Should employees be paid for travel?


Should employees be paid for travel? Typically, travel time pay for non-exempt employees is obligatory, applying to both salaried and hourly employees. Exempt employees are considered those providing professional or managerial work.


Who pays for work trips?

The employer typically pays for costs incurred during the business portion of the trip, including:
  • Travel costs (airfare, train ticket, or car rental)
  • Accommodations (hotel room, apartment, etc.)
  • Per diem for food.


Is travel 100% deductible?

On a business trip, you can deduct 100% of the cost of travel to your destination, whether that's a plane, train, or bus ticket. If you rent a car to get there, and to get around, that cost is deductible, too.


How do you count work hours when traveling?

According to the DOL, for one-day business trips, the employee is compensated for all of their time spent traveling between work sites, but you may subtract time they spend commuting” to the airport, bus stand, or train station they're departing from.


How much should an employee get paid to travel?

Nonexempt Employee Travel Pay Rules The U.S. Department of Labor states that any hours worked for non-exempt employees must be paid by the employer at the employee's agreed wage. Any time spent traveling as part of regular employment or during regular business hours must be compensated.


How much can I claim for travel expenses?

Transportation expenses on a business trip are deductible If you drive your own vehicle, you can usually take actual costs or the IRS standard mileage rate. For 2023 the rate is 65.5 cents per mile. You also can add tolls and parking costs onto your deduction.


How do I ask for travel compensation?

Reach out to your direct manager or company's Human Resources (HR) department to ask for their policy on reimbursement of business travel expenses.