1. What Is Government Per Diem?

Government per diem rates are the maximum amounts that federal employees are reimbursed for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses while on official travel. These rates are established by the General Services Administration (GSA) and vary by location.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard per diem formula:

Where:

• Lodging — The maximum allowable lodging expense (USD)
• M&IE — Meals and Incidental Expenses allowance (USD)

Explanation: The total per diem is simply the sum of the lodging allowance and the meals and incidental expenses allowance for a specific location.

3. Importance Of Per Diem Calculation

Details: Accurate per diem calculation is essential for federal employees to ensure proper reimbursement for travel expenses and for agencies to maintain compliance with federal travel regulations.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter the lodging allowance and M&IE rate for your destination. Both values should be in USD and represent the official 2024 GSA per diem rates for your travel location.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Where can I find the official per diem rates?
A: Official GSA per diem rates are published on the GSA website and are updated annually. Rates vary by location and time of year.

Q2: Are per diem rates the same everywhere?
A: No, per diem rates vary significantly by location. High-cost areas like major cities have higher rates than rural areas.

Q3: What's included in M&IE?
A: M&IE covers meals, snacks, tips for food services, and incidental expenses like laundry and dry cleaning.

Q4: Can I claim more than the per diem rate?
A: Generally, no. Federal employees are typically limited to the established per diem rates for their destination.

Q5: Do per diem rates change during the year?
A: Standard per diem rates are set annually, but some high-cost locations may have seasonal rates that change at specific times of the year.