Sch C - Deducting meal expenses

[Janitor Bob]

Am I correct in that non DOT workers can deduct 50% of the cost of meals when away from home on business...but ONLY if the trip is over-night?

 

I have a client who travels from her tax home every day to clean offices, libraries, gyms, etc.  She has given me a stack of meal receipts...but she is never gone over-night.  She cleans at night, so technically she leaves on day (before midnight) and comes home the next day (after midnight), but she is only gone 8-10 hours each trip (to clean) and then returns home.  Meals not deductible?

[MAMalody]

Generally, you can deduct the cost of meals and lodging if your business trip is overnight or long enough that you need to stop for sleep or rest to properly perform your duties. In most cases, you can deduct only 50% of your meal expenses. So, I would say that there is no meal deduction.

[Janitor Bob]

Thanks MAMalady...That is what I was thinking.

[Jack from Ohio]

Agree with MaMalody

[ILLMAS]

Are any of the meals business related?  For example, bringing in doughnuts, coffee etc.... for the clients that cut the check?   We always have bankers send us goodies to our office.

[Janitor Bob]

Client gave me a separate stack of receipts for business meals where she took clients out to lunch...I will give her 50% of these...just not the meals for herself since she did not stay overnight.

[Jack from Ohio]

Client gave me a separate stack of receipts for business meals where she took clients out to lunch...I will give her 50% of these...just not the meals for herself since she did not stay overnight.

Right on the money!