Important Reminders

Standard meal allowance. The standard meal allowance (also referred to as the limit on meals and incidental expenses (M&IE rate)) for most small localities in the United States is $30. However, the standard meal allowance is higher for most major cities and many other localities in the continental United States. See Publication 1542, Per Diem Rates. These rates (allowances/limits) are also listed in Appendix A of Chapter 41, Part 301 of the Code of Federal Regulations. If you have a computer, you can find them on the Internet at www.policyworks.gov/perdiem. Click on "Domestic per diem rates." Use of the standard meal allowance is explained under What Travel Expenses Are Deductible, later.

Meal expenses when subject to "hours of service" limits. Generally, you can deduct only 50% of your business-related meal expenses while traveling away from your tax home for business purposes. You can deduct a higher percentage if the meals take place during or incident to any period subject to the Department of Transportation's "hours of service" limits. (These limits apply to certain workers who are under certain federal regulations.) The percentage is 60% for 2001. See Exceptions to the 50% limit under 50% Limit, later.

Limits that apply to employee deductions. If you are an employee, deduct your work-related expenses discussed in this chapter as a miscellaneous itemized deduction on Schedule A (Form 1040). Generally, the amount of miscellaneous itemized deductions you can deduct is limited to the amount that is more than 2% of your adjusted gross income. It may be further limited if your adjusted gross income is more than $132,950 ($66,475 if you are married filing separately). For more information, see chapter 22 and the instructions for Schedule A (Form 1040).

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