The questions this tool walks you through
Here is what the checker asks and why each step matters. Prefer to talk it through? Contact us and we will help directly.
Was each meal ordinary and necessary, not lavish, attended by the taxpayer or an employee, and connected to a business contact?
Answer from current facts and retain dated records; a label, payment, or information form alone does not determine federal tax treatment.
Continue to the next decision point. Cure missing documentation and confirm the treatment with your CPA before filing.
Official guidance: Official IRS guidance
Do you retain contemporaneous documentation supporting the facts, amounts, and business purpose related to business meals deduction?
Answer from current facts and retain dated records; a label, payment, or information form alone does not determine federal tax treatment.
Continue to the next decision point. Cure missing documentation and confirm the treatment with your CPA before filing.
Official guidance: Official IRS guidance
Have you documented how IRC Sections 162 and 274(n); Publication 463 applies to business meals deduction, including limits, exceptions, and elections?
Answer from current facts and retain dated records; a label, payment, or information form alone does not determine federal tax treatment.
Continue to the next decision point. Cure missing documentation and confirm the treatment with your CPA before filing.
Official guidance: Official IRS guidance
Have you included the expected federal and state effect in your tax projection and next estimated payments?
Answer from current facts and retain dated records; a label, payment, or information form alone does not determine federal tax treatment.
Preserve the analysis and include the result in the filing workpapers. Cure missing documentation and confirm the treatment with your CPA before filing.
Official guidance: Official IRS guidance