Introduction
Do you travel a lot for your business?
If so, you’re probably wondering what travel expenses you can write off to save on taxes.
Let’s be real—travel costs add up fast. Flights, hotels, meals, transportation… before you know it, you’ve spent thousands more than expected.
But here’s the problem: Many self-employed business owners leave thousands of dollars on the table because they don’t claim all the deductions they qualify for.
In fact, a survey from Clutch revealed that nearly 30% of small business owners believe they overpay their taxes. They know they should be keeping more of their hard-earned money, but they’re not sure how.
At KDA, we’ve helped countless business owners uncover tens of thousands of dollars in tax savings just by identifying deductions they’ve been missing.
The IRS allows you to go back three years to amend your tax return and claim a refund. But if you miss that window? That money is gone forever.
The good news? There are things you can do today to stop overpaying.
One of the biggest tax-saving opportunities? Travel deductions.
If you travel a lot for business, you’re likely spending thousands on trips. Some of those expenses can be tax-deductible, which means more money in your pocket.
Important Disclaimer on Travel Expense Deductions
Before you start deducting travel expenses, understand this one crucial rule:
Your trip must be business-related.
For example, if you’re flying from Italy to London for a client meeting, that’s a valid business expense.
Some common qualifying reasons for business travel include:
Attending conferences or networking events, checking out investment properties, and traveling for board meetings.
What doesn’t qualify? Purely personal trips. You can’t fly to Paris for a vacation and try to claim it as a business expense.
That said, if your trip is primarily for business and you take some personal time on the side, that’s okay. Just make sure the main purpose of the trip is business-related.
What Travel Expenses Are Tax Deductible for Self-Employed?
1. Transportation
The first (and often biggest) cost of business travel is getting to your destination.
✔️ Flights (to and from your destination)
✔️ Rental cars
✔️ Uber, Lyft, taxis, or public transportation
✔️ Train and bus fares
✔️ Parking fees and tolls
✔️ Baggage fees
If you’re using your personal vehicle for a business trip, you can deduct either:
- Mileage deduction – Use the standard IRS mileage rate per mile driven
- Actual expenses – Deduct a percentage of gas, maintenance, and insurance costs
2. Lodging
You can deduct the cost of hotels, motels, or Airbnb stays while on business travel.
✔️ Hotel and Airbnb stays
✔️ Business center fees
✔️ Internet and Wi-Fi costs
✔️ Laundry services (if necessary for business travel)
If you extend your trip for personal reasons, only the business-related portion of your stay is deductible.
3. Meals
Most people know they can deduct meals when dining with a client or business partner.
But did you know? You can also deduct meals when eating alone—if you’re traveling for business.
✔️ Meals alone while traveling for business (50% deductible)
✔️ Meals with clients or business partners (50% deductible)
✔️ Tips for restaurant staff
⚠️ Important: The IRS won’t let you deduct extravagant meals that aren’t reasonable for business purposes. (No, that gold-plated ice cream cone doesn’t count.)
4. Family Travel
What if you’re traveling with family? Good news—there’s a way to make it tax-deductible.
Here’s how:
If your family members are on your payroll (as employees) or serve on your company’s board, their travel expenses can be deductible—as long as they’re actively contributing to business operations.
They must have real business responsibilities (not just “taking notes” or tagging along), and the travel must be necessary for business.
You will also need documentation proving their role in the trip
This means you must plan your trip strategically—balancing business and personal time—to make it work.
⚠️ Note: Understanding What Travel Expenses Are Tax Deductible for Self-Employed can be tricky. That’s why I recommend consulting a tax strategist for expert guidance.
Click here to find the right professional to help you maximize deductions, minimize taxes, and keep more money in your pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I deduct personal travel expenses if I mix business with leisure?
✔️ Only business-related expenses are deductible. If you take personal days during a business trip, you must allocate costs accordingly.
2. Can I deduct international business travel?
✔️ Yes! As long as the primary reason for your trip is business-related, international travel expenses (flights, lodging, meals) may be deductible.
3. What documentation do I need to prove my travel deductions?
✔️ Receipts for transportation, lodging, meals, and other expenses
✔️ Conference tickets, meeting schedules, or business itineraries
✔️ Bank/credit card statements showing payments
✔️ Detailed records in case of an IRS audit
4. How much can I realistically save with travel deductions?
✔️ If you travel frequently for business, you could save thousands of dollars per year by properly claiming all eligible deductions.
Final Thoughts on Maximizing Your Travel Tax Deductions
If you travel for business, you’re probably leaving money on the table.
By understanding what’s deductible and how to document your expenses, you can keep more of your hard-earned cash where it belongs—in your pocket.
Remember, the key is to ensure your trip is primarily for business.
Make sure to plan your travel strategically, keep detailed records, and claim every deduction you’re entitled to.
Do this, and you can travel anywhere while legally saving thousands on taxes.
Want to Read More Content?
Every week, we update our blog with fresh, must-know content to help you keep more of your hard-earned money. If you haven’t checked it out yet, now’s the time.
Click here to read my latest post on how to maximize tax deductions.
