Per Diem?

I agree with you and came in here to say the same thing. When I was a Vactor operator for a while they gave us a check each week for per diem, separate from our regular check. We were responsible for our own lodging from the per diem, but even before the lodging thing they still cut us a check every week. I've always kinda felt like the way trucking CO's do it is scammy.

 

Can anyone explain what the process would be to do per diem on your own during tax time (W2), and not lose income from doing it though employer? do you need to keep receipts, logs, etc, for the days you are claiming the $63?

 

Log books is fine. If electronic get copies.

75% of $63 for day off arriving or leaving domicile.

80% of $63 for all FULL days away from domicile.

 

Jan 1, 2015 - Sept 30, 2015 the rate is $59 per day

Oct 1, 2015 to Dec 31, 2015 the rate is $63 per day.

DO NOT use $63 for the entire 2015... you have to split the year.

 

I'm gonna use 63 per day for 345 days..10/4

 

You have to split the rate.

 

You still need enough total deductions to get over the threshold for your individual situation in order itemize your tax return and claim the per diem

 

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-too...on-Wisdom---Should-You-Itemize-/INF12061.html

 

So, not being in a special situation, my itemized per diem amount I would claim would have to be over...

• Standard deduction for single taxpayers - $6,300

• Standard deduction for married taxpayers filing a joint return - $12,600

• Standard deduction for head of household taxpayers - $9,250

?

 

For sure,l think 4 kids,morgage interest will do it