I am new at the per diem stuff and was wondering if at the end of the year am I still entitled to the standard deduction if I don't itemize deductions?

You'll still be able to make deductions. But you just wont be able to deduct your over the road away from home meals like you could before.

Thanks CC..

Per diem is a losing game. You lose on workermans comp you lose on social security you lose the tax deduction for road expenses. There may be a slight deduction on your 2106 form after you do the math.

Now for the employer is is a winning game. They save on social security taxes on workcomp and they get the tax deduction.

Per diem is a two edged sword though...another advantage is you get 10 whole cents with the perdiem, if the deductions were taken out ; you would only get .06 to .07 of that . Consult with an accountant or taxperson to fully comprehend the total ramifications of this pay arrangement. Our situation is : we return to the home terminal daily (with very few exceptions) so , we (our company's drivers) can't deduct meal allowances anyway.

EXACTLY!!!
Be careful!