Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 36, September 6, 2024
7.1 Lodging for a Traveler is reimbursable where the distance is more than fifty (50) miles from his or her official work location or home, whichever is the shorter distance, and an overnight stay is required.7.2 Travelers should use the E-Travel system to secure the lowest rate available at a reasonably priced facility. Most hotels and motels offer special reduced rates to State Travelers which are stored in the system.7.2.1 Travelers shall not book lodging through a Third Party Booking vendor. Third party vendors are unable to provide an itemized invoice or folio for reimbursement and may charge services fees that are not reimbursable.7.3 The lodging facility location should be as convenient as possible to the location where business is being conducted.7.4 Allowable reimbursement for lodging shall include the actual expense for overnight accommodations and all applicable taxes and surcharges. Employees are reimbursed for lodging up to the maximum per diem established by the federal government. Travelers may request reimbursement above the per diem, not to exceed 300 percent (300%) of the maximum per diem allowance. Request for reimbursement above the per diem allowance should be made in advance of travel. Reimbursement above per diem following travel may be granted subject to agency approval.7.5 Sales tax is to be paid if the lodging facility is located outside the State of West Virginia. When using the Purchasing Card for travel, purchases made with this card for in-state travel are exempt from any form of taxation.7.6 If more than one Traveler shares a room, one of the Travelers may claim the total charge at the rate charged for the number of persons in one room; each Traveler will need to be referenced on the other Travel Expense Account Settlement Forms. They may also request the total charge be split between them accordingly and each issued their own separate folio or receipt.7.7 Receipts are required for lodging reimbursement. A valid, itemized invoice or folio shall be the official document utilized for reimbursement to the Traveler.7.8 If an increase in the lodging charge is incurred due to the Travel being directed by a Spending Unit Officer to change travel plans or due to extenuating circumstances arising beyond the control of the Traveler, then the increase is reimbursable. Increased charges incurred due to the Traveler's failure to notify the lodging facility are the personal expense of the Traveler and are not reimbursable.