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Note: OP lists England in his profile, my answer here is for the US. I assume most of it will be similar in England, but can't guarantee that.
Like most things in the tax world "it depends."
If you have a job that can be done from anywhere, and are just doing work while you're traveling, it's likely not a business trip. Just like those of use with remote businesses that work from home can't write off our entire lifestyle, neither can a digital nomad.
However, if you are traveling abroad for a business reason, then yes, it can be written off. If you are going to a conference in Spain, then it could be a business trip.
If you need access to items physically located in Spain to do your work, then it could be a business trip (i.e. you're doing historical research for your business, and a book you need is only accessible in Spain).
If you're visiting a manufacturer and working out a new process, then it could be a business trip.
The IRS says you can write off any "ordinary and necessary" business expense - most people get caught on the "necessary" part.
All of that said, I'm sure it's not too hard to find an accountant who would let you write off the whole trip without asking any questions. But ultimately, if you get audited, you need to be able to support that it was ordinary and necessary for business purposes.
Of course, with the US audit rate so low, this is then up to each person's risk tolerance.
(Side note, one firm I was at, the question was raised: If you need to buy a gun to protect yourself when you visit your tenants to collect rent, can you write that off as a tax deduction?
I believe the conclusion was that it wouldn't be considered "ordinary" even if it was necessary. However, I'd love to see it to go court and get a ruling)
Note: OP lists England in his profile, my answer here is for the US. I assume most of it will be similar in England, but can't guarantee that.
Like most things in the tax world "it depends."
If you have a job that can be done from anywhere, and are just doing work while you're traveling, it's likely not a business trip. Just like those of use with remote businesses that work from home can't write off our entire lifestyle, neither can a digital nomad.
However, if you are traveling abroad for a business reason, then yes, it can be written off. If you are going to a conference in Spain, then it could be a business trip.
If you need access to items physically located in Spain to do your work, then it could be a business trip (i.e. you're doing historical research for your business, and a book you need is only accessible in Spain).
If you're visiting a manufacturer and working out a new process, then it could be a business trip.
The IRS says you can write off any "ordinary and necessary" business expense - most people get caught on the "necessary" part.
All of that said, I'm sure it's not too hard to find an accountant who would let you write off the whole trip without asking any questions. But ultimately, if you get audited, you need to be able to support that it was ordinary and necessary for business purposes.
Of course, with the US audit rate so low, this is then up to each person's risk tolerance.
(Side note, one firm I was at, the question was raised: If you need to buy a gun to protect yourself when you visit your tenants to collect rent, can you write that off as a tax deduction?
I believe the conclusion was that it wouldn't be considered "ordinary" even if it was necessary. However, I'd love to see it to go court and get a ruling)