Introduction
Traveling is an essential aspect of government business and employees may be required to travel for a variety of reasons such as training, conferences, meetings, and other official duties. The General Services Administration (GSA) is responsible for developing and maintaining federal travel regulations that govern government employee travel.
Reimbursement Policy
The government employee travel policy provides for reimbursement of travel expenses that are necessary and authorized for the performance of official business. Travel expenses that may be reimbursed include transportation, lodging, meals, and incidental expenses. However, expenses associated with personal travel or non-official activities are not reimbursable.
Employees are required to provide evidence of all travel expenses, including receipts, boarding passes, and other documents. Failure to provide sufficient documentation may result in the denial of reimbursement. The government also provides for a per diem allowance to cover lodging, meals, and incidental expenses when actual expenses are not claimed.
Per Diem Rates
Per diem rates are established by the GSA and vary depending on the location of the travel. The per diem rate includes a lodging allowance, meals, and incidental expenses. The per diem rate is adjusted annually and can be found on the GSA website. When traveling to a location for which a per diem rate has not been established, the employee may be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred up to a certain limit.
Travel Expenses
Travel expenses that can be reimbursed include airfare, train fare, or mileage if using a personal vehicle. The employee must choose the most economical mode of transportation available. Employees may also be reimbursed for taxi or shuttle fees, parking, and tolls associated with the travel. The government employee travel policy also provides for reimbursement of business-related telephone calls, internet usage, and other communication expenses while traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
Question | Answer |
What is the maximum amount of per diem that can be claimed? | The per diem rate varies depending on the location of the travel. You can find the per diem rate for your destination on the GSA website. |
Can I claim expenses for personal travel or non-official activities? | Expenses associated with personal travel or non-official activities are not reimbursable. |
What documentation is required for reimbursement of travel expenses? | Employees are required to provide evidence of all travel expenses, including receipts, boarding passes, and other documents. |
Am I required to choose the most economical mode of transportation? | Yes, employees must choose the most economical mode of transportation available. |
What expenses can I claim for while traveling? | Travel expenses that can be reimbursed include airfare, train fare, or mileage if using a personal vehicle. Employees may also be reimbursed for taxi or shuttle fees, parking, and tolls associated with the travel. |
Conclusion
Government employee travel policies and procedures are in place to ensure that employees are reimbursed for necessary and authorized travel expenses. The reimbursement policy includes per diem rates, which vary depending on the location of the travel, and reimbursement for travel expenses such as airfare, lodging, meals, and incidental expenses. By following these guidelines and procedures, employees can ensure that their travel expenses are accurately and appropriately reimbursed.