Reasonable travel expenses...

[sikeveo]

My company I work for is located in Central QLD and I live in sydney. I was given the opportunity to drive up and they would pay for all reasonable travel expenses. Soon I need to drive back.

Would a $150/night hotel be blowing it? As i tried to save heaps on the way up and had quite bad sleeps due to noise/music late at night. Would need around 3-4 nights accom.

So my trip all up would be in the region of $800. I am sure Fully Flexible flights would cost more.

FWIW, the company put me up in accom which was around $150/night and all expenses paid (roomservice/food etc) for the inductions. But I dont want to rip them off, but would like to have an enjoyable trip home without having to search for the cheapest place to stay (im a student).

[dosborn]

I deal with sort of thing a bit, I would say $180 - $220. Another way is to stick with 3.5 - 4 star properties. No one should complain about that?

[sikeveo]

I deal with sort of thing a bit, I would say $180 - $220. Another way is to stick with 3.5 - 4 star properties. No one should complain about that?

Is that per night or...?

Sorry I am quite new to this...

I guess it comes with experience. My first expense claim hasn't been submitted yet so I have no idea what they are like.

[dosborn]

Yes, per night. Depending on exact locations I would consider $180 - $200 per night reasonable for accom and breakfast. $220 with dinner.

[Dave Noble]

I would look at the ATOs table of reasonable travel expenses and go with that (TD2009/15 )

For 2009-2010 , the table is at http://law.ato.gov.au/atolaw/view.ht...ATO%2F00001%22

Dave

[notmensa]

Just had my post disappear because it contained a link! I'll try again...

The ATO has guidelines on "reasonable allowances" for travel expenses. Go to the ATO website < ato . gov . au > (without spaces or brackets), search for Tax Determination TD 2008/18. This contains the rates for 2008 / 2009.

For those of us earning under $90 000 pa, the accommodation allowance usually translates to 3 - 3.5 star motels. The reviews on the 'Trip Advisor' website are worth reading to help you find decent places in regional / rural areas.

[Mal]

"reasonable" depends on the company. For example, some companies do not believe alcohol should be paid for as part of meals, others believe that people should be in their own rooms, others force people to share. etc etc.

So it really does depend on the company and their culture.

As a guideline, the ATO does produce a listing of "reasonable travel expenses" for various cities etc.

[already discussed above ! ]

[sikeveo]

Thanks Dave - very useful website!

Thanks dosborn! (now wont feel bad staying in something better than the formule 1 motel i stayed in - gross)

One more thing, I assume it's okay to charge meals to the company?

Mal - I understand. I am travelling by myself. I would not charge alcohol to the company, as it's not a necessary expense. The company is a multinational mining company, so I hope its okay.

[notmensa]

It's reasonable to charge meals and incidentals associated with the trip to the company if the travel is required. I think it's unlikely that a beer or glass of wine as part of a dinner bill will be questioned.

Just a note on providing evidence & receipts for meals - make sure your receipts show that the account was settled. The itemised account or bill you get initially shows the amount owed, but doesn't show that the bill was paid. My employer (state gov't) requires us to either need to attach a credit card receipt as proof, or get a new Tax Invoice showing a final balance of zero if we pay cash.

[munitalP]

My employees get paid $180 per night TAX free unless staying in a major centre, then I pay the hotels and they get $86 TAX free.

This is line with ATO requirements. Keep in mind if you don't meet ATO expectations, this is claimable at TAX time (yep, really!)

PM me if you want a bit more info

Mr!