It's Big Awesome Savings time
75% OFF FOR 6 MONTHS*
Need help choosing a plan?
Created with Sketch. 1800 917 771 Schedule a call
Need help?
We're here for you.
Schedule call
Created with Sketch.
Wining and dining clients: Is it tax deductible?
taxes

Wining and dining clients: Is it tax deductible?

Buying a client some coffee or lunch may seem a necessary business cost, but will the tax office give you a deduction for it? Frustratingly for small business owners, the tax rules around wining and dining clients are not black and white.

When you pay for your clients’ food, drink or recreation in the context of meetings, business lunches and social functions, you are likely to incur what the ATO calls entertainment expenses, which are not tax deductible.

However, the tax office also says that entertainment doesn’t occur every time you provide food or drink (Tax Ruling TR 97/17 ), meaning there are instances when you can deduct these costs against your income.

Confused? Here are some pointers to help you work things out.

A black and white image of a tab page.
NEW!

FREE Business Health Check

Find out how your business is performing. Complete this short questionnaire to receive a free personalised Business Health Check report!

Throwing out the basic rule

With client meals, you need to forget the basic rule that you can claim expenses as long as they are directly related to earning your assessable income.

Even if you are seeing clients to discuss business matters, the tax office will disallow anything it classifies as entertainment expenses.

So the key is to establish what ‘entertainment’ really means.

Businessman paying for work lunch

What is ‘entertainment’?

There are four aspects to consider when deciding whether the cost of your client’s meal is an entertainment expense.

1. Is it being provided for enjoyment or refreshment?

Anything provided for enjoyment or in a social setting is regarded as entertainment. However, this treatment doesn’t apply to refreshments that allow you, your employees and the client to complete the working day in comfort.

Grow Your Business with QuickBooks

2. How elaborate is the meal?

As long as no alcohol is served, simple meals involving sandwiches, finger foods and salads are not deemed to be entertainment. The same goes for morning and afternoon tea favourites like tea, coffee, fruit drinks, cakes and biscuits (Tax Ruling IT 2675).

3. Is it consumed during or outside work time?

Refreshments provided during work time will not likely be characterised as entertainment.

4. Is it consumed on your business premises?

Food or drink consumed on your business premises is less likely to be considered as entertainment when compared with dining in a function room, hotel, restaurant, cafe or coffee shop.

Overhead shoot of friends having lunch

In summary, you may qualify for a deduction if your client is served light refreshments on your business premises during work time. However, it is advisable to consult an accounting professional for tailored advice.

Tax breaks are invaluable to small businesses. Figure out the rules around client meals and you could lower your future business costs.

Tax laws and regulations change frequently, and their application can vary widely based on the specific facts and circumstances involved. You are responsible for consulting with your own professional tax advisors concerning specific tax circumstances for your business. Intuit disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of any positions taken by you in your tax returns.

If you have questions regarding accounting issues specifically related to your industry or your business circumstances, you should consult with your own professional tax advisor, accountant, attorney, industry expert or professional association.

Related Articles

Looking for something else?

Get QuickBooks

Smart features made for your business. We've got you covered.

Help Me Choose

Use our product selector to find the best accounting software for you.

QuickBooks Support

Get help with QuickBooks. Find articles, video tutorials, and more.

Stay up-to-date with the latest small business insights and trends!


Sign up for our quarterly newsletter and receive educational and interesting content straight to your inbox.

Want more? Visit our tools and templates!

By signing up you are agreeing to our terms and privacy policy.

A person is smiling and holding a laptop.