Are tips included as travel expenses for a medical visit eligible?

[Guest DK Ellerson]

An employee submitted a medically necessary travel expense claim which includes a tip for the taxi driver. My research hasn't turned up anything that specifically addresses the tip portion of the expense as allowable or not allowable. Anyone know if there is something out there in writing, or have any guidance regarding this issue? Thanks in advance.

Darla

[GBurns]

I do not think that your research would turn up anything that specifically addresses gratuities, sales tax or dispensing fees either. The fact that something is not specifically addressed should not be the deciding issue.

Was the expense incurred related to medical treatment? Was it a customary part of the transaction? Would you have also treated a gratuity or service charge that is added (without option) to a bill by a restaurant etc as a questionable item?