Business trip abroad
Not every business trip “only” leads to a different federal state. With regard to trips abroad, not only other business travel insurances sometimes apply, but also special provisions with regard to the amount of the daily allowance.
Daily allowance for business trips abroad
According to phonejust.com, the amount of the daily allowance, which can be taken into account in the course of a business trip accounting, is based on the estimated additional expenditure and is reimbursed in the form of a fixed flat rate. The Federal Ministry of Finance is the right contact when it comes to the relevant information. However, since the amount of the lump sum changes again and again, it makes sense to check the corresponding values regularly.
Insurance for business trips abroad
If the business trip goes abroad, there are other provisions that must be complied with in order to obtain insurance cover . The employee must be posted within the framework of a German employment relationship. In addition, it is important that the stay is limited in time from the date of issue. There is a general exclusion from insurance benefits for dangerous situations that represent a realistic scenario in crisis and war zones alone . These include various health hazards, diseases and kidnappings.
The structured travel accounting
The expense report offers following the mission the opportunity to make various items in financial law. Business travelers should not shy away from the supposed expense of billing, which can lead to considerable sums even for short stays abroad . The following points should be taken into account:
- Ride costs
- Meal expenses
- Accommodation costs
- Travel expenses
The costs of all public transport that must be used on the business trip can be written off in full. If the employee decides to take the trip with his own car, the individual kilometer rate can be calculated. It often seems more advisable to opt for the flat rate of 0.30 euros per kilometer. If a company car is used to get to the destination, it is of course not possible to claim travel expenses in this way. During a trip, there are also higher costs for meals . Since a reform in 2014, two different flat rates are available for domestic travel. In the event of an absence of eight to twelve hours, twelve euros are due. From the thirteenth hour onwards, there is a flat rate of 24 euros per day. For business trips abroad, the flat rates are based on the respective price level in the country . Corrections are therefore frequently made that travelers should take into account when calculating travel expenses. The current rates are regularly published in a BMF letter. For the accommodation costs , it is advisable to claim the amount on the receipt. The currently valid flat rate, which in Germany is only 20 euros per night is not sufficient to cover the costs. If the cost of an additional breakfast is included in the room rate, these must be deducted as they can already be found in the meal expenses. Within Germany, a lump sum of 4.50 euros is applied. If the business trip goes abroad, the price can be set as a flat rate of 20 percent.
Can you refuse your business trip?
Depending on the industry, a business trip can be part of the standard. However, not all employees can be enthusiastic about this kind of variety. A question that is asked again and again in this context is: “Can a business trip be refused?”. In the first step, a look at the respective employment contract will help. If it has been determined here that business trips are part of the employment relationship, it will be difficult to evade this task. However, if nothing has been specified here, the right to refuse the business trip is not yet given. After all, the employer has the right to issue instructions here. However, this does not mean that the employee would be powerless in this case. Because: of course, his interests also play a role. Among other things, it is important here to take into account the duration and destination of the business trip. In order to be able to refuse a business trip, you need a valid reason. Often, for example, health reasons or the duty of care for a child ensure that a colleague sets off instead of the originally intended employee. If, however, the employee simply does not feel like working for the company away from his desk, in the worst case this can also be viewed as a “refusal to work”. The possible consequence: termination. However, many problems that can arise in this context can usually be resolved through a personal conversation.
Conclusion
Business trips of all kinds have long been part of everyday life for many employees and can be used, among other things, to broaden your own horizons a little and to network. At the same time, legal innovations in the past have in some cases ensured that the employee is in a stronger position, for example by often being able to settle the distance that has to be covered in the course of a business trip. In addition, an employee is not always “defenseless” when ordering a business trip. If there are valid reasons, a corresponding project can also be rejected. Last but not least, business travelers have the opportunity to claim their expenses in the tax return in the area of income-related expenses.
