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Wining and dining clients: Is it tax deductible?

taxes

Are dinners with clients tax deductible?

By Jack Pilon

Published on May 2, 20242 min read

Buying a client some coffee or lunch may seem a necessary business cost, but will the tax office give you a deduction for it? Frustratingly for small business owners, the tax rules around wining and dining clients are not black and white.

When you pay for your clients’ food, drink or recreation in the context of meetings, business lunches and social functions, you are likely to incur what the ATO calls entertainment expenses, which are not tax deductible.

However, the tax office also says that entertainment doesn’t occur every time you provide food or drink (Tax Ruling TR 97/17 ), meaning there are instances when you can deduct these costs against your income.

Confused? Here are some pointers to help you work things out.

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Throwing out the basic rule

With client meals, you need to forget the basic rule that you can claim expenses as long as they are directly related to earning your assessable income.

Even if you are seeing clients to discuss business matters, the tax office will disallow anything it classifies as entertainment expenses.

So the key is to establish what ‘entertainment’ really means.

What is ‘entertainment’?

There are four aspects to consider when deciding whether the cost of your client’s meal is an entertainment expense.

1. Is it being provided for enjoyment or refreshment?

Anything provided for enjoyment or in a social setting is regarded as entertainment. However, this treatment doesn’t apply to refreshments that allow you, your employees and the client to complete the working day in comfort.

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2. How elaborate is the meal?

As long as no alcohol is served, simple meals involving sandwiches, finger foods and salads are not deemed to be entertainment. The same goes for morning and afternoon tea favourites like tea, coffee, fruit drinks, cakes and biscuits (Tax Ruling IT 2675).

3. Is it consumed during or outside work time?

Refreshments provided during work time will not likely be characterised as entertainment.

4. Is it consumed on your business premises?

Food or drink consumed on your business premises is less likely to be considered as entertainment when compared with dining in a function room, hotel, restaurant, cafe or coffee shop.

In summary, you may qualify for a deduction if your client is served light refreshments on your business premises during work time. However, it is advisable to consult an accounting professional for tailored advice.

Tax breaks are invaluable to small businesses. Figure out the rules around client meals and you could lower your future business costs.

Tax laws and regulations change frequently, and their application can vary widely based on the specific facts and circumstances involved. You are responsible for consulting with your own professional tax advisors concerning specific tax circumstances for your business. Intuit disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of any positions taken by you in your tax returns.

If you have questions regarding accounting issues specifically related to your industry or your business circumstances, you should consult with your own professional tax advisor, accountant, attorney, industry expert or professional association.

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