The Business Meal Deduction: How to Write Off Food on Your Taxes

💰Business meals are deductible business expenses that can be subtracted from your taxable business income.

📝To qualify for a business meal deduction, the expenses must be legitimate business expenses and must have proper documentation.

🍽️Official meals with current or potential business customers, consultants, co-workers, or business partners are tax deductible.

❌Personal meals, groceries, solo lunches, hanging out with friends or family, and snacks consumed during work are not tax deductible.

📲Bank and card statements can serve as proof of purchase for claiming business meal deductions, along with additional digital breadcrumbs.

What is a business meal expense deduction?

—A business meal expense deduction is a way to subtract food expenses from your taxable business income, reducing your overall tax liability.

What qualifies as a business meal expense?

—Business meals with current or potential business customers, consultants, co-workers, or business partners qualify as legitimate business expenses.

Can I deduct personal meals as a business expense?

—No, personal meals, including groceries, solo lunches, and meals with friends or family, are not tax deductible as business expenses.

What documentation do I need to support my business meal deductions?

—While you don't need to include documents in your tax return, it's recommended to keep additional digital breadcrumbs like bank statements, calendar events, meeting notes, or follow-up emails.

What if I get audited for my business meal deductions?

—Having proper documentation and evidence of legitimate business expenses, along with additional digital breadcrumbs, will help support your deductions in case of an audit.

01:35In this video, Tara introduces the concept of the business meal deduction and its importance for freelancers, independent contractors, and gig workers.

03:44Tara explains that a business meal expense deduction allows you to subtract food expenses from your taxable business income, reducing your overall tax liability.

06:08She provides examples of what qualifies as a business meal expense, such as meals with current or potential business customers, consultants, co-workers, or business partners.

08:05Tara clarifies that personal meals, groceries, solo lunches, and meals with friends or family are not tax deductible as business expenses.

07:50She mentions that bank and card statements, along with additional digital breadcrumbs like calendar events, meeting notes, or follow-up emails, can serve as proof of purchase for claiming business meal deductions.