Working lunches
$25–$5,000
Can You Write Off Working lunches?
Short answer: Working lunches — Meals with clients when business is discussed.
Working lunches may be deductible when purchased for ordinary and necessary use in your professional services business. Documentation of business purpose is usually required.
BW-BUY-00930
medium risk
Working lunches
Typical range: $25–$5,000
Professional Services
Other Expenses
Client Meals
Working lunches — Meals with clients when business is discussed.
BizWriteOffs provides educational information only and is not tax, legal, or accounting advice. Deductibility depends on your specific facts and records. Consult a qualified tax professional.
Business justification
Working lunches may be deductible when purchased for ordinary and necessary use in your professional services business. Documentation of business purpose is usually required.
Write-off library
Client Meals
Meals with clients when business is discussed.
Documentation to keep
- Receipts, invoices, or bank/credit card statements
- Written business purpose and date of expense
- Logs or apps tracking business use when mixed personal/business use applies
Tax references
Schedule C (Form 1040)
client meals
professional services
working lunches