The employee may receive meal allowances regardless of the actual amount incurred. Payment for lodging is limited to actual cost and must be documented by a receipt from a commercial establishment . The payment of sales tax, lodging tax, local tax, or service fee applied to the cost of lodging is allowed in addition to the lodging rate and is to be paid as a lodging expense.
Reimbursable rate is the prevailing rate at time of travel if the federal per diem is requested.
The traveler must document that overnight lodging was necessary and accomplished. Proof of payment must be provided, lodging receipt must reflect payment of charges or charge card evidence of payment must be attached with specific dates of lodging listed on the reimbursement request. If Express Checkout is used, lodging receipt must indicate credit card as method of payment. Reimbursement for lodging in an establishment treated as an apartment building by state or local law or regulation is not allowed unless approved by the Office of State Budget and Management in advance. F. Excess Lodging Excess lodging is allowed when the employee is in a high cost area and unable to secure lodging within the current allowance.