The IRS allows people who travel for business to deduct their meal expenses from their income. The Per Diem rate is set by the IRS. The current rate (as of October 1, 2015) is $63 per day in the Continental US and $68 per day while in Canada.You may hear the amount of the deduction quoted as $50.40.he IRS allows people who travel for business to deduct their meal expenses from their income. The Per Diem rate is set by the IRS. The current rate (as of October 1, 2015) is $63 per day in the Continental US and $68 per day while in Canada.