I’ve been doing a good amount of business travel lately. My employer reimburses mileage and provides a per diem. However, both those amounts are below the standard IRS rates. For instance, the IRS mileage deduction is {content}.485 per mile, while my company reimburses {content}.405 cents per mile. The IRS per diem for the region I travel to is / day while my company pays / day.
When I file my 2007 taxes, can I claim the difference between the allowable and actual reimbursements and an unreimbursed business expense?
I travelled 2,000 miles for business, so was reimbursed 0. At the IRS mileage rate, that would have been 0. Can I claim the 0 as an unreimbursed business expense? Is the scenario different for mileage and the per diem?

I’d prefer answers from folks who have actually faced the situation (or tax specialists) rather than speculation. Many thanks!

I need to do estimated tax for having worked under that 1099 form. Now, when you claim deduction under schedule C under Form 1040 ES, if you don’t have all the receipts for business expenses (meal, transporation, cell phone), can your credit card statements serve as receipts in case IRS opts to audit me?

If you used cash, and have no reciepts, is it better to NOT claim deductions for such receiptless business expenses?

Many thanks.

My father and I have started our own small business. Its home based and we are serious. Should I start my own corporation? If I am not mistaken, there are five different business structures;
Corporation
Incorporation
L.L.C
S-Corp
Sole Proprietary
Which business structure would be the best for my business? I would like to start a corporation for tax deductions. Please list as many advantages and disadvantages. It would be a great help if you could list your source for me to visit and do a little investigation for myself. Serious answers only please and many thanks in advance to all whom answer.