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Writing Off Travel the Right Way

Writing Off Travel the Right Way

Headed to a trade show? Visiting a job site out of state?

Travel deductions can save contractors thousands — if structured correctly.

If the trip is primarily business and requires overnight travel, you can deduct:

• Airfare (100%)• Hotel (business days only)• Transportation• Meals (generally 50%)

But here’s where contractors mess up:

3 days business + 2 days vacation?Airfare is usually deductible. Extra hotel nights are not.

Bring your spouse?You deduct what you would’ve spent alone. Their airfare and meals aren’t deductible unless they’re a legitimate employee with documented duties.

The IRS looks at:• Total days• Agenda• Documentation• Business purpose

No notes, no logs, no proof? That’s audit fuel.

The goal isn’t aggressive write-offs.It’s clean, defensible deductions.

Structure it properly — and travel becomes a smart tax tool.