[serfty]

Running my business these per-deims are a god send.

I used to have to receipt all incidentals and tally them - a bit of a pain for a $5 purchase. Even more of one for small O/S purchases. Now with the influx of receipt on heat sensitive paper which can fade after a few months, it's getting worse.

Now I can claim an accurate summary of what I spend. Note, that even though the ATO provides a minimum amount for unsubstantiated claims, the actual expenditure claimed must still have occurred.

[reg]

Company pays actuals, and also has an additional 'benefit' of being able to buy a gift (up to $75) if you stay with friends or family. I think it is a great idea, catch-up with friends or family, buy takeaway, and a gift for them (good bottle of wine you can share).

Also believe we have done some modelling that shows over time paying actuals is cheaper than paying ATO per diem rates for meals and incidentals.

[albatross710]

Originally Posted by reg

shows over time paying actuals is cheaper than paying ATO per .

This would be true where the corporate volume is used. For smaller business, with less travel, it doesn't take long to spend a few hours reconciling receipts and any savings are lost. I prefer my limited staff to focus on making the business and getting on with my job.

[NM]

Originally Posted by reg

Also believe we have done some modelling that shows over time paying actuals is cheaper than paying ATO per diem rates for meals and incidentals.

Which, I guess, is why my employer pays considerably less than the ATO "Reasonable" amounts as per-diem allowances.

[Baysider]

My employer's travel policy has a specific clause for staying with friends or relatives:

"Where a staff member chooses to stay with friends or family while travelling on business rather than in a company agreed hotel, a per diem amount of A$ 45 per day within Australia or A$ 100 per day for international trips will be paid to assist the traveller in contributing to the cost of their stay, e.g. the cost of food, a gift for the host, etc".

[oz_mark]

I just went and had a read of my employers policy, and it is $90 a day for self accommodation (i.e. relatives and friends) within Australia, and amounts varying by country overseas.