Understanding GSA Per Diem Rates for Federal Travelers
1. What are GSA Per Diem Rates?
GSA per diem rates are the standard rates set by the General Services Administration (GSA) to facilitate federal travel reimbursement.
2. Standard vs. Non-Standard Areas
While a standard rate applies to most areas within the continental United States (CONUS), about 300 non-standard areas have individual rates based on key cities/destinations and surrounding counties.
3. Announcing Rates for the Fiscal Year
Rates for the upcoming federal government fiscal year are typically announced in mid-August, allowing agencies to plan and budget for travel expenses.
4. Accessing Per Diem Rates
Federal travelers can search for per diem rates by city, state, ZIP code, or state map using the GSA website, flat files, API, or trip calculator.
5. Resources for Federal Travelers
- Download bulletins on per diem rates, vehicle reimbursement, relocation allowances, and other travel topics from the GSA website.
- Obtain state tax exemption forms to exclude state and local taxes from hotel bills during official travel.
6. Stay Informed
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