Are Business Travel Meals Deductible?

By Alice Nichols

Business travel meals are a necessity for many businesses and employees. In general, they can be deducted, subject to certain restrictions, as part of the cost of doing business.

The IRS allows businesses to deduct 50% of their business meal expenses from their taxes. However, there are several factors that must be taken into consideration when determining whether or not a particular meal is deductible.

First and foremost, the meal must be “ordinary and necessary” for the business. This means that the meal must have some purpose related to conducting business.

For example, a company could deduct the cost of a meal if it was used as an incentive for employees or as part of a meeting with potential clients. However, meals taken simply for pleasure would not qualify.

Second, the meal must have been incurred while traveling away from home on official business. The IRS considers travel away from home as being any distance greater than 100 miles from your normal place of work. If you are attending a conference or seminar in another city and stay overnight, then the meals you eat in that city would generally qualify for deduction.

Thirdly, it is important to keep accurate records to back up your deductions.

The IRS requires receipts for all meals if you are claiming deductions over $75 per person per day. It is also important to note who was present at each meal and what type of business was discussed so that you can prove that it was necessary and related to your business.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, business travel meals can be deductible under certain circumstances. It is important to understand the rules set forth by the IRS when claiming these deductions so that you can maximize your deductions while staying compliant with tax regulations.