DO I have to show all receipts to the IRS to claim living expenses as deductions from working out of town?

Question

I spent three months working out of town last year. I am hoping to claim living expenses as deductions. Do I have to show all receipts to the IRS, or is there a standardized minimum that I can use to simplify the process?

Answer 1

You need receitps for all lodging expenses.

For meals and other expenses you only need receipts for individual expenditures of over $25.00 if you keep a daily diary of all expenses.

I travel very heavily and have been audited twice. The expense diary IS accepted by the IRS.

Answer 2

You have to keep all the receipts and base your deductions on those receipts. But you don't have to turn the receipts in with your tax return; just keep them on file with the rest of your tax documents in case the IRS requests additional details.

Answer 3

Any time you are going to claim expenses or deductions or credits, you need a bookkeeping system.

http://www.irs.gov/publications/p552/index.html

I hope this helps. Also, it is recommended that one keeps a Safe-Deposit Box for their records [this is tax deductible.]