Tips for Business Travelers

Expenses: Good record keeping of your business expenses will prevent later headaches.  All non-reimbursed business expenses may be deducted on your personal income tax forms.  Most businesses also require receipts and/or cancelled checks with a detailed description of the expense for reimbursement.  Documentary evidence like receipts, tickets, and expense diary entries must be kept for any expense.  For automobile expenses a diary should be kept of the odometer readings during your business day as well as gas purchases, tolls, repairs, parking, and other auto-related expenditures.

Business and entertainment expenses should be separated from daily personal expenses.  Business meals, entertainment and gifts should be part of this record.  Any expense considered "business" should be necessary in the conduction of your trade or business.  When recording meals and entertainment, list the date, place, and purpose of the meeting, the names and business relationship of the individuals, and the amount and type of expense incurred.  Tips should be documented in your journal since they will not (for the most part) have receipts.  (See my guide "Tips for Tipping"  for customary tipping information)

Keep your records for 10 years in case of an IRS audit. 

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I have other guides for travelers, please feel free to check them out.

(The above is not intended as tax advise, I am not a professional tax specialist, my knowledge is the result of years of travel as a professional musician and as a business executive.)