Can I Write Off My Travel Expenses for Work?

Yes, you can write off your business travel expenses if they are ordinary and necessary for your work, profession, or business, according to IRS guidelines. TRAVELS.EDU.VN is here to help you navigate the complex world of tax deductions for travel, ensuring you maximize your eligible write-offs and minimize your tax burden. By understanding which expenses qualify and maintaining meticulous records, you can confidently claim these deductions. This article will guide you through the specifics of deductible travel expenses, substantiation requirements, and how to claim them, helping you make the most of your business travels while staying compliant with tax regulations. Consider these benefits as a work travel advantage, expense account optimization, and tax-deductible travel.

1. What Qualifies as Deductible Business Travel Expenses?

Deductible business travel expenses are the ordinary and necessary costs you incur while traveling away from home for your trade, business, or job. According to IRS Publication 463, these expenses must be directly related to your business and not lavish or extravagant.

Here’s a breakdown of what generally qualifies:

Transportation: Costs for travel by airplane, train, bus, or car between your home and your business destination are deductible.
Lodging: The cost of hotel rooms or other lodging while away from home.
Meals: Non-entertainment-related meal expenses are generally 50% deductible.
Incidentals: Expenses such as dry cleaning, laundry, business calls, and tips related to the above.

2. What Does “Away From Home” Mean for Tax Purposes?

For tax purposes, “away from home” means that your duties require you to be away from the general area of your tax home for a period substantially longer than an ordinary day’s work, and you need to get sleep or rest to meet the demands of your work while away, according to the IRS.

Tax Home: Your tax home is generally the entire city or general area where your main place of business or work is located, regardless of where you maintain your family home.
Temporary vs. Indefinite Assignments: Travel expenses are deductible if incurred for a temporary work assignment away from home. A temporary assignment is generally one that is expected to last for one year or less. An indefinite assignment, or one realistically expected to last longer than one year, does not qualify for deductible travel expenses.

3. What Are Some Examples of Deductible Travel Expenses?

Here are some specific examples of travel expenses that can be deducted if they meet the IRS requirements:

Airfare or Train Fare: The cost of tickets for travel between your home and your business destination.
Taxi or Ride-Sharing Services: Fares for taxis, Ubers, or other transportation between the airport or train station and your hotel, or between your hotel and your work location.
Baggage Fees: Costs for shipping baggage or sample materials between your regular and temporary work locations.
Car Rental: If you rent a car at your destination, you can deduct the business-use portion of the expenses.
Lodging: The cost of staying in hotels, motels, or other lodging.
Meals: The cost of meals is typically 50% deductible, as long as they are not lavish or extravagant.
Laundry and Dry Cleaning: Costs for laundry and dry cleaning services while traveling.
Business Calls: The cost of business-related phone calls, faxes, or other communication devices.
Tips: Tips you pay for services related to any of the above expenses.
Other Expenses: Other ordinary and necessary expenses such as transportation to and from a business meal, public stenographer’s fees, or computer rental fees.

4. How Do I Determine My Tax Home?

Determining your tax home is essential for understanding which travel expenses are deductible. The IRS uses several factors to determine your tax home:

Main Place of Business: The location where you conduct the majority of your business activities.
Length of Time at Each Location: The amount of time you spend at each business location. The location where you spend more time is more likely to be considered your tax home.
Degree of Business Activity: The level of business activity in each area.
Financial Return: The relative significance of the financial return from each area.

According to IRS Publication 463, the most important consideration is the length of time you spend at each location.

5. What Is the Standard Meal Allowance, and How Does It Work?

Instead of tracking your actual meal expenses, you can use the standard meal allowance, also known as the per diem rate. This is a fixed amount that the IRS allows for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) while traveling. The rate varies depending on the location of your travel.

How It Works: You simply multiply the number of days you were traveling by the per diem rate for that location. This provides a simple way to calculate your deductible meal expenses without needing to keep detailed records.
Partial Deduction: Remember that only 50% of the standard meal allowance is deductible for most taxpayers.
High-Low Method: The IRS also offers a simplified method called the “high-low” method, which uses two standard rates: one for high-cost areas and one for all other areas.
GSA Rates: You can find the per diem rates for different locations on the General Services Administration (GSA) website.

6. What Records Do I Need to Keep to Substantiate My Travel Expenses?

Keeping good records is critical to substantiating your travel expenses. The IRS requires you to keep detailed records that document the following:

Amount: The amount of each expense.
Time and Place: The date and location of the expense.
Business Purpose: A clear explanation of the business purpose of the expense.
Business Relationship: For expenses involving meals or entertainment, document the business relationship of the person(s) involved.

Acceptable records include:

Receipts: Keep receipts for all lodging, airfare, and other expenses over $75.
Credit Card Statements: Credit card statements can help support your expenses, but they should be supplemented with other documentation.
Travel Diary or Log: A detailed travel diary or log that records each expense, its date, location, and business purpose.

7. Can I Deduct Travel Expenses for Conventions or Seminars?

Yes, you can deduct travel expenses for attending a convention or seminar if your attendance benefits your trade or business. According to IRS Publication 463, the expenses must be directly related to your business and help you maintain or improve your skills.

Business Connection: The convention or seminar should be relevant to your profession or business.
Personal Vacation: If the trip is primarily for personal reasons, you can’t deduct the travel expenses, even if you attend some business activities.
Foreign Conventions: Special rules apply to conventions held outside the North American area. It is essential to ensure the location and activities meet IRS requirements for deductibility.

8. What Is the Difference Between “Ordinary” and “Necessary” Travel Expenses?

To be deductible, travel expenses must be both ordinary and necessary.

Ordinary Expense: An ordinary expense is one that is common and accepted in your trade or business. It doesn’t have to be a regular expense, but it should be typical for your industry.
Necessary Expense: A necessary expense is one that is helpful and appropriate for your trade or business. It doesn’t have to be essential, but it should be conducive to your business activities.

For example, airfare to attend a business conference is an ordinary and necessary expense for many professionals.

9. How Do I Deduct Travel Expenses If I Am Self-Employed?

If you are self-employed, you can deduct your travel expenses on Schedule C (Form 1040), Profit or Loss From Business (Sole Proprietorship).

Schedule C: This form is used to report the income and expenses from your business.
Line 24a: On Schedule C, you will find a line for “Travel” where you can enter the total amount of your deductible travel expenses.
Supporting Documentation: Be sure to keep all your receipts and records to support your deduction in case of an audit.

10. Can Military Reservists Deduct Travel Expenses?

Yes, military reservists may be able to deduct unreimbursed travel expenses paid in connection with the performance of services as a reservist. According to the IRS, this deduction is available if:

Overnight Travel: The travel must be overnight and more than 100 miles from your home.
Ordinary and Necessary: The expenses must be ordinary and necessary.
Limited Deduction: The deduction is limited to the regular federal per diem rate (for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses) and the standard mileage rate (for car expenses) plus any parking fees, ferry fees, and tolls.
Form 2106: Claim these expenses on Form 2106, Employee Business Expenses, and report them on Form 1040, Form 1040-SR, or Form 1040-NR as an adjustment to income.

11. What About Travel Expenses That Are Considered Lavish or Extravagant?

Travel expenses that are considered lavish or extravagant are not deductible. The IRS states that expenses must be reasonable and not excessive.

Reasonable Expenses: Expenses should be comparable to what a prudent person would spend under similar circumstances.
Example: Staying in a luxury hotel when a more modest hotel would suffice, or ordering expensive meals when more affordable options are available, could be considered lavish or extravagant.

12. Can I Deduct Expenses for a Business Trip That Combines Business and Personal Activities?

Yes, if you combine business and personal activities on a trip, you can deduct the travel expenses that are directly related to your business activities.

Primary Purpose: If the primary purpose of the trip is business, you can deduct the business-related expenses.
Personal Days: Expenses for personal days are not deductible.
Allocation: You need to allocate expenses between business and personal activities. For example, if you spend 60% of your time on business and 40% on personal activities, you can deduct 60% of the travel expenses.

13. How Does the 50% Rule for Meal Expenses Work?

The IRS generally limits the deduction for business meals to 50% of the unreimbursed cost. This means that you can only deduct half of the amount you spent on meals.

Exceptions: There are some exceptions to this rule, such as meals that are included as part of a conference or seminar, or meals that are provided to employees as a fringe benefit.
Substantiation: You still need to keep records to substantiate your meal expenses, even though you can only deduct 50%.

14. Can I Deduct Travel Expenses If I Am Reimbursed by My Employer?

If you are reimbursed by your employer for your travel expenses, the tax treatment depends on the type of reimbursement plan.

Accountable Plan: If your employer has an accountable plan, you do not need to report the reimbursement as income, and you cannot deduct the expenses. An accountable plan requires you to substantiate your expenses to your employer and return any excess reimbursement.
Non-Accountable Plan: If your employer has a non-accountable plan, the reimbursement is considered taxable income, and you may be able to deduct the expenses as an itemized deduction on Schedule A (Form 1040), Itemized Deductions. However, this deduction is subject to certain limitations, such as the 2% adjusted gross income (AGI) threshold.

15. What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Claiming Travel Expense Deductions?

To avoid problems with the IRS, here are some common mistakes to avoid when claiming travel expense deductions:

Not Keeping Adequate Records: Failing to keep detailed records to substantiate your expenses.
Deducting Personal Expenses: Claiming deductions for expenses that are primarily personal in nature.
Exceeding the 50% Limit for Meals: Deducting more than 50% of your meal expenses.
Deducting Lavish or Extravagant Expenses: Claiming deductions for expenses that are considered lavish or extravagant.
Incorrectly Determining Your Tax Home: Misunderstanding the definition of “tax home” and claiming deductions for expenses in your regular place of business.
Not Allocating Expenses Correctly: Failing to properly allocate expenses between business and personal activities.

16. Are There Any Special Rules for Deducting Car Expenses?

Yes, there are special rules for deducting car expenses when traveling for business. You can generally choose between two methods:

Standard Mileage Rate: You can use the standard mileage rate, which is a fixed amount per mile that the IRS sets each year. For 2023, the standard mileage rate for business use is 65.5 cents per mile.
Actual Expenses: You can deduct the actual expenses of operating your car, such as gas, oil, repairs, and depreciation.

You can also deduct business-related tolls and parking fees under either method.

17. How Can I Get Help with Understanding Travel Expense Deductions?

If you need help with understanding travel expense deductions, there are several resources available:

IRS Publications: The IRS provides numerous publications on travel expenses, such as Publication 463, Travel, Gift, and Car Expenses.
Tax Professionals: Consult with a qualified tax professional, such as a certified public accountant (CPA) or enrolled agent, who can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation.
TRAVELS.EDU.VN: Contact us for assistance with travel planning and understanding potential tax benefits associated with your business trips. Our experienced team can help you optimize your travel arrangements to maximize your deductible expenses.

18. Can I Deduct Travel Expenses for My Spouse or Dependents?

Generally, you cannot deduct travel expenses for your spouse or dependents unless they have a legitimate business purpose for accompanying you on the trip.

Bona Fide Business Purpose: If your spouse or dependent performs substantial business activities during the trip, their expenses may be deductible.
Incidental Activities: Incidental activities, such as attending a business meal, are not sufficient to make their expenses deductible.

19. Are There Any Special Rules for Long-Term Travel Assignments?

Yes, there are special rules for long-term travel assignments that last more than one year.

Indefinite Assignment: If you realistically expect to work at a temporary location for more than one year, the assignment is considered indefinite, and you cannot deduct travel expenses.
Change in Expectations: If your expectation changes so that at some point you realistically expect to work there for more than one year, travel expenses become nondeductible when your expectation changes.

20. What If I Don’t Have Receipts for Some of My Expenses?

If you don’t have receipts for some of your expenses, you may still be able to deduct them if you can substantiate them through other means.

Adequate Records: The IRS requires you to keep adequate records to support your deductions.
Reconstructed Records: If you don’t have receipts, you can try to reconstruct your records by using credit card statements, bank statements, or a detailed travel log.
Credible Evidence: You need to provide credible evidence to support your deductions.

Understanding what qualifies as a deductible business travel expense is crucial for minimizing your tax liability. By keeping accurate records, understanding the rules, and seeking professional advice when needed, you can confidently claim these deductions and make the most of your business travels.

21. What are the Key Factors the IRS Considers When Auditing Travel Expense Deductions?

The IRS scrutinizes travel expense deductions carefully during audits. Here are key factors they consider:

Adequacy of Records: Are your records detailed and well-organized, including receipts, travel logs, and business purpose explanations?
Reasonableness of Expenses: Are your expenses reasonable and not extravagant under the circumstances?
Business Nexus: Is there a clear connection between the travel and your trade or business?
Tax Home Determination: Have you correctly determined your tax home, and is it consistent with the facts?
Personal vs. Business Allocation: If the trip combined personal and business activities, was the allocation of expenses accurate?
Consistency: Are your travel expense deductions consistent with your overall business income and expenses?

22. How Does TRAVELS.EDU.VN Help Optimize Business Travel for Tax Deductions in Napa Valley?

TRAVELS.EDU.VN specializes in crafting business travel experiences in Napa Valley that are not only productive but also optimized for tax deductions. Here’s how:

Strategic Planning: We help plan itineraries that maximize business-related activities, such as meetings with clients, industry conferences, and site visits, ensuring a clear business purpose for your trip.
Detailed Documentation: We provide detailed invoices and documentation for all travel arrangements, making it easier for you to substantiate your expenses.
Expense Tracking: We offer tools and resources to help you track your expenses accurately, ensuring you don’t miss any deductible items.
Compliance Guidance: We stay up-to-date with the latest IRS guidelines and regulations, providing you with expert advice on how to comply with tax requirements.
Customized Packages: We create customized travel packages that include eligible expenses such as lodging, transportation, and business meals, all tailored to meet your business needs.

23. What Specific Napa Valley Activities Can Qualify as Business Travel Expenses?

Napa Valley offers unique opportunities for business travel. Here are specific activities that can qualify as deductible business expenses:

Client Meetings at Wineries: Hosting client meetings at Napa Valley wineries to discuss business deals or partnerships.
Industry Conferences: Attending wine industry conferences, seminars, or workshops to enhance your professional skills.
Vineyard Tours for Market Research: Conducting vineyard tours for market research purposes, evaluating new products, or assessing industry trends.
Team-Building Retreats: Organizing team-building retreats in Napa Valley to improve employee morale and collaboration, as long as the activities are business-related.
Business Meals at Restaurants: Conducting business meals at local restaurants to network with clients, partners, or suppliers.

24. What Are the Benefits of Booking Business Travel to Napa Valley with TRAVELS.EDU.VN?

Booking your business travel to Napa Valley with TRAVELS.EDU.VN offers several advantages:

Expertise: We have extensive knowledge of Napa Valley and can provide expert recommendations on accommodations, transportation, and activities that are conducive to business travel.
Customization: We tailor our travel packages to meet your specific business needs, ensuring that every aspect of your trip is aligned with your goals.
Convenience: We handle all the logistics of your trip, from booking flights and hotels to arranging transportation and activities, saving you time and hassle.
Value: We offer competitive pricing and can help you maximize your travel budget while still providing a high-quality experience.
Support: We provide ongoing support throughout your trip, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and that you have a productive and enjoyable experience.

25. How Can I Ensure My Napa Valley Business Trip is Compliant with IRS Regulations?

To ensure your Napa Valley business trip is compliant with IRS regulations, follow these best practices:

Document the Business Purpose: Clearly document the business purpose of your trip, including the specific activities you engaged in and the business benefits you derived.
Keep Detailed Records: Maintain detailed records of all your expenses, including receipts, invoices, and travel logs.
Allocate Expenses Properly: If you combine business and personal activities, allocate expenses properly between the two categories.
Stay Within Reasonable Limits: Avoid lavish or extravagant expenses that could raise red flags with the IRS.
Consult with a Tax Professional: Consult with a qualified tax professional to ensure you are complying with all applicable regulations.

26. What Types of Accommodations in Napa Valley Are Most Suitable for Business Travelers?

Napa Valley offers a variety of accommodations suitable for business travelers, including:

Business Hotels: Hotels with business centers, meeting rooms, and high-speed internet access.
Boutique Hotels: Smaller, upscale hotels with personalized service and unique amenities.
Bed and Breakfasts: Cozy and charming accommodations that offer a more intimate experience.
Vacation Rentals: Private homes or apartments with full kitchens and living spaces, ideal for longer stays or group travel.

27. How Can I Optimize Transportation Expenses for My Business Trip to Napa Valley?

To optimize transportation expenses for your business trip to Napa Valley, consider the following strategies:

Rent a Car: Renting a car can be cost-effective if you plan to visit multiple locations or travel outside of the main tourist areas.
Use Ride-Sharing Services: Ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft can be convenient for short trips or when you don’t need a car for the entire day.
Take Public Transportation: Napa Valley offers limited public transportation options, such as buses or shuttles, which can be a more affordable way to get around.
Combine Trips: Combine multiple business trips into one to save on travel costs.

28. What Should I Include in My Travel Log to Ensure It Meets IRS Requirements?

Your travel log should include the following information to meet IRS requirements:

Date and Time: The date and time of each expense.
Location: The location where the expense was incurred.
Description: A detailed description of the expense.
Amount: The amount of the expense.
Business Purpose: A clear explanation of the business purpose of the expense.
Names and Titles: The names and titles of any individuals you met with or entertained for business purposes.

29. How Do I Handle Travel Expenses If I Am Both an Employee and Self-Employed?

If you are both an employee and self-employed, you will need to keep separate records for each activity and report your travel expenses accordingly.

Employee Expenses: If you are an employee, you may be able to deduct unreimbursed travel expenses as an itemized deduction on Schedule A (Form 1040), subject to certain limitations.
Self-Employment Expenses: If you are self-employed, you can deduct your travel expenses on Schedule C (Form 1040).
Separate Accounting: Keep separate bank accounts and credit cards for your employee and self-employment activities to make it easier to track your expenses.

30. How Can I Stay Updated on the Latest IRS Regulations Regarding Travel Expense Deductions?

To stay updated on the latest IRS regulations regarding travel expense deductions, follow these tips:

Subscribe to IRS Publications: Subscribe to IRS publications and newsletters to receive updates on tax law changes.
Follow Tax Blogs and Websites: Follow reputable tax blogs and websites that provide timely information on tax-related issues.
Attend Tax Seminars and Webinars: Attend tax seminars and webinars to learn about the latest tax regulations from qualified professionals.
Consult with a Tax Professional: Consult with a qualified tax professional on a regular basis to ensure you are complying with all applicable regulations.

By understanding these key aspects of travel expense deductions and leveraging the expertise of TRAVELS.EDU.VN, you can make the most of your business travel to Napa Valley while staying compliant with IRS regulations.

31. What Is the Role of Technology in Managing and Tracking Travel Expenses?

Technology plays a crucial role in efficiently managing and tracking travel expenses. Here are some ways technology can help:

Expense Tracking Apps: Use expense tracking apps like Expensify, Concur, or QuickBooks Self-Employed to easily record and categorize expenses. These apps often allow you to scan receipts, track mileage, and generate reports.
Cloud Storage: Store digital copies of your receipts and travel documents in cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. This ensures that your records are safe and accessible from anywhere.
Spreadsheets: Create spreadsheets to manually track your expenses, especially if you prefer a more hands-on approach.
Accounting Software: Use accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero to integrate your travel expenses with your overall business finances.
Mobile Banking Apps: Monitor your business bank account and credit card transactions using mobile banking apps to quickly identify and record travel-related expenses.

32. How Do Travel Rewards and Loyalty Programs Affect Deductibility?

Travel rewards and loyalty programs can impact the deductibility of travel expenses. Here’s what you need to know:

Using Rewards for Travel: If you use travel rewards or loyalty points to pay for part of your trip, you can only deduct the expenses you paid out-of-pocket. The value of the rewards used is generally not deductible.
Earning Rewards from Business Travel: The rewards you earn from business travel are generally not considered taxable income. However, if you redeem these rewards for personal use, they are not deductible.
Tracking Rewards: Keep track of the value of any rewards you earn or redeem for travel, as this may be relevant for tax purposes.

33. What Are the Potential Penalties for Claiming Incorrect Travel Expense Deductions?

Claiming incorrect travel expense deductions can lead to penalties from the IRS. Here are some potential penalties to be aware of:

Accuracy-Related Penalty: This penalty applies if you underpay your taxes due to negligence or disregard of the rules. The penalty is typically 20% of the underpayment.
Fraud Penalty: This penalty applies if you intentionally underpay your taxes through fraudulent means. The penalty can be up to 75% of the underpayment.
Interest: The IRS charges interest on any underpayment of taxes, which can add up over time.
Audit: Claiming excessive or unsubstantiated travel expense deductions can increase your chances of being audited by the IRS.

34. How Can I Avoid Scams Related to Travel Expense Deductions?

To avoid scams related to travel expense deductions, be cautious of the following:

Unsolicited Offers: Be wary of unsolicited offers from tax preparers or advisors promising excessively large travel expense deductions.
Aggressive Tactics: Avoid tax preparers who use aggressive or unethical tactics to claim deductions that are not legitimate.
Lack of Transparency: Be cautious of tax preparers who are not transparent about their fees or methods.
Verify Credentials: Always verify the credentials of any tax preparer or advisor before hiring them.
Consult with Multiple Professionals: Get a second opinion from another tax professional before making any decisions based on advice you have received.

35. How Does the Type of Business Entity Affect Travel Expense Deductions?

The type of business entity you operate can affect how you deduct travel expenses. Here’s a brief overview:

Sole Proprietorship: You can deduct travel expenses on Schedule C (Form 1040).
Partnership: The partnership reports income and expenses on Form 1065, and each partner receives a Schedule K-1 with their share of the partnership’s income and deductions. Travel expenses are typically deducted at the partnership level.
S Corporation: Travel expenses are deducted on Form 1120-S, and shareholders receive a Schedule K-1 with their share of the corporation’s income and deductions.
C Corporation: Travel expenses are deducted on Form 1120.

36. What Are the Rules for Deducting International Travel Expenses?

The rules for deducting international travel expenses are similar to those for domestic travel, but there are a few additional considerations:

Primary Purpose: If the primary purpose of your trip is business, you can deduct your travel expenses.
Personal Days: If you spend a significant portion of your trip on personal activities, you may need to allocate your expenses between business and personal activities.
Foreign Conventions: Special rules apply to conventions held outside the North American area.
Currency Conversion: You will need to convert your expenses into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate in effect at the time you incurred the expenses.

37. How Can I Ensure I’m Not Overlooking Any Potential Travel Expense Deductions?

To ensure you’re not overlooking any potential travel expense deductions, follow these tips:

Review IRS Publications: Review relevant IRS publications, such as Publication 463, to understand the rules for deducting travel expenses.
Use a Checklist: Create a checklist of common travel expense deductions to help you identify all eligible expenses.
Stay Organized: Keep your receipts and travel documents organized so you can easily review them when preparing your tax return.
Consult with a Tax Professional: Consult with a qualified tax professional who can help you identify potential deductions you may be overlooking.
Review Prior Year Returns: Review your prior year tax returns to see if you claimed any travel expense deductions in the past.

38. How Do State Tax Laws Affect Travel Expense Deductions?

In addition to federal tax laws, state tax laws may also affect your ability to deduct travel expenses.

Conformity: Some states conform to the federal tax laws, while others have their own rules.
State-Specific Deductions: Some states offer state-specific deductions for travel expenses that are not available at the federal level.
Residency: Your state of residency may affect which travel expenses you can deduct.

Ready to Plan Your Tax-Smart Business Trip to Napa Valley?

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FAQ: Deducting Travel Expenses for Work

Can I deduct travel expenses for a job interview? Generally, no, you cannot deduct travel expenses for a job interview.
Are commuting costs deductible? No, commuting costs between your home and your regular place of business are not deductible.
Can I deduct travel expenses for a second home? Generally, no, you cannot deduct travel expenses for a second home.
How long should I keep my travel expense records? The IRS recommends keeping your tax records for at least three years from the date you filed your original return or two years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later.
What if I lose my receipts? If you lose your receipts, you may still be able to deduct your expenses if you can substantiate them through other means, such as credit card statements or a detailed travel log.
Can I deduct travel expenses for a business trip that includes personal activities? Yes, you can deduct the business-related expenses if the primary purpose of the trip is business.
What is the standard mileage rate for 2024? For 2024, the standard mileage rate for business use is 67 cents per mile.
Can I deduct travel expenses for attending a conference? Yes, if your attendance benefits your trade or business.
What is considered a “lavish” or “extravagant” expense? An expense is considered lavish or extravagant if it is unreasonable or excessive under the circumstances.
How does the IRS define “tax home”? The IRS defines your tax home as the entire city or general area where your main place of business or work is located, regardless of where you maintain your family home.