1. What is GSA Per Diem Rate?

The GSA (General Services Administration) per diem rate is the daily allowance for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses (M&IE) for federal employees traveling on official business. It varies by location and time of year.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard per diem formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Lodging} \) — Daily lodging allowance (USD)
• \( \text{M\&IE} \) — Daily meals and incidental expenses allowance (USD)

Explanation: The total per diem is simply the sum of the lodging allowance and the meals/incidentals allowance for a given location.

3. Importance of Per Diem Calculation

Details: Accurate per diem calculation ensures proper reimbursement for business travel expenses while maintaining compliance with federal travel regulations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the lodging rate and M&IE rate in USD. These values can typically be found on the GSA website for your specific travel location and dates.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Where can I find current GSA per diem rates?
A: Rates are published on the GSA website (www.gsa.gov) and vary by location and season.

Q2: Are there different rates for different cities?
A: Yes, rates vary by location with higher rates typically in more expensive cities.

Q3: What's included in M&IE?
A: Meals and Incidental Expenses cover food, tips, transportation between places of business, and other small expenses.

Q4: Can I claim more than the per diem rate?
A: Generally no, unless you have specific authorization or are in a location with no published rate.

Q5: Do these rates apply to non-government employees?
A: While designed for federal employees, many organizations use GSA rates as benchmarks for their own travel policies.