Here's a creative and informative guide to help you understand what qualifies as a legitimate business meal expense, how to document your meals, and avoid common mistakes.
Understanding Business Meal Deductions
First things first, ask yourself if the meal is an ordinary and necessary expense for conducting your business. Here’s the crux: post-TCJA, many business meal expenses are now back to being only 50% deductible. To qualify, meals must meet these criteria:
- The expense is an ordinary and necessary part of conducting your trade or business.
- It is not lavish or extravagant.
- Your business has a presence at the meal.
- The meal has a clear business purpose.
- There is proper substantiation (documentation) of the meal.
Documenting Your Business Meals
For each business meal, make sure to document:
- Date and time
- Attendees
- Business purpose
- Total cost (including tips & tax)
Writing these details on your receipt is an effective way to keep everything in one place.
Exceptions to the 50% Deduction Limit
Some meal expenses can still be fully deductible:
- Meals treated as employee compensation
- Social activities for employees (e.g., holiday parties)
- Meals provided to the public as advertising
- If your business sells meals to the public
Business Travel Meal Expenses
When traveling away from your tax home for business, your meal expenses may be 50% deductible, as long as they aren't lavish or extravagant.
FAQs
- What about tips & taxes? Include them in the deductible amount.
- What is lavish and extravagant? It's subjective; consider all facts and circumstances.
- Does my coffee in the morning count? Only if it's part of a business meeting or you're traveling for business.
For personalized advice, always consult with a tax accountant.
Understanding and correctly documenting your business meal expenses can save you money and keep you compliant with tax regulations. Stay informed and make the most of your business meal deductions!
#BusinessMeals #TaxDeductions #EntrepreneurTips #BusinessTravel #TaxAdvice
Comments ()