Legal limit on travel expense charges

I was speaking on the phone to someone at the IHK (German Chamber of Commerce). They wanted to know my company's prices for a training course. I quoted them a price and said if the training course took place at the customer site we would charge them an additional 0.40€ per km travelling expenses. (They are about 20km away) The person at the IHK told me that is was illegal to charge 0.40€ per km. This threw me somewhat and I checked with my tax consultant who's normally on the ball. My tax consultant didn't know of any law about how much companies could charge for travelling expenses. Could it be the IHK is talking out of its arse?

I think it's supposedly 0.30 Eur/KM.

And what about travelling time?

Handwerker generally charge the travelling time (in 15 minute increments) plus a Pauschale for the vehicle (I've had bills for €3,50 and €10 depending on the company).

Plus MwSt, of course!

EDIT: My opinion, they're talking out of their arses. On the other hand, it could be true (the law is an ass, after all). In that case restructure how you charge your travelling expenses.

@Jenny L

I could be wrong but I think "Reisekosten" are what employees can charge their employers or claim for tax purposes. I'm charging my customer "Fahrtkosten".


As I'm such a nice man I'm not charging my customer travelling time. Although I presume I could without any problems.


Spoken like a true entrepreneur.