Definition. The total sum of money due for the purchase of a good or service that must be paid by the set due date. In relation to taxes, the money owed to the government when required tax amount totals a greater number than total tax payments previously made.efinition. The total sum of money due for the purchase of a good or service that must be paid by the set due date. In relation to taxes, the money owed to the government when required tax amount totals a greater number than total tax payments previously made.
The Internal Revenue Service has set the special per diem rates starting Oct. 1, 2015, which taxpayers can use to substantiate the amount of expenses for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses when traveling away from home.
Comment: The rate for the incidental expenses-only deduction is $5 per day for post-September 30, 2012, travel, which is unchanged from the previous rate. The IRS-approved per diem rate for high-cost areas is $242 ($177 for lodging and $65 for meals and incidental expenses).