To ask do you include tips in work expense claims?

[Hermano]

A bit more complex situation than might seem at first...

A work trip to the US

All meals, drinks etc have a very strong obligation to tip at least 20%. The place I was staying there weren't many options and most cafés, restaurants were pretty pricey, so 20% more on top is quite a lot, especially with the pound so weak. Eg a sandwich and a can of drink $18, a pasta lunch with drink $40, a steak with glass of wine and sharing a pudding $80 each

So my total food bill for a trip of a few days is about $500, so an extra $100 in tips

Add onto this that certain elements of the trip count as a prize with all meals included. Therefore is the tip a bit more optional and so shouldn't be claimed?

I think I'm going to claim the lot but just wondered if anyone has much experience of this and has been told my their finance people that tips definitely do /don't get included.

If it's added to the bill as standard then yes, if not and it's just an optional "leave a few quid cash" then no, I don't.

Yes, there is a line for them in our reporting system.

I don't but am not going abroad in the course of work.

I always claim tips on US trips, as it is as good as part of the price. But if I've had great service in the UK and want to give them something above the standard 12.5% on the bill then I would cover that myself.

Your policy should/will say. Ours is very clear we cannot claim tips as they are optional - that said, it would be v rare for us to go to the states so maybe if we did the policy would be different.

I would double check, you don’t want to end up on hot water. Do you have to supply receipts? If the tip isn’t on there for done you’ll have to work out what to do.

Did you tip in sushi place? Seems unnecessary in what is essentially a fast food joint.

I'd claim tips if they were reciepted.
I'd not claim if I'd put some cash down afterwards.
But ultimately, it depends on works policy!