10/16/2026
✈️ Business Travel Per Diem Rates Have Changed!
Effective October 1, 2026, the IRS updated its optional high-low per diem rates for business travel:
💰 $329 per day – High-cost U.S. localities
💰 $230 per day – Other U.S. localities
Employees must still document the time, place, and business purpose of their travel. Any reimbursement exceeding the substantiated amount generally must be returned or treated as taxable wages.
📋 Business owners: Now is a great time to review your company’s travel reimbursement policies and payroll settings to ensure compliance.
Keep in mind that the high-low method has limitations and may not apply to every traveler.
This is general information, not individualized tax advice.
🔗 Source: IRS Notice 2026-60
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-26-60.pdf