Unlocking the Secrets of Meal Expense Deductions for Small Businesses in 2024

Ever wondered how to save on taxes with your business meal expenses?

In this episode, Mike Jesowshek discusses the ins and outs of meal expense deductions for small business owners. He explains how these deductions can turn after-tax spending into pre-tax spending and outlines the criteria for deductibility. Mike emphasizes the importance of detailed record-keeping and highlights various scenarios where meal expenses can be deducted. He also touches on the differentiation between meal and entertainment expenses and mentions strategies to maximize deductions while cautioning against excessive claims that could raise red flags with the IRS.

Discover practical tips by tuning in!

[00:00 - 03:38] Introduction and Basics of Meal Deductions

• Mike Jesowshek discusses basic IRS rules: food and beverage costs must be ordinary, necessary, and business-related to be deductible.
• Mike explains pre-tax spending versus after-tax spending.
• It is possible to convert a family dinner into a business expense by making it a board 

meeting.

[03:39 - 09:08] Types of Deductible Meal Expenses

• Dining with others (clients, staff, vendors) is 50% deductible.
• Solo meals when traveling for business are also 50% deductible.
• Meals provided at company events or marketing presentations are 100% deductible.
• Company parties are 100% deductible if the majority of attendees are non-tainted employees.
• Entertainment expenses are not deductible.
• Meals associated with entertainment, like a baseball game, are 50% deductible if separated on the invoice.

[09:09 - 13:31] Detailed Record-Keeping, Strategies, and Pitfalls

• Mike shares the importance of writing details directly on receipts (who, what, where, when, why).
• He gives a warning against excessive meal expense claims to avoid IRS red flags.

[13:32 - 17:02] Recap and Additional Resources

Direct Quotes:

"Meals are a great opportunity to turn after-tax spending into pre-tax spending." - Mike Jesowshek

"Keep detailed records. Write directly on the receipt who you met with, the purpose, and snap a photo for your files." - Mike Jesowshek

"Don't get greedy. Make sure you're smart with it. The IRS allowed us to move after-tax spending into pre-tax spending." - Mike Jesowshek

"Even though you might be having lunch with someone you consider non-business related, if you're talking business, you can often tie that to a business purpose." - Mike Jesowshek

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Podcast Host: Mike Jesowshek, CPA - Founder and Host of Small Business Tax Savings Podcast

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