If you work outside your first place of work, you can deduct additional meal expenses - also known as “expenses” - from your tax bill. The first place of work is normally your permanent workplace at your employer's premises.
In this article, you can find out which flat rates apply and how to enter them in the Taxfix app.
- Additional meal expenses can be deducted from taxes.
- Your first job location determines if you qualify.
- Fixed allowances apply depending on the duration of absence.
- Allowances vary by country and city when traveling abroad.
🚀 Your Guide
- When can you deduct meal expenses?
- What are the meal allowances?
- Additional meal expenses abroad
- How to enter meal expenses in the Taxfix app
When can you deduct meal expenses? 🍽️
If you are traveling on business or working in the field, your meal expenses will be higher. As you don't eat at home or at your usual workplace, you often buy food on the go or go to a restaurant.
✅ Your employer can reimburse you for these costs tax-free - as a meal allowance or in the form of a lump sum.
✅ If your employer pays nothing or only a portion, you can deduct the lump sum from your taxes.
What are the meal allowances? 💰
Depending on how long you are away, the following allowances apply:
| Duration of absence | Allowance amount |
| More than 8 hours / travel days | 14 euros |
| 24 hours away | 28 euros |
Additional meal expenses abroad ✈️
If you travel abroad for work, allowances vary by country and city. In major cities, higher rates often apply compared to rural areas.
📲 Good to know: The Taxfix app detects your travel destination and automatically calculates the correct allowance.
Example calculations 📝:
➡ 1 day away (more than 8 hours)
💰 14 euros deductible
➡ 2 days away (travel and overnight stay)
💰 28 euros total (14 euros for travel + 14 euros for return)
➡ 3 days away
💰 56 euros total (14 euros for travel + 28 euros for 24 hours + 14 euros for return)
How to enter meal expenses in the Taxfix app 📱
In the Taxfix app, you can record your meal expenses under "Job":
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Entering your work trips within Germany:
Select one of the following options:
✅ "Different locations"
✅ "On the road / working in a vehicle"
✅ "Large area (harbour, forest)"
- Entering business trips (domestic and international):
- If you frequently traveled for work and your employer did not cover the expenses, you can enter them here.
- For changing work locations: the app will ask if you have a fixed workplace.
-
- Answer "No": You can enter your trips later.
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Answer "Yes": A central meeting point will be recorded, then travel costs and meal expenses can be added.
- For a fixed workplace: if you have a fixed job location, you can only enter business trips.
With the Taxfix app, you can claim your meal expenses easily and quickly. Secure your tax benefits now! 🎉
🚀 Fill out the simple question-answer flow - we'll take care of the rest!
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