The importance of accountable expense reimbursement plans

Description

Abstract: Most companies cover their employees’ business expenses by reimbursing them for their actual expenses or by paying a travel or mileage allowance. Such arrangements are subject to strict tax rules concerning what qualifies as a legitimate reimbursement arrangement and what is treated (at least for tax purposes) as additional compensation to the employee. It depends on whether the employer’s payments are made in accordance with what the IRS calls an accountable plan. This article explains the rules and whether it may or may not be advisable to use such a plan.