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View Full Version : Are meal per diems taxable


puddy1616
Oct 11, 2013, 08:41 AM
1. Cuban professor comes to the U.S. to teach a class at a university.
2. He is not paid for his services. He is considered a zero-pay adjunct.
3. He receives $1,500 meal per diem for the 60 days he will be here.

Is this meal per diem taxable? If so, at what rate, and where can I find specific guidance that states this so I can support what I am telling Faculty?

Thanks.

AtlantaTaxExpert
Oct 11, 2013, 08:54 AM
If the per diem originates from Cuba, it is NOT taxable.

If it originates from the United States, it is technically taxable, but the amount is so low that no withholding is required because no tax return will be required (since the professor's personal exemption of $3,700 exceeds the total per diem.