Per Diem
A per-diem is a flat rate you get each day to cover living expenses. Per-diem is standard when a project or production has you working outside of your typical geographic area, and the things a per-diem are meant to cover aren’t included already. Per-diem rates are typically between $50 and $75. You can use per-diem money however you want, but generally they cover expenses for being away from home. You do not need to disclose how you use a per-diem. Whatever you don’t spend is yours to keep.
Per-diems show up as a tax-exempt addition to your pay-check or are given to you separately on a check or in cash. This rate is untaxed as long as it falls below the federal standard ($79 in 2024).
Example Uses of Per-Diem:
| Per-Diems do not cover expenses that should be covered separately or reimbursed by your client (aka “covered by the job”):
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