Traveling for work can be exciting, but it can also be stressful, especially when it comes to keeping track of your travel expenses. Whether you’re driving to a neighboring city or flying to a different country, it’s essential to know how to certify your travel expenses. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about certifying your travel expenses as a business traveler.
What does it mean to Certify Travel Expenses?
Certifying travel expenses means verifying and approving the expenses claimed by an employee while on a business trip. It involves ensuring that expenses are reasonable and necessary for business purposes and that they comply with the company’s travel policy.
Why is it Essential to Certify Travel Expenses?
Certifying travel expenses is essential for both employees and employers. For employees, it ensures that they get reimbursed for the expenses they incur while on a business trip, which can be a significant cost. For employers, it ensures that they only reimburse reasonable and necessary expenses and that their travel expense policy is being followed.
How to Certify Travel Expenses?
The process of certifying travel expenses varies from company to company. However, here are some general steps that you can follow:
- Collect all necessary receipts and documents.
- Fill out a travel expense report form.
- Submit the form and receipts to your supervisor or manager.
- Wait for approval.
- Receive reimbursement or payment.
What Expenses Can Be Certified?
Typically, the following expenses can be certified:
- Transportation – including flights, rental cars, taxis, and public transport.
- Lodging – including hotel stays, Airbnb rentals, and other accommodations.
- Meals – including meals taken while traveling, but not extravagant or lavish meals.
- Business-related expenses – including conference fees, trade show fees, and other business-related expenses.
What Expenses Cannot Be Certified?
Typically, the following expenses cannot be certified:
- Personal expenses – including souvenirs, personal phone calls, and personal entertainment.
- Non-business-related expenses – including expenses incurred while on vacation or personal time.
- Extravagant or lavish expenses – including high-end meals or luxury hotel stays.
What to Keep in Mind While Traveling for Business?
While traveling for business, you should keep the following tips in mind:
- Read and understand your company’s travel expense policy.
- Keep all necessary receipts and documents.
- Keep track of expenses as you incur them.
- Submit your travel expense report as soon as possible after your trip.
- Be reasonable and conservative in your expenses.
Conclusion
Certifying travel expenses is an essential part of business travel. It ensures that employees get reimbursed for necessary and reasonable expenses and that employers only reimburse expenses that comply with their travel expense policy. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can make the process of certifying travel expenses easier and more efficient.