Per Diem First And Last Day Of Travel
Per diem, which is a Latin term meaning “per day,” is a commonly used term in the business world. It refers to a daily allowance that a company provides to its employees or team members for expenses incurred while on official trips or assignments. This amount is intended to cover the cost of meals, lodging, and other incidental expenses that are typically incurred during travel. While per diem rates can vary depending on the location and the company's policies, it is essential to understand how per diem applies to the first and last day of travel.
What is Per Diem for the First and Last Day of Travel?
Per diem for the first and last day of travel is slightly different from the standard per diem rate. These two days are often referred to as "travel days," and the per diem amount provided is intended to cover any meals or other expenses incurred while traveling to or from the travel destination. This is because it is assumed that most meals will be consumed while traveling, and thus, the allowance for these days is often lower than the standard per diem rate.
In most cases, the per diem rate for the first and last day of travel is set at 75% of the standard per diem rate. For example, if the standard per diem rate for a particular location is $100, the per diem rate for the first and last day of travel would be $75. This rate applies regardless of the mode of transportation used, whether it is airfare, train, or car expenses.
When Does First and Last Day of Travel Per Diem Apply?
Per diem for the first and last day of travel applies to any official trip or assignment that requires an employee or team member to travel away from their regular work location. This can include business trips, conferences, training programs, and other work-related events that require travel.
It is important to note that per diem rates and policies can vary between companies, so it is essential to check with your employer or HR department to determine the specific policies that apply to you. In some cases, companies may have different per diem rates for different locations, while others may have a flat per diem rate that applies to all travel.
How to Calculate Per Diem for the First and Last Day of Travel
Calculating per diem for the first and last day of travel is relatively straightforward. First, you need to determine the standard per diem rate for the location you are traveling to. You can find this information on the General Services Administration (GSA) website, which provides the most current per diem rates for all U.S. cities and counties.
Once you have determined the standard per diem rate, you can calculate the per diem rate for the first and last day of travel by multiplying the standard rate by 75%. For example, if the standard per diem rate is $100, the per diem rate for the first and last day of travel would be $75 ($100 x 0.75).
It is important to keep accurate records of all expenses incurred during travel, including meals, lodging, and transportation. This information will be used to support your per diem claims and will be required for reimbursement purposes.
Conclusion
Per diem for the first and last day of travel is an essential aspect of any company's travel policies. It is intended to provide employees and team members with an allowance to cover the cost of meals and other incidental expenses incurred during travel. Understanding how per diem applies to the first and last day of travel is crucial to ensure that you receive fair reimbursement for expenses incurred during work-related travel. Be sure to check with your employer or HR department to determine the specific per diem rates and policies that apply to you.
