✈️ Can You Deduct Travel Expenses? Let’s Break It Down (Without Breaking the Bank)

Ever wonder if that plane ticket or hotel stay could give you a little tax break? Good news: in some situations, travel expenses are totally deductible—and that can make your next trip feel even better.

Let’s explore five real-life situations where your travel expenses might actually help your wallet come tax season.

1. Business Travel (a.k.a. Work Trips That Actually Count)

If you're self-employed or run your own gig, you can usually write off travel expenses when you're away from your "tax home" for business. (Nope, that’s not your actual house—it’s where your main work happens.)

Here’s the deal:

• Ordinary expenses are the usual costs for your line of work.

• Necessary expenses are helpful for business, even if they’re not fancy.

What doesn’t count? Lavish dinners, luxury suites, or tagging along with a friend just for the vibe.

What you can deduct:

• Flights, trains, or gas

• Hotel stays

• Meals (50% of the bill)

• Uber rides, rental cars, or taxis

• Laundry, baggage fees, tips

• Business-related cruises (yes, seriously—but there’s a cap!)

Pro tip: If the trip is mostly business, you can deduct it. If it’s mostly personal, nope. Keep it clear.

2. Rental Property Travel (Not to Your Vacation Home, Sorry)

If you're a landlord and you travel to check on, fix, or manage your rental property—yup, that counts.

Deductible:

• Gas or mileage

• Hotel

• Any expenses that help you manage or maintain the place

Not deductible: Trips just to improve or renovate the property. Upgrades = capital improvements = no deduction.

3. Military Reserve or National Guard Travel

If you're a reservist or National Guard member and travel 100+ miles from home for duty—thank you for your service, and yes, those expenses may be deductible.

What’s covered:

• Mileage

• 50% of meals

• Lodging (up to the federal rate)

Just make sure these are unreimbursed expenses.

4. Medical Travel (Because Health Shouldn’t Be a Luxury)

If you need to travel to get essential medical care, some of those costs may be deductible. This includes bringing a nurse or parent if necessary.

Covered:

• Bus, taxi, plane fares

• Ambulance rides

• Hotel (up to $50/night per person)

• Driving expenses (either out-of-pocket or the IRS mileage rate)

Not covered: Wellness retreats, spa weekends, or anything that’s just “good for your health” but not prescribed.

5. Charitable Travel (Helping Others Can Help Your Taxes Too)

If you’re traveling as a volunteer for a legit charity, some of your costs might be deductible. But just tagging along for fun or helping a little on the side? Nope.

Deductible:

• Gas or mileage

• Meals (if directly related)

• Hotel or travel if you're on a specific volunteer mission

Not deductible: Travel where you “kind of” help while also relaxing by the beach.

🚗 Bonus Tip: Keep Those Records!

The IRS loves paper trails. Keep these on hand:

• Receipts

• Hotel bills

• Mileage logs (with odometer readings!)

• Itineraries and proof of purpose

• Names, dates, and places

If you're ever audited (ugh), you’ll be glad you kept your ducks—and your documents—in a row.

Need Help Figuring It Out?

Travel deductions can get a little tricky—but you don’t have to do it alone. If you want expert help, click here to book a call with an expert at Lisa Brugman, EA & Associates. We’ll help you figure out what counts, what doesn’t, and how to keep more money in your pocket.