IRS Updates 2026

IRS Updates 2026–2027 Business Travel Per Diem Rates

The IRS has released its 2026–2027 per diem rates for certain business travel expenses, effective Oct. 1, 2026. Under the high-low substantiation method, the rate for lodging, meals and incidental expenses for travel to high-cost localities within the continental United States (CONUS) rises to $329 per day, from $319. The rate for other CONUS localities rises to $230, from $225. The portion attributable to meals remains $86 for high-cost areas and $74 for other areas. The incidental-expenses-only rate remains $5. Employers can pay more than the IRS per diem rates, but excess amounts generally must be substantiated or treated as taxable wages. View the rates at: https://bit.ly/4iSef9n