Umpires in Major League Baseball (MLB) have a big job. Not only do they have to make sure that the game is played fairly and according to the rules, but they also have to travel around the country to different cities and stadiums. With all the travel that MLB umpires do, the question arises: do MLB umpires pay for travel?
The Short Answer: No
The short answer is that MLB umpires do not pay for their own travel. All necessary travel expenses are covered by the MLB. This includes airfare, hotel accommodations, and meals.
Perks of the Job
MLB umpires receive a lot of benefits that come with the job, including travel. The MLB pays for all travel expenses, which can be quite a perk in a profession that requires a lot of travel. Umpires are also given a per diem, a daily allowance that covers any additional meals or incidentals that might be needed on the road.
The Tax Implications
Though MLB umpires do not have to pay for their own travel, that does not mean that they are exempt from the tax implications. All travel expenses paid for by the MLB are considered taxable income. That means that any travel expenses that the MLB pays for must be reported as income on the umpire’s tax return.
Travel Schedules
MLB umpires have a very demanding travel schedule. They typically travel to a different city every three or four days. During the regular season, umpires will visit all 30 MLB stadiums, with some trips involving multiple cities. During the playoffs, umpires may be on the road for two or three weeks at a time.
Living Arrangements
Because of the amount of time that umpires spend on the road, MLB umpires are not allowed to bring their families with them on the road. Instead, umpires typically stay in hotels that are provided by the MLB. The MLB also provides meal money for umpires so that they can purchase food at restaurants while they are on the road.
Conclusion
In conclusion, MLB umpires do not pay for their own travel expenses. All necessary travel expenses are covered by the MLB, including airfare, hotel accommodations, and meals. Though umpires do not have to pay for their own travel, they are still subject to the tax implications of their travel expenses. Umpires typically travel to a different city every three or four days, and they must stay in hotels that are provided by the MLB.