How to Deduct Business Meals & Networking Costs
January 19, 20251 min read
By the I&S Accounting teamReviewed by a licensed U.S. CPA
Are you meeting clients or business partners over lunch or dinner? You can deduct 50% of meal expenses when the meal has a clear business purpose. In some cases, certain meals purchased from restaurants may qualify for a higher deduction under current IRS rules — so it's worth confirming the current-year treatment before you file.
What Qualifies as Deductible Business Meals?
- Client meetings over coffee
- Networking lunches or dinners
- Team meals during business travel
Pro tip: always save receipts and document the purpose of the meeting — who attended and what was discussed. That documentation makes your tax filing easier and protects the deduction if you're ever questioned.
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