Meals Deduction Guide

Yes, you can write off that lunch—but only if you do it right.

The business meals deduction is a favorite for small business owners—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. The trick is knowing what qualifies and what doesn’t.

Why It Matters
Business meals are 50% deductible when directly related to work—like meeting with a client, vendor, or employee to discuss business. But casual lunches or personal meals don’t qualify. Without good records, the deduction can disappear fast in an audit.

Meals Deduction Guidelines

• Keep receipts for every business meal.

• Note the who, what, and why on the receipt or in QuickBooks Online.

• Separate business meals from entertainment expenses.

• Review your totals with your Chandler CPA before filing.

With accurate tracking, your meals deduction can become a reliable (and safe) tax-saving tool.

The Bottom Line
The difference between a write-off and a red flag is documentation. Stay compliant, stay confident—and keep the lunch meetings coming.

Need some help with your books? Call us at 480.747.3935 or set a time to talk with our CPA, Chris, at www.chrisbadulescu.com.