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Consolidated Appropriations Act Allows 100% Meal Expense Deductibility to Aid Restaurant Industry

by Laura White

February 03, 2021 Federal Tax Planning & Compliance, Private Companies

This blog was updated 12/9/21

Over the past few years there have been impactful changes to the rules surrounding the deductibility of meal and entertainment expenses, starting with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 and continuing with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.

Namely, this most recent act allows for the 100% deduction for business meal expenses incurred after December 31, 2020, through December 31, 2022, if the meals are provided by a restaurant. For this purpose, a restaurant is defined as a business that prepares and sells food or beverages to retail customers for immediate consumption, regardless of whether they are consumed on the business’ premises — meaning takeout or ordering lunch in is included in the definition. Restaurant meals do not, however, include pre-packaged foods from grocery or convenience stores, or vending machines.

Previously, the deduction limit was set at 50%. If meals are not provided by a restaurant, the deduction is still limited to 50%. Allowing the full deduction over the next two years is aimed at helping the struggling restaurant industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Note that entertainment expenses are still not deductible for tax purposes; those rules remain as stated in the TCJA.

Breaking Down Meals and Entertainment Expenses Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act

Below offers a snapshot comparison of prior versus revised rules for both meal and entertainment expensing.
 

Type of Expense 

Before TCJA 

After TCJA

After Consolidated Appropriations Act (for 2021 and 2022 only)

Entertainment (including meals that are included in the price of the entertainment)

50% Deductible

Nondeductible 

No Change (Nondeductible)

Business Meals (including meals during an entertainment event that are paid for separately) 

50% Deductible

50% Deductible

NEW
100% Deductible if from a Restaurant

Meals Provided for Convenience of Employer

100% Deductible 

50% Deductible 

NEW
100% Deductible if from a Restaurant

Employee Parties 

100% Deductible 

100% Deductible 

No Change
(100% Deductible)

Payment for Employee Meals While Out of Town for a Business Purpose

50% Deductible 

50% Deductible 

NEW
100% Deductible if from a Restaurant

Per Diem Meals

50% Deductible

50% Deductible

NEW
100% Deductible

 

Real World Examples of Deducting Meals and Entertainment Expenses

While the rules may seem straightforward, in reality there are many gray areas for businesses to navigate as they record expenses. Below are some scenarios to help illustrate how to interpret the current meal and entertainment expense rules for 2021 and 2022.

Attending Sporting, Theatre, Golf or Other Entertainment Event with a Client

Nondeductible as entertainment. These expenses are 100% nondeductible even if they are substantiated as having a business purpose.

Meals Incurred While Attending Sporting, Theatre, Golf or Other Entertainment Event with a Client

There are two scenarios to consider:

Nondeductible as entertainment. These expenses are 100% nondeductible if the meal is included in the price of the entertainment. For example, if a client is taken to a basketball game in a company suite that includes access to food and drinks, and the price of the suite and game ticket includes the price of the food and drinks.

Deductible. If the meals are purchased separately from the entertainment, these expenses are deductible up to 100%. For example, if you buy hot dogs and drinks while at a baseball game, those expenses are fully deductible. Substantiation requirements are the same as under law prior to the TCJA. 

“Fun” Events Hosted for Clients/Customers

Nondeductible as entertainment. These expenses are 100% nondeductible. For example, a happy hour or special event held at a museum for client/customers would fall under this category.

Giving Sporting, Theatre or Other Entertainment Event Tickets to a Client

Deductible as a gift. Gifts are limited to $25 per person. The taxpayer is not attending the event so it would not be entertainment expense.

Selling Sporting, Theatre or Other Entertainment Event Tickets to a Client

Deductible. The cost of the ticket will reduce the income recognized by the taxpayer for the sale of the ticket.

Giving Sporting, Theatre or Other Entertainment Event Tickets to an Employee

Deductible as wages. These expenses should be recorded as wages to the employee.

Business Meal with a Client or Prospect

Deductible. These expenses are deductible up to 100%. Substantiation requirements are the same as under law prior to the TCJA.

Meal Expenses Paid for an Employee While Out of Town on Business or at an Educational Seminar

Deductible. These expenses are deductible up to 100%.

Meal Expenses Paid for Employees for the Employer’s Convenience, on the Employer’s Premises

Deductible. These expenses are deductible up to 100%. An example of what falls under this category is when the company brings in dinner for employees so they can work overtime.

Employee Holiday Parties/Employee Outings

Deductible. A “fun” outing plus a meal is still 100% deductible. For example, a holiday party or summer picnic continues to be fully deductible.

What is the Best Way to Record Meal and Entertainment Expenses Throughout the Year?

Employers should get into the habit of creating separate general ledger accounts to separately record all of the items listed above. This will help ensure the proper tax deductibility treatment is given to each item.

Contact Laura White at lwhite@cohencpa.com or a member of your service team to discuss this topic further.

Cohen & Company is not rendering legal, accounting or other professional advice. Information contained in this post is considered accurate as of the date of publishing. Any action taken based on information in this blog should be taken only after a detailed review of the specific facts, circumstances and current law.

About the Author

Laura White, CPA

Director, Tax
lwhite@cohencpa.com
216.774.1178

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