Today TaxMama hears from Janice in the Tax Parlor who asks, ” I have a client who is an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician). His shifts are 24 hours at a time. Are EMT’s on 24-hour shifts eligible to deduct per diem for meals? Of course he says that his coworkers take the deduction. ”
~~~~
Dear Janice,
What is it about EMTs and firefighters? Such wonderful people, who insist on living on myths fabricated by fools.
The meals, as a rule, are not deductible. And are constantly audited and disallowed. Unless…there’s a Tax Court case that explains when the meals may be deducted:
SWAGLER (Tax Court – TC Opinion 2004-63)
“Firefighters required by their employer to pay their share of a common meal fund, even if they did not eat the meal, could deduct the amount they paid. If, however, a firefighter’s payments into a common meal fund is not a condition of employment, then the expense is a personal expense.”
In other words, they’ve got to eat, just like the rest of us. Pack a lunch. Or bring food to put into the fridge…’cause it’s not deductible.
Incidentally, if they are paying into a meal fund as a condition of employment, only the amount they pay in is deductible – not a per-diem rate.
And remember, you’ll find answers to lots of questions about meals on the job and other tax information, free. Where? At TaxMama.com
[Note: If you were subscribed to the e-mailed TaxQuips, you’d be getting other exciting news and tips. Please click on the subscribe link and join us.]To make your comments, please visit TaxMama’s Parlor at TaxTwist.com.
- Ask TaxMama :: Where taxes are fun and answers are free
- TaxTwist.com :: Where TaxQuips will be moving & You can add your comments
File Download (1:29 min / 0.3 MB)
