fluxmaster Wrote:
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> This is from the IRS website:
> "Meal expenses are deductible only if your travel
> requires you to be away from home overnight or if
> the meal is business-related entertainment.
> Actual cost. If you use this method, you must keep
> records of your actual cost.
> The standard meal allowance, which is the federal
> M&IE rate. These rates are listed on the GSA
> website.
> The deduction for unreimbursed business meals is
> generally subject to a 50% limitation."
When you do a shop with a required purchase it is not considered to be "Meal expenses . . ." but rather a cost required by your contract to do the shop. A company could care less if you are hungry on the road and stop for a meal of your choice--that is on your dime and needs to comply with the IRS information you quoted. But you cannot successfully complete your restaurant shop, whether it is flat fee, reimbursement only or reimbursement plus fee if you do not purchase what is required. There seems to be a whole lot of confusion on this topic because "Meal expenses" get confused with "Required purchases on a shop". They are two different animals.