Q: Why do I need a business purpose on my expense report? And, what should it say?

A: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires sufficient records to document that the expenses for which the university is paying are related to a legitimate activity from which the university will benefit. A good statement of business purpose for the expense report will answer who, what, when, where and why. Just writing ‘research’, ‘attend conference’ or ‘donor meeting’ is usually insufficient. Travelers may also be asked to provide a business justification for particular expenses.