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When can you deduct meals?

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[quote][i]Originally posted by jbelmont[/i]
[br]Its common for business people to deduct meals when they do their Schedule C at the end of the year. You can deduct half of the expenses for all business meals.  But, what is a business meal?  The rule is not so simple.

1.  If you need with someone you work with for a meal for the purpose of talking about work, that is a business meal.

2.  If you meet with someone who you do not work with, but its for the purpose of having a professional conversation about work related topics, that might qualify too.

3.  If you are on a business trip (this is a gray line here), and have meals, then you can deduct half of the expense of those meals.  If you are going to a notary job thirty minutes away, that is not a business trip.  The IRS is looking for more long distance trips where perhaps you need a hotel, or are really out of your metro. I don't know how they draw the line, and I'm not sure if its stated. I would say 120 miles minimum to deduct meals.

4.  If you do a signing at a restaurant, that might be your only opportunity to legally deduct a meal.  Try it.  Pay by credit card so you have a record.

[/quote]

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T O P I C R E V I E W
jbelmont	Posted - 03/07/2011 : 4:46:16 PM Its common for business people to deduct meals when they do their Schedule C at the end of the year. You can deduct half of the expenses for all business meals. But, what is a business meal? The rule is not so simple. 1. If you need with someone you work with for a meal for the purpose of talking about work, that is a business meal. 2. If you meet with someone who you do not work with, but its for the purpose of having a professional conversation about work related topics, that might qualify too. 3. If you are on a business trip (this is a gray line here), and have meals, then you can deduct half of the expense of those meals. If you are going to a notary job thirty minutes away, that is not a business trip. The IRS is looking for more long distance trips where perhaps you need a hotel, or are really out of your metro. I don't know how they draw the line, and I'm not sure if its stated. I would say 120 miles minimum to deduct meals. 4. If you do a signing at a restaurant, that might be your only opportunity to legally deduct a meal. Try it. Pay by credit card so you have a record.
4 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First)
Khristaphoe	Posted - 03/22/2011 : 6:25:47 PM I bought luch for a department of closing coordinators. Can I deduct that whole bill?
LindaH	Posted - 03/08/2011 : 08:05:03 AM My apologies...I should have pointed out I was responding specifically to Jeremy's #3 in the OP where he says he's not sure where they draw the line...IMO they DO draw the line in saying "substantial sleep or rest".. Again, sorry - should have been clearer. Linda www.notarydepot.com/notary/lindah http://www.notary.net/websites/LindaHubbell
PWinFL	Posted - 03/08/2011 : 07:19:24 AM Yes, that is one reason, but the IRS provides for TWO reasons: quote: You can deduct the cost of meals in either of the following situations. * It is necessary for you to stop for substantial sleep or rest to properly perform your duties while traveling away from home on business. * The meal is business-related entertainment. You can deduct entertainment expenses only if they are both ordinary and necessary and meet one of the following tests. * Directly-related test. * Associated test. Both of these tests are explained in detail by the IRS Pub 463. http://www.irs.gov/publications/p463/ch02.html Never drive any faster than your guardian angel can fly. I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Florida, and I may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice. Visit us online at http://www.PAWnotary.com
LindaH	Posted - 03/08/2011 : 06:43:14 AM IRS Publication 463 specifies the criteria for deducting meals, one of which is: "It is necessary for you to stop for substantial sleep or rest to properly perform your duties while traveling away from home on business" http://www.irs.gov/publications/p463/ch01.html#en_US_2010_publink100033781 Many mobile notaries travel 100+ miles to do signings - they still don't qualify to take this deduction and I think it's becaue one key element is missing - the necessity to stop for substantial sleep or rest - Linda www.notarydepot.com/notary/lindah http://www.notary.net/websites/LindaHubbell