Everything You Need to Know About Per Diem Rates
Are you curious about per diem rates? Whether you’re a federal employee or a frequent traveler, understanding per diem rates can save you a lot of hassle and money. Let’s dive into the world of per diem rates and uncover the essentials!
What is Per Diem?
Per diem is an allowance for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses. The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) sets the per diem reimbursement rates that federal agencies use to reimburse their employees for expenses incurred while on official travel within the continental U.S. (CONUS).
For more information on rates established by the Department of Defense for non-foreign areas or the Department of State for foreign areas, check their respective websites: Department of Defense and Department of State.
Finding Per Diem Rates
To find the per diem rate for a specific city or state, visit the GSA Per Diem Rates Lookup page. Simply click on a state on the map or enter the location in the search box.
If the city isn’t listed, check the county it’s in using the Census Geocoder. If neither the city nor the county is listed, the standard CONUS rate applies.
Non-Standard Areas (NSA) vs. Standard CONUS Locations
Non-standard areas (NSAs) are frequently traveled by federal employees and are reviewed annually. Standard CONUS locations are less frequently traveled and not specifically listed on the GSA website.
Setting Per Diem Rates
Per diem rates are based on contractor-provided average daily rate (ADR) data from local lodging properties. The ADR is a travel industry metric that divides room sales revenue by the number of rooms sold. Properties must be fire-safe and have a FEMA ID number.
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) evaluates all rates to ensure they are fair and equitable, with a systematic structured per diem methodology.
Boundary Lines for Per Diem Rates
Boundary lines are generally set at the county level for most non-standard areas. However, in some cases, an agency may request the rate apply to a larger metropolitan area or just a city.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I request a special review or establish a new NSA?
Federal Agency Travel Managers can submit a signed letter on agency letterhead stating the present per diem rate is inadequate. The request should include geographical areas, property names, rates, and instances of actual expenses usage. Send requests to: General Services Administration, Office of Government-wide Policy, Washington DC, or email [email protected] with a signed letter attached.
Are lodging taxes included in the per diem rate?
In CONUS, lodging taxes are reimbursable as a miscellaneous travel expense. For foreign areas, lodging taxes are included in the per diem rates established by the Department of State.
Useful Links:
- GSA Per Diem FAQs
- GSA Per Diem Rates Lookup
- DoD Per Diem Information
- Department of State Per Diem Rates
Hopefully, this information clarifies all your doubts about per diem rates. Got more questions? Drop a comment below, and let’s chat!
Mason Caldwell is a financial expert and writer who specializes in topics related to taxation, personal finance, and economic analysis. With extensive experience in the financial industry, Mason has contributed to numerous financial publications, sharing insights that help individuals and businesses make smarter financial decisions. Known for his ability to simplify complex financial topics, Mason’s articles are both informative and accessible to a wide audience. When he’s not writing, Mason enjoys hiking, reading historical novels, and exploring new technologies in finance.
