You may be interested in the requirements for deducting business meal expenses. Unfortunately, after the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (”TCJA,” P.L. 115-97, 12/22/2017) it’s less than clear whether business meals provided to clients and business associates are deductible. The TCJA provides that—starting Jan. 1, 2018—entertainment, amusement or recreation expenses for clients and business associates are no longer allowed as business deductions. IRS is expected to issue guidance providing that meals aren’t considered “entertainment, amusement or recreation,” but it could change its mind and include meal expenses in the category of deductions that are disallowed by the new law.

Assuming that meals are deductible at all, you would still need to jump through several extra hoops to deduct meal expenses, and the deduction is subject to limitations.

• (1) Ordinary and necessary business expenses. All business expenses must meet the general deductibility requirement of being “ordinary and necessary” in carrying on the business. These terms have been fairly broadly defined to mean customary or usual, and appropriate or helpful. Thus, if it is reasonable in your business to take clients or other business people out to restaurants or otherwise provide them with meals or refreshments you should be able to pass this general test.
• (2) “Directly related” or “associated with.” A second level of tests specially applicable to meal expenses must also be satisfied. Under them, the business meal must be either “directly related to” or “associated with” the business.

“Directly related” means involving an “active” discussion aimed at getting “immediate” revenue. Thus, a specific, concrete business benefit is expected to be derived, not just general goodwill from making a client or associate view you favorably. And the principal purpose for the meal must be business. Also, you must have engaged actively during the meal, via a meeting, discussion, etc.

The directly related test can also be met if the meal takes place in a clear business setting directly furthering your business, i.e., where there is no meaningful personal or social relationship between you and the others involved. Meetings or discussions that take place at cocktail parties—which are essentially social events—wouldn’t meet this test.

If the “directly related” test can’t be met, the expense may qualify as “associated with” the active conduct of business if the meal precedes or follows (i.e., takes place on the same day as) a substantial and bona fide business discussion.

This test is easier to satisfy. The “goodwill” type of meal at a restaurant can qualify. The meal will be considered associated with the active conduct of the business if its purpose is to get new business or encourage the continuation of a business relationship. You (or an employee of yours) must be present. That is, for example, if you simply cover the cost of a client’s meal after a business meeting but don’t join him at it, the expense doesn’t qualify.

• (3) Substantiation. Almost as important as qualifying for the deduction are the requirements for proving that it qualifies. The use of reasonable estimates isn’t sufficient to stand up to IRS challenge. You must be able to establish the amount spent, the time and place, the business purpose, and the business relationship of the individuals involved. Obviously, you must set up careful and detailed record-keeping procedures to keep track of each business meal and to justify its business connection. For expenses of $75 or more, documentary proof (receipts, etc.) is required.
• (4) Deduction limitations. Several additional limitations apply. First, expenses that are “lavish or extravagant” aren’t deductible. This is generally a “reasonableness” test and doesn’t impose any fixed limits on the cost of meals. Expenses incurred at first class restaurants or clubs can qualify as deductible.

More importantly, however, once the expenditure qualifies, it is only 50% deductible. Obviously, this rule severely reduces the tax benefit of business meals. If you spend about $50 a week on qualifying business meals, or $2,500 for the year, your deduction will only be $1,250, for tax savings of around $300 to $400.

I hope the above has been helpful. Please call if you have any questions or would like my help in setting up record-keeping procedures.