Can I Write This Off?

Can I write off meals during a photo shoot?

TL;DR

Yes, meals during a photo shoot can be written off, but only 50% of the meal expenses are deductible.

Detailed Answer

If the meals are a necessary and ordinary expense for your photography business, they can be written off as a business expense. However, the IRS only allows you to deduct 50% of meal expenses. This includes meals during business travel, meals with clients or customers, and meals during business meetings. For example, if you are a photographer on a photo shoot and you buy lunch for yourself and your team, you can deduct 50% of the cost of that meal. It's important to keep detailed records of these expenses, including receipts, who was present, and the business purpose of the meal.

Where to Put It on the Tax Form

Schedule C, Line 24b

Real World Example

For example, if you are a freelance photographer and you spend $100 on meals during a two-day photo shoot, you can deduct $50 (50% of $100) as a business expense on your tax return.

Calculation Required

A calculation is required for this deduction.

To calculate the deductible amount, you would take the total cost of the meals during the photo shoot and multiply it by 50%. For example, if the meals cost $100, you would multiply $100 by 50% to get $50, which is the amount you can deduct.

Audit Risk & Documentation Tips

To reduce the risk of audit, keep detailed records of your meal expenses, including receipts, the date and location of the meal, the business purpose of the meal, and the names and business relationships of the people present. It's also a good idea to keep a log of your business expenses.

Can I write off meals during a photo shoot?

TL;DR

Detailed Answer

Where to Put It on the Tax Form

Real World Example

Calculation Required

Audit Risk & Documentation Tips

IRS Reference

Relevant Industries

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