Flate rate meal expense increased

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OTTAWA, Ont. — The flat rate transportation sector employees can use as a deduction for meal expenses on their income tax return has been increased.

Starting this year, transport employees will be allowed to use the rate of $15 per meal up to a maximum of $45 a day when claiming meal deductions on their tax return.

The news was announced today by Elinor Caplan, Minister of National Revenue.

“Long distance truckers and bus drivers work long hours,” said Minister Caplan. “The increase in the amount they can claim for meals on the road is one of many ways the federal government supports and encourages the transportation industry.”

As well, transport employees travelling and incurring meal expenses in the United States may now use the rate of US$15 per meal up to a maximum of US$45 a day, converted to Canadian dollars. Transport employees can also keep receipts and claim actual meal expenses. The Income Tax Act permits employees to deduct 50% of either the flat rate or actual costs.

Transport employee meal deductions apply to certain railway employees and individuals employed in the transportation of goods, passengers, or both. Employees can only claim meal expenses if they are not reimbursed for any part of the amounts deducted.

Information on the meal deduction increase for transport employees can also be found on the on the CCRA’s Web site at: www.ccra.gc.ca.

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