Remote Worker Tax Deductions for Business Travel
Working remotely doesn't mean you can't claim travel deductions. If you travel to client sites, job locations, or conferences, those trips likely qualify for IRS per diem deductions.
Calculate My Deductions Free →Also see: Per Diem Calculator | Travel Tax Deductions Guide | 1099 Write-Offs
Why Remote Workers Miss Travel Deductions
Remote workers and freelancers often travel more than they realize. Client meetings, on-site work, industry events, and coworking meetups all involve travel that could qualify for tax deductions.
The problem? Most remote workers don't track their travel because they don't think of themselves as "business travelers." But if you're self-employed or a 1099 contractor, every qualifying trip over 50 miles from home is a potential deduction.
The good news: If you have Google Maps Timeline enabled on your phone, your travel history is already being recorded. WriteOffRoad turns that data into tax deductions using IRS per diem rates.
Common Remote Worker Travel That Qualifies
- Traveling to client offices for meetings or project work
- Visiting job sites or customer locations
- Attending conferences, workshops, or training
- Meeting with vendors or partners
- Working on-site at temporary locations
- Multi-city travel for project-based work
Who Qualifies for Remote Work Travel Deductions?
1099 Contractors
Independent contractors can deduct both M&IE (meals & incidentals) and lodging per diem rates for business travel. Report deductions on Schedule C. Learn more in our 1099 write-offs guide.
Self-Employed / Freelancers
Self-employed workers can deduct M&IE per diem rates. Lodging is typically deducted at actual cost. File deductions on Schedule C with your 1040.
W-2 Employees
Since the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, W-2 employees generally cannot deduct unreimbursed travel expenses. Check if your employer offers per diem reimbursement instead.
How WriteOffRoad Works for Remote Workers
Step 1: Export Your Google Maps Timeline
Go to Google Takeout and export your Location History as a JSON file. This contains your travel data — everywhere your phone went, with dates and coordinates.
Step 2: Upload and Set Your Home Address
Upload the JSON file to WriteOffRoad and enter your tax home address. The app automatically identifies every trip more than 50 miles from home.
Step 3: Categorize and Export
Review your trips and mark each one as work or personal. Export to Excel, CSV, or PDF with all per diem calculations included. Hand it to your tax preparer and you're done.
Real Savings for Remote Workers
The average per diem M&IE rate in the US is $59–$79 per day. For remote workers who travel 20–40 days per year, that translates to $1,000–$3,000+ in meal deductions alone. Add lodging per diem for 1099 contractors and the total can easily exceed $5,000.
And because you can amend returns for the past three years, you could potentially recover $3,000–$15,000+ in missed deductions by going back through your Google Timeline history. See our travel tax deductions guide for more on what qualifies.
IRS Compliance & Data Sources
Rate Sources
- CONUS Rates: General Services Administration (GSA), published under IRS Publication 1542
- OCONUS Rates: Department of Defense (DoD) for US territories; US State Department for 228+ foreign countries
- Fiscal Years: FY2014 through FY2026, with seasonal rate variations where applicable
- Mileage Rates: IRS standard mileage rate for business use of a personal vehicle
IRS Rules Applied Automatically
- 75% Partial Day Rule: Per IRS Publication 1542, first and last days of a business trip receive 75% of the M&IE rate. Full (middle) days receive 100%.
- Multi-Day Trip Grouping: Consecutive travel days are grouped into business trips, even across multiple cities.
- 50-Mile Threshold: Trips must be more than 50 miles from your tax home to qualify for per diem deductions.
- Lodging Exclusion on Final Day: Lodging is included on first and middle days only, not on the final travel day.
Disclaimer: WriteOffRoad is an educational and informational tool for estimating travel-related tax deductions. It does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Per diem calculations are based on publicly available IRS, GSA, DoD, and State Department data. Always consult a qualified tax professional before filing your return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to save meal receipts if I use per diem?
No. When you use the per diem method, you don't need individual meal receipts. You do need to document the dates, destinations, and business purpose of each trip.
What if I work from home but travel to a coworking space?
Local commuting to a regular coworking space generally does not qualify. However, if you travel to a coworking space more than 50 miles from your tax home for a specific project or client, that travel may qualify.
Can I claim deductions for travel to a conference?
Yes, if the conference is directly related to your business. Travel, lodging, and meals during the conference days are deductible. The conference registration fee itself is also a separate business deduction.
What about international travel?
WriteOffRoad supports OCONUS per diem rates for 228+ foreign countries, Alaska, Hawaii, and US territories. International business travel qualifies for per diem deductions using Department of Defense and State Department rates.
Can W-2 remote employees claim travel deductions?
Since the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, W-2 employees generally cannot deduct unreimbursed travel expenses on their federal return. However, some states still allow these deductions. Check with your tax professional about state-level options.
Looking for fast calculations? Try the per diem calculator.