Question about travel reimbursement

PapaBearOC

Member
Joined
Apr 14, 2019
Messages
12
Our DS just accepted his appointment and now we are trying to figure out travel plans to get there. I was reading in the 2023 booklet online that "The entitlement to the mileage allowance is dependent on you being the owner/operator of the vehicle. To be considered the owner/operator of the vehicle, you must be responsible for the operating costs of the vehicle, i.e., pay for the gas." This, of course is addressed to the appointee and not his or her parents. However, the language does not specify that he be on the title of the vehicle, only that he pays for the gas. I'm not looking for any loophole but rather if it is legitimate for him to claim this if we drive him. Can anyone help?
 
Not that I know anything, but I have no doubt he can claim the mileage one way even if he's not driving and/or it's a rental car. He's not even supposed to have a car there so, of course, they know he's not doing it himself. It isn't something I would lose any sleep over. Claim it.
 
Our DS just accepted his appointment and now we are trying to figure out travel plans to get there. I was reading in the 2023 booklet online that "The entitlement to the mileage allowance is dependent on you being the owner/operator of the vehicle. To be considered the owner/operator of the vehicle, you must be responsible for the operating costs of the vehicle, i.e., pay for the gas." This, of course is addressed to the appointee and not his or her parents. However, the language does not specify that he be on the title of the vehicle, only that he pays for the gas. I'm not looking for any loophole but rather if it is legitimate for him to claim this if we drive him. Can anyone help?

For my DS, he submitted a google map showing the one-way distance from his home to USAFA to validate "his" mileage (he did not provide any validation of the "owner/operator" component). I did not see detailed breakdown of the travel reimbursement he received, but the order of magnitude indicates that he did receive mileage for his travel to USAFA. I hope this helps.
 
Our DS just accepted his appointment and now we are trying to figure out travel plans to get there. I was reading in the 2023 booklet online that "The entitlement to the mileage allowance is dependent on you being the owner/operator of the vehicle. To be considered the owner/operator of the vehicle, you must be responsible for the operating costs of the vehicle, i.e., pay for the gas." This, of course is addressed to the appointee and not his or her parents. However, the language does not specify that he be on the title of the vehicle, only that he pays for the gas. I'm not looking for any loophole but rather if it is legitimate for him to claim this if we drive him. Can anyone help?

For my DS, he submitted a google map showing the one-way distance from his home to USAFA to validate "his" mileage (he did not provide any validation of the "owner/operator" component). I did not see detailed breakdown of the travel reimbursement he received, but the order of magnitude indicates that he did receive mileage for his travel to USAFA. I hope this helps.

Thank you very much. I just don't want't even the appearance of him cheating for anything. So I'm hoping to get or be pointed to an official answer.
 
I would think mileage reimbursement is similar to most job. Either there is a certain amount per mile traveled (in which case you show the mileage like FSMH-79 suggested) or turn in a gas station receipt. I think as long as it's reasonable amount, I don't feel it will be a problem. If you're really concerned, send your DS with both (google map and gas receipt).
 
For readers who fly: don’t forget to include the piece from the airport to the yard (Uber for DS)! Not that I know about that or anything [emoji51]
 
Our DS just accepted his appointment and now we are trying to figure out travel plans to get there. I was reading in the 2023 booklet online that "The entitlement to the mileage allowance is dependent on you being the owner/operator of the vehicle. To be considered the owner/operator of the vehicle, you must be responsible for the operating costs of the vehicle, i.e., pay for the gas." This, of course is addressed to the appointee and not his or her parents. However, the language does not specify that he be on the title of the vehicle, only that he pays for the gas. I'm not looking for any loophole but rather if it is legitimate for him to claim this if we drive him. Can anyone help?

For my DS, he submitted a google map showing the one-way distance from his home to USAFA to validate "his" mileage (he did not provide any validation of the "owner/operator" component). I did not see detailed breakdown of the travel reimbursement he received, but the order of magnitude indicates that he did receive mileage for his travel to USAFA. I hope this helps.

Thank you very much. I just don't want't even the appearance of him cheating for anything. So I'm hoping to get or be pointed to an official answer.
I think you are overly worried about this. If you want, give him the money and then he can pay for the gas. Does that really change anything or must he also earn that money in your mind? If you want an official answer I'd call the academy as I doubt such the fine nuance you're worried about is actually documented anywhere.
 
Yes its legitimate for him to claim this if you drive him. The purpose of verbiage is to make sure it is a POV (privately owned vehicle), vs commercial transportation. The per diem and mileage is for a POV, its ok if you own the vehicle vs your son. You can't claim POV mileage if you take an Uber, taxi, etc. In these cases you submit your receipts of payment vs claiming POV mileage.
 
I think I read on the reimbursement form that mileage was paid at $0.20 / mile if you drive your POV. It's better than nothing, but that seems low compared to what the IRS allows. There is also a per-diem that includes lodging and meals for the day (that amount seemed legit).
 
Back
Top