, somes meals might be considered taxable, depending on the situation. If you work through lunch its usually alright, but I know that i have had to pay tax on some dinners in the past. I would double check with your employer for the meals

Answer 3

Expenses reimbursed don't count as income under IRS rules. Since if they weren't reimbursed, you could deduct them from your income. Then end result on your taxes is as if the expenses (or the money that reimbursed you for them) never existed

Answer 4

I travel all the time for work. I even moved to Canada for a year and got my rent, insurance, mileage, etc reimbursed to me. You don't have to claim it as income because it's not income. You've paid it, they are just giving the money back to you.

Answer 5

This is not income and is not reported as income. If you are reimbursed, you may not deduct these expenses either. The 1040 booklet explains this.

Answer 6

No

Answer 7

No.

Answer 8

NO