Kim works for a clothing manufacturer as a dress designer. During 2019, she travels to New York City to attend five days of fashion shows and then spends three days sightseeing. Her expenses are as follows:

Airfare $1,500

Lodging (8 nights) $1,920

Meals (8 days) $1,440

Airport transportation $120

[Assume that lodging/meals are the same amount for the business and personal portion of the trip ($240 per day for lodging and $180 per day for meals).]

a. Presuming no reimbursement, how much can Kim deduct as to the trip?

b. Would the tax treatment of Kims deduction differ if she was an independent contractor (rather than an employee)? Explain