All terms

Per Diem

A daily allowance paid to cover employee expenses.

QUICK ANSWER

Per Diem is a fixed daily allowance given to employees to cover expenses such as meals, lodging, and travel when they are working away from their usual location.

In depth

Per Diem is a standardized daily payment provided to employees to cover business-related travel expenses without requiring detailed expense tracking. In the US, the IRS sets per diem rates for different locations, which companies often use as guidelines. These payments simplify reimbursement processes and reduce administrative burden. If paid within approved limits, per diem is typically not considered taxable income. For startups, using per diem can streamline travel expense management while maintaining compliance and cost predictability.