A lot of confusion can occur amongst startups and whether or not they can claim their business lunches as a tax deduction. In order to help eliminate some of the confusion there are a few simple steps that you can follow in order to determine whether you these expenses are tax deductible or not.
The questions that you should ask yourself, are as follows;
- Why is the food or drink being provided? What is the purpose of the food and drink being provided, if it happens to be a social setting than the chances are this is entertainment.
- What food or drink is being provided? As your meal starts to take a more elaborate form, for example there is matching wines, its starts to take the form of entertainment.
- When is the food or drink being provided? If a meal is provided during work hours than the chances of it being classed as entertainment are less likely. You do need to consider though whether or not it is social.
- Where is the food or drink being provided? If you consume the meal on your premises than its not likely to be considered entertainment. However if you go to a restaurant it is difficult to say its not entertainment.
Continue reading “TaxTipTuesday: I am having a lunch with a client. Is it tax deductible?”